Residents in portions of Lake County are now under a Phase III Water Shortage Order issued by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), while neighboring areas continue operating under restrictions from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).
According to local officials, the SJRWMD restrictions are less restrictive than the current Modified Phase III order enforced by SWFWMD. Under the updated SJRWMD guidelines, irrigation is permitted before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. In contrast, SWFWMD regulations continue to allow irrigation only before 4 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Updated guidance has been posted to Water Wisdom University, including area-specific information for customers and districts operating under SJRWMD jurisdiction. Officials noted that VCSA customers and District 14 fall under the SJRWMD order, while District 11 remains subject to SWFWMD restrictions because its wells are located in Sumter County.
To view the SJRWMD Phase III Water Shortage fact sheet click here.