Bartow Water Restrictions Extended to March 2027

Bartow residents and others within the Southwest Florida Water Management District will continue under strict one-day-per-week watering restrictions through March 31, 2027. The District's Governing Board voted Tuesday to extend the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order due to persistent drought conditions impacting the region.

The decision requires all residents, including those with private wells, to adhere to existing limitations on outdoor water use. The extension, the second for this order, aims to conserve dwindling water resources. The District has experienced below-average rainfall during the 2025 and 2026 summer rainy seasons, resulting in a 15.4-inch rainfall deficit through August 2026. This lack of rain has prevented adequate replenishment of area rivers, lakes, and public water supplies. Tampa Bay Water’s C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir, for example, held only 7.87 billion gallons as of Sept. 20, about half its storage capacity.

Under Modified Phase III restrictions, watering is limited to one day per week with specific hours. Unless a city or county has stricter rules, watering is permitted only between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre are restricted to one of these windows, while larger properties can water only before 4 a.m. and after 8 p.m. These restrictions apply to Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties, among others.

Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs, such as with micro-irrigation or hand watering, is allowed any day but must occur before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Other permitted uses include pressure washing for painting and sealing. Home car washing is permitted only on a resident's designated watering day and requires a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours of operation daily, with posted hours.

Local utilities must continue implementing conservation efforts and customer education. Enforcement officials will issue citations for violations without prior warnings. An emergency order issued this month to Tampa Bay Water allows additional withdrawals from the Tampa Bypass Canal to ensure supply availability, also expiring March 31, 2027.