The Southwest Florida Water Management District is enacting "extreme" water restrictions as a 15-month drought has left the region with a rainfall deficit of over 13 inches, parched soil, reduced aquifers, and lake and river levels on the decline.
As the ground continues to dry out, aquifers, lakes, and river levels are declining, and public water supplies are extremely low for 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 as well as conserve water wherever possible," the water district's board wrote. "Residents should check with their city or county for their allowable day and times, as many have different schedules or stricter hours in effect."
The district's strictest classification is now in effect in West Central and Southwest Florida, including DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Manatee, Sarasota, and portions of Charlotte, Highlands, and Lake counties, as well as the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County.
The SWFWMD said the region is in the peak of Florida's dry season, and aside from cold fronts that could bring relatively brief showers, the federal Climate Prediction Center is forecasting below-average rainfall through April.
The U.S. Drought Monitor's forecasts show drought gripping Florida into April. From May to July, the agency predicts Southwest Florida will remain in drought, but enough rain will fall to wet the region somewhat.
Keep in mind that cities and counties may have additional water restrictions in place, so it is best to check their websites as well.
Barring any stricter hours in effect, watering is limited to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties one acre or larger may only water before 4 a.m. and after 8 p.m., unless stricter local rules apply. The restrictions apply to residents on private wells; however, reclaimed water is only subject to voluntary watering hours unless restricted by the local government or utility.
Water only on the days specified according to how your address ends:
0 or 1 – Monday
2 or 3 – Tuesday
4 or 5 – Wednesday
6 or 7 – Thursday
8 or 9 – Friday, along with locations with mixed addresses or where an address cannot be determined (such as common areas associated with a subdivision)
Residents can hand-water plants on any day, but should do so before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. If you have new plants or a new lawn, they can be watered during the first 30 days. Between days 31 and 60, new lawns and plants can be watered three days per week following this schedule: even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, while odd-numbered addresses may water on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
HOAs or similar community organizations cannot require an increase in water use, such as replacing plants or pressure washing. If you must clean your car at home, you may do so on your assigned watering day using a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Fundraising car washes are prohibited unless the event was scheduled and advertised as of March 24.
Boats can be rinsed off after use. Fountains and other water features may operate only four hours per day. The owner can set these hours, but a posted schedule must be followed.
Water utilities and local officials will closely monitor water usage, increase enforcement efforts, including citizen complaints, and issue citations without warning 14 days after April 3. Read more about water usage responsibility here.
— WGCU's Tom Bayles contributed to this story
