Winter Haven Enforces Mandatory Water Shortage Restrictions Through March 2027

Winter Haven residents face new water shortage restrictions, which began on September 22, 2026, and will remain in effect through March 31, 2027. The Southwest Florida Water Management District issued these Modified Phase III regulations, making them mandatory for all areas within the district, including Polk County and Winter Haven.

The City of Winter Haven holds responsibility for local enforcement of these district regulations. City code and law enforcement officers will ensure compliance within city limits. These rules apply to all water sources, including private wells and reclaimed water, emphasizing the broad scope of the conservation effort.

Lawn watering is now limited to once per week, with specific days assigned based on the last digit of a property's address. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, while odd-numbered addresses have Thursdays as their designated watering day. The district approved this irrigation schedule for the Winter Haven Water Department's service area.

Watering times also have specific limitations. Properties under one acre can water either before 4:00 AM or after 8:00 PM, requiring a choice between these two periods. Properties exceeding one acre have a slightly different schedule, allowing watering both before 4:00 AM and after 8:00 PM. Handwatering or microirrigation for non-lawn plants, such as flower beds and shrubs, is permitted daily, but only before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.

Residents who observe irrigation occurring outside these allowable times can report violations to the Water Department team using their Irrigation Violation report form. For those needing assistance with their irrigation timers, the City offers help. Residents can schedule time with the Water Conservation Specialist for guidance on correctly setting their timers to comply with the new restrictions.