PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – Pasco County residents are waking up to a much stricter set of rules for their lawns as local officials scramble to address a worsening dry spell. Starting Friday, April 3, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is officially moving the region into a modified Phase III “Extreme Water Shortage” declaration.
The new mandate, which runs through July 1, 2026, significantly tightens the windows for when residents can turn on their sprinklers.
Under these revised rules, irrigation is limited to just one assigned day per week, regardless of whether the water comes from a well, a pond, or the city tap.
For those using potable, well, or surface water, the watering window is now restricted to the overnight hours between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. Residents using reclaimed water have a slightly different timeframe, with their window set from midnight to 8 a.m.
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The emergency order also places new restrictions on Homeowners Associations. While many HOAs maintain strict beauty standards, they are currently prohibited from requiring homeowners to replace dying landscapes or pressure wash homes for purely aesthetic reasons during this shortage.
“Reducing outdoor water use and irrigating efficiently is one of the most effective ways to conserve water,” said Sandra Anderson, the Director of Pasco County Utilities Customer Information & Services. “Regardless of your water source, you can only water once a week on your assigned day.”
To help homeowners navigate the shift, the county is pointing residents toward several resources. Free irrigation system evaluations are currently available through the UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County, which can be scheduled at mypas.co/FreeSprinklerCheck. Officials are also encouraging residents to use this period to hunt for household leaks and look into rebate programs for high-efficiency toilets and irrigation upgrades.
Residents can find their specific designated watering day by visiting mypas.co/SaveWater or can request technical help with their irrigation timers by emailing SaveH2O@MyPasco.net.
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