The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board declared 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. Other water use activities are impacted; however, golf courses are largely unaffected. 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; from Feb. 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
Due to the declaration of a Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), additional water-use restrictions and rate adjustments are now in effect.
Where the Restrictions Apply in The Villages
The restrictions apply to residential and general commercial customers in The Villages located in the following areas:
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
Environmental Protection Surcharge
Effective February 8, 2026, District Utilities is required to implement an Environmental Protection Surcharge of 5% for residential and commercial water use, including both potable and irrigation water, under Severe (Level 2) conditions.
The surcharge applies to all District-owned utilities serving customers in the affected areas listed above and will remain in effect through July 1, 2026, or until the Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage is lifted by SWFWMD. Once the water shortage order is lifted, the surcharge will be removed.
These rates promote water conservation and were established as part of the District’s approved rate schedules and water-use permitting requirements with SWFWMD.
More Information for Residents
Watering Allowances
Micro-irrigation and hand watering of non-lawn areas are still allowed on any day, if needed. Additional guidance on watering new lawns and plants, reclaimed water, and other water-use activities is available at WaterMatters.org/restrictions.
Why This Is Happening
The region has received below-average rainfall during the summer rainy season and is currently experiencing a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the 12-month average. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, and lakes throughout the SWFWMD region continue to decline, with many below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are also lower than expected for this time of year.
While adequate public water supply remains available, these measures are necessary to protect long-term water resources.
ANY QUESTIONS?
• Visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions for more information.
• Send an inquiry to WaterMatters.org/Restrictions at any time.
• Call (813) 856-5679 during business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
*Information provided by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
The More You Know
Other activities listed in the Water Shortage Order include:
Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) is allowed any day and any time.
Annual pressure washing, or pressure washing in preparation for painting or sealing, is allowed.
No HOA or other entity may enforce deed restrictions or community standards that require increased water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.
Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your assigned lawn watering day and must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Fountains and other aesthetic-only water features may only operate up to 8 hours per day.
Pressure washing is allowed once per year and for necessary purposes such as prior to painting or sealing, to address a health or safety hazard, or to comply with health laws. Aesthetic concerns do not constitute a necessary purpose.
For complete details or to ask questions about these restrictions, visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s website (www.WaterMatters.org) or call 1-800-848-0499.
For more information, please contact Customer Service Department by email or at 352-753-4508.