Phase 3 Water Shortage Order
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board issued a Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order. The water shortage restrictions are in effect April 3, 2026 through July 1, 2026. The order restricts residential and commercial irrigation of lawns and landscaping to one-day-per-week along with other restrictions described herein.
The restrictions are applicable to residential and general commercial customers in The Villages in the following areas:
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Sumter County, Districts 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16 and Middleton
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Marion County, District 4
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Lake County, District 11
The following is a summary of the restrictions.
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Residential and commercial lawn and landscape irrigation may only occur between 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the designated once-per-week watering schedule. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one (1) of these windows.
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Hand watering or microirrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done any day, but it is limited to before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
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Certain exemptions are available, such as allowances for new plant material. Refer to District Water Restrictions | WaterMatters.org.
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Car washing is limited to once per week on the designated watering days as shown below. You must use a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
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Commercial car washes may operate on any day.
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Fountains and other aesthetic-only water features may only operate four (4) hours per day.
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Annual pressure washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited. Pressure washing prior to painting, sealing, to remove mold, mildew or other hazardous material that cannot be removed by mechanical means, or to comply with health and safety standards is allowed.
*Along with locations with a mix of addresses or which an address cannot be determined (such as common areas).
All commercial and residential customers must modify their irrigation timer to only irrigate once per week in accordance with the above table.
Deed restrictions and community standards enforcement must suspend any requirement to replace lawns, pressure wash, or engage in other activity which increases water use during this water shortage declaration.
For complete details or to ask questions about these restrictions, visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s website (www.WaterMatters.org).