Pasco County Water Shortage Order Extended Through October 1, 2026, Maintaining One-Day Irrigation

Pasco County residents face continued water restrictions as the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board extended the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage order. This order, which restricts irrigation to one day a week, remains in effect until October 1, 2026, due to ongoing drought conditions.

The extended order maintains the current irrigation schedule for potable, well, and surface water. Residents can water their lawns between midnight and 4 a.m. OR between 8 p.m. and midnight on their single assigned watering day. Reclaimed water users have a different window, permitted for irrigation between midnight and 8 a.m.

Homeowner Associations (HOAs) cannot mandate watering beyond these restrictions. They also cannot require landscape replacement or pressure washing for aesthetic purposes if it conflicts with the water shortage order.

Sandra Anderson, Pasco County Utilities Customer Information & Services Director, highlighted the financial impact of irrigation for homeowners. “Irrigation often accounts for more than half of a homeowner's water costs, and irrigating efficiently is one of the most effective ways to save water and save money,” Anderson stated. She emphasized that regardless of the water source, Pasco County residents can only water once a week on their assigned day.

Residents can confirm their specific watering day by visiting mypas.co/SaveWater. Additionally, UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County offers free irrigation system evaluations to help ensure systems operate efficiently. Residents can access this service at mypas.co/FreeSprinklerCheck.

Pasco County Utilities also encourages residents to check their homes for water leaks or drips. Information on water conservation, leak checks, and potential rebates for upgrading toilets or irrigation systems is available at PascoCountyUtilities.com.