Phase 2 Water Shortage Order
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board issued a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order. The water shortage restrictions are in effect February 8, 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 before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on the designated once-per-week watering schedule.
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Handwatering or microirrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done any day at any time, if needed.
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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.
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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 8 hours per day.
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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.
*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).