December 1, 2025 – Whether we drink it, bath in it, cook with it or flush it, we most often associate our water with the provider that pipes it into our homes and to whom we pay our bill. It might be the water system operated by the city or county in which we reside, or perhaps an entity like Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) that owns and operates many systems throughout the state. But have you ever thought about the “bigger picture” of the water supply that comes into your home?
The reality is that most water issues are regional, not local, and hydrology – the science that encompasses the occurrence, distribution, movement and properties of the waters of the earth – doesn’t follow city or county boundaries. As a result, the Florida Legislature established five water management districts and gave them authority over specific regions. One of the five districts – the Southwest Florida Water Management District, often referred to as “swiftmud” (SWFWMD) – has just imposed some restrictions and other districts might follow suit.
Southwest Florida District Water Restrictions Effective December 1
SWFWMD has issued what it calls “Phase 1 Water Shortage Restrictions,” effective December 1, 2025 through July 1, 2026. These 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; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Lee County.
What Are The Restrictions? Why Are They Being Imposed?
While the restrictions do not change allowable watering schedules, they do prohibit “wasteful and unnecessary” water use, such as allowing water to be dispersed without any practical purpose, using water in a grossly inefficient manner and using water for a purpose that can be readily accomplished by other means. SWFWMD currently has a 13-inch rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total, primarily due to lower than normal rainfall during the summer rainy season. Water levels in aquifers, rivers and lakes within the District and statewide are declining and are anticipated to decline further as the dry season progresses.
Do These Restrictions Effect When I Can Water My Lawn?
SWFWMD’s current twice-per-week lawn watering schedules remain in effect, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments. Lawn watering accounts for more than 50% of household water usage. Click HERE [https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions] for more information on SWFWMD’s lawn watering days and times, remembering that local governments may have imposed stricter measures.
What Water Management District Am I In?
In addition to SWFWMD, the water management districts in Florida include Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River and South Florida. Click HERE [https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/floridas-water-management-districts] to determine your district based upon your address. Click HERE[https://www.sfwmd.gov/sites/default/files/documents/florida_water_management_districts_map.pdf] to view a color map of the districts statewide.
Always Check Local Restrictions First
It's important to note that when it comes to water restrictions, including watering days and times, always refer to your local city or county regulations first as these are sometimes more strict than regional restrictions. You can find links to all county and city regulations HERE[https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/local-government-water-restrictions].
How Can I Help?
While governmental authorities work hard to keep our water supplies plentiful, clean and safe, their success is greatly limited without the understanding and cooperation of homeowners and other users in protecting and conserving this precious resource. For more information including helpful tips, visit SWFWMD’s Water 101 For Homeowners page HERE [https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/residents/water-101/homeowners].
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