PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – The dry spell isn’t over yet for Pasco County. Local officials announced that the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has extended its Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage declaration, meaning tight restrictions on lawn watering will remain in place through October 1, 2026.
For residents, this means your lawn-irrigation routine remains limited. If you are using potable, well, or surface water, you are only allowed to water your lawn on your one assigned day, either between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight.
Those using reclaimed water have a slightly different window, permitted to water between midnight and 8 a.m. You can find your specific assigned watering day online at mypas.co/SaveWater.
The rules also put a temporary check on homeowners’ associations. Under the extended order, HOAs are prohibited from requiring residents to water beyond the current restrictions. They also cannot require homeowners to replace landscaping or pressure-wash properties for purely aesthetic reasons during this period.
“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,” said Sandra Anderson, Pasco County Utilities Customer Information & Services Director. “Regardless of your water source – in Pasco, you can only water once a week on your assigned day.”
County officials are urging everyone to use this time to check their homes for leaks or drips. To help residents adjust, Pasco County is offering a few resources. Homeowners can get assistance programming their irrigation controllers by emailing SaveH2O@MyPasco.net.
Additionally, the UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County is offering free irrigation system evaluations to make sure sprinklers are running efficiently, which can be scheduled at mypas.co/FreeSprinklerCheck. Residents who choose to upgrade their toilets or irrigation systems right now may also qualify for financial rebates.
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