Multiple counties, including Marion County and Sumter County residents and businesses are being asked to use less water due to a “Phase II Water Shortage” that went into effect on Feb 8, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District. To prepare for extended dry conditions in the area, the District says, “wasteful and unnecessary water usage” is prohibited. The Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage Order reduces lawn watering to one day per week Districtwide, including residents of private wells, through July 1, 2026.Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.Properties with less than one acre in size are only allowed to use one of the allotted windows. The restrictions apply to multiple counties, including:CitrusDeSotoHardeeHernandoHillsboroughManateePascoPolkSarasotaSumter countiesPortions of CharlotteHighlands and Lake countiesThe City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County, and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County.SFWMD suggests residents check with their city or county for allowable days and times to water.WESH 2 has reached out to the Marion County and St. Johns River Water Management District for additional details and clarification. Tips for homeowners to save water
MARION COUNTY, Fla. —
Multiple counties, including Marion County and Sumter County residents and businesses are being asked to use less water due to a “Phase II Water Shortage” that went into effect on Feb 8, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
To prepare for extended dry conditions in the area, the District says, “wasteful and unnecessary water usage” is prohibited.
The Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage Order reduces lawn watering to one day per week Districtwide, including residents of private wells, through July 1, 2026.
Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Properties with less than one acre in size are only allowed to use one of the allotted windows.
The restrictions apply to multiple counties, including:
CitrusDeSotoHardeeHernandoHillsboroughManateePascoPolkSarasotaSumter countiesPortions of CharlotteHighlands and Lake countiesThe City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County, and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County.
SFWMD suggests residents check with their city or county for allowable days and times to water.
WESH 2 has reached out to the Marion County and St. Johns River Water Management District for additional details and clarification.