SJRWMD Phase 3 Water Shortage Order

The St. John’s River Water Management District’s Governing Board issued a Phase III Water Shortage Order on May 11th, 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® community in the following areas:

• VCCDD-VCSA Customers in Lake County

• WUDD Customers in District 14 in Lake County

 

The following is a summary of the restrictions.

 

• Residential and commercial lawn and landscape irrigation may only occur between 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 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.

• Hand watering or micro irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done any day, but it is limited to before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

• Irrigation is limited to no more than three-quarters of an inch of water per zone and no more than one hour per zone on your scheduled day.

• Certain exemptions are available, such as allowances for new plant material. Refer to sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions.

• Car washing at home is limited to once per week on the designated watering days as shown below. You must use a hose with a shut-off nozzle.

• Commercial car washes may operate on any day as most use advanced recycling systems.

• Fountains and other aesthetic-only water features may only operate four (4) hours per day.

• Annual pressure washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited. Pressure washing prior to painting or 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. ​