DeSoto County Water Restrictions: One Day Per Week Through July

The Southwest Florida Water Management District declared a Modified Phase III water shortage on February 8, imposing one-day-per-week watering restrictions on DeSoto County residents through July 1. The rules apply to all residents, including those on private wells.

Watering days are assigned by the last digit of a street address: 0-1 on Monday, 2-3 on Tuesday, 4-5 on Wednesday, 6-7 on Thursday, and 8-9 on Friday. Residents may water only between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Hand watering and micro irrigation are permitted on any day before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Pressure washing is allowed, but homeowners associations cannot enforce restrictions requiring increased water use or plant replacement for aesthetic reasons. Car washing is limited to assigned watering days. Aesthetic fountains may run four hours daily. Restaurants must serve water only upon request.

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority reported 3.6 billion gallons in surface storage, approximately 54 percent capacity. Executive Director Richard Anderson called it the lowest February storage level in 15 years. The region received below-average rainfall and faces a 13-inch deficit compared to the 12-month average.

The shortage affects DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Violations result in fines or water disconnections. Local utilities must enforce the restrictions and report activity to the district.

Residents seeking landscaping advice can call the DeSoto County extension office at 863-993-4846 to speak with a University of Florida Master Gardener about drought-tolerant plants and water-conserving landscapes.