Resident Alert: Phase III Water Shortage Order Now in Effect

To help protect our water resources, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has issued a Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order, effective April 3 through July 1, 2026.

These additional restrictions apply to residential and general commercial properties within The Villages community, including:

• Sumter County (Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16 and Middleton)
• Marion County (District 4)
• Lake County (District 11 and 14)

If you live within these areas, the following restrictions apply.

What This Means for You

Here’s a quick, easy-to-follow breakdown of the key changes. For a more detailed overview, including examples and additional guidance, please review the full Phase III Water Shortage Fact Sheet here.

Irrigation (Lawns & Landscaping)

• Watering is limited to once per week on your assigned day (see “When Can You Water?” section below)
• Allowed times:
  
  • 12:01 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. OR
  • 8:00 p.m. – 11:59 p.m.
• Homes under one acre may only use one of these time windows
• Residents should update irrigation timers to match these requirements

Hand Watering & Plants

• Allowed any day, but only:
  
  • Before 8:00 a.m. or
  • After 6:00 p.m.

Car Washing

• Limited to once per week on your assigned watering day
• Must use a hose with a shut-off nozzle

Decorative Water Features

• Fountains and similar features may run up to 4 hours per day

Pressure Washing

• Not allowed for routine or aesthetic purposes
• Allowed only when necessary, such as:
  
  • Preparing for painting or sealing
  • Removing mold, mildew, or safety hazards

📅 When Can You Water?

Your watering day is based on the last digit of your home address:

• Ends in 0 or 1 → Monday
• Ends in 2 or 3 → Tuesday
• Ends in 4 or 5 → Wednesday
• Ends in 6 or 7 → Thursday
• Ends in 8 or 9 → Friday

Properties without a specific address (such as common areas) may water on Friday.

You can also view the District’s full restriction details here:

• District Water Restrictions – WaterMatters.org

Thank You for Doing Your Part

We appreciate our residents working together to conserve water and protect our shared resources during this time.

For more information, tips, and possible exemptions (such as new landscaping), visit Water Wisdom University. For additional questions, contact the Southwest Florida Water Management District at 1-800-836-0797.

For the latest updates, reminders, and any changes, please continue to check our What’s Happening page– which will reflect the most current information available.