US EditionWater Restrictions to Take Effect Amid Drought Conditions, Violators Could Be Fined
The Southwest Florida Water Management District cites a 13-inch rainfall deficit and 25% lower water supplies to justify one-day-per-week outdoor watering limits.
- The SWFWMD Governing Board voted Jan. 27 to declare a Modified Phase II `severe` water shortage, ordering one-day-per-week watering limits from Feb. 8 through July 1 for residents, including private well users.
- Amid falling aquifer, river and lake levels, SWFWMD said public water supplies are down by 25% and the region has a 13-inch rainfall deficit.
- Under the new rules, aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours a day and residential car washing is allowed only on the assigned lawn-watering day, while homeowners associations may not enforce deed restrictions requiring increased water use.
- Because outdoor water use accounts for more than 50% of household consumption, local utilities must enforce and report new watering hours: properties under two acres before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., larger properties before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- Tampa Bay Water reports its reservoir holds nine billion gallons, well under 15 billion capacity, and Michelle Hopkins, SWFWMD, said `We need a little bit of rain, that would be great` with low rainfall predicted.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Water restrictions to take effect amid drought conditions, violators could be fined
MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) - New water restrictions will take effect across the Tampa Bay region beginning February 8, as drought conditions persist. The Southwest Florida Water Management District voted to declare a 'Modified Phase II "Severe" Water Shortage' due to the ongoing dry conditions. As a result of that declaration, residents in Manatee County [...]
Water authority's restrictions include Manatee, Sarasota
Once-a-week restrictions on outdoor irrigation were ordered this week by the regional authority that manages water resources from Citrus to Charlotte counties — including Manatee and Sarasota.The governing board of the Southwest Water Management District declared a modified phase 2 “severe” water shortage in the region, with restrictions becoming mandatory on Feb. 8.The district reported below-average rainfall during the 2025 summer rainy season…
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