Southwest Florida Water Management District declares a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
The District’s Governing Board voted today to declare a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region, which requires all residents, including those on private wells, in the cities and counties listed below to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County from Feb. 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026.
The District received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.
Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50 percent of water consumed by households and residents should know and follow their local watering restrictions. Residents should check with their city or county for their allowable day and times as many have different schedules or stricter hours in effect. To get complete details on the requirements of the new order, visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.
2026-01-28