The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board this week voted to extend the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through Oct. 1.
The board deemed this action necessary due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the region, which require all residents, including those on private wells, to continue following one-day-per-week watering restrictions with strict watering hours.
Our area received below-average rainfall during its 2025 summer rainy season, and at the time the Modified Phase III was declared, had a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. The rainfall deficit for May 2026 was 11.4 inches. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are severely abnormal. Moreover, public water supplies are extremely low.
This is a serious situation, and we all must do our part to conserve water.