Our purpose is to provide University-based information to residents so they may learn to reduce their usage of drinking-quality water for irrigation while maintaining attractive, healthy landscapes.

The Mobile Irrigation Lab performs FREE landscape irrigation evaluations that can help residents save water and money.  Learn how to have your landscape irrigation system evaluated.

Some other services we provide to Manatee County residents include:

• Educational opportunities
• Displays at public events
• Office visits by appointment
• Special programs for groups

View the Water Conservation page on the University of Florida IFAS Manatee County Extension website.

For more information, please contact:
Melanie Stokes
Water Conservation Program Specialist
(941) 722-4524 ext. 1827
[email protected]

Modified Phase II Water Shortage – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Updated January 27, 2026

What is a Modified Phase II Water Shortage?
A Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage is declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District when regional water levels and rainfall are significantly below normal. It requires stricter water conservation measures to protect drinking water supplies, aquifers, rivers, and lakes. 

Why was this water shortage declared?
The region received below-average rainfall during the 2025 rainy season and is currently experiencing a rainfall deficit of about 13 inches. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, lakes, and public water supply sources are lower than expected for this time of year.

When do the restrictions take effect, and how long will they last?
Restrictions are in effect from February 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026, unless lifted earlier or extended by the District.

Who must follow the watering restrictions?
All Manatee County residents, including those who use private wells, must follow the one-day-per-week outdoor watering schedule.

What is the one-day-per-week watering schedule?
Watering days are based on your street address number:

• Ends in 0 or 1 – Monday
• Ends in 2 or 3 – Tuesday
• Ends in 4 or 5 – Wednesday
• Ends in 6 or 7 – Thursday
• Ends in 8 or 9, and locations without a discernible address – Friday

What time of day can I water?
Unless stricter local hours are in effect:

• Properties under two acres: Before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
• Properties two acres or larger: Before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Can I water by hand or with a hose any day?
Yes. Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs, such as hand watering, micro-irrigation, and soaker hoses, is allowed any day and any time.

Can I wash my car at home?
Yes, but only on your assigned lawn watering day.

Are pressure washing and cleaning allowed?
Yes. Pressure washing is allowed once per year or when preparing surfaces for painting or sealing.

Do HOA rules still apply?
Homeowners associations and similar entities may not enforce rules that require increased water use, including requirements for landscape replacement or pressure washing to meet aesthetic standards.

Are decorative fountains allowed to operate?
Aesthetic fountains may operate but are limited to eight hours per day.

Will Manatee County enforce the restrictions?
Yes. Manatee County Utilities will implement and enforce the water shortage restrictions and report enforcement activity to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, as required.

Who enforces the watering restrictions in Manatee County?
Manatee County Utilities’ Water Compliance team, in coordination with Manatee County Code Enforcement, is responsible for enforcing the Modified Phase II Water Shortage restrictions.

What happens if I water on the wrong day or outside allowed hours?
Violations are subject to progressive enforcement, beginning with a warning and escalating fines for repeat offenses.

What are the fines for watering restriction violations?

• 1st violation: Warning
• 2nd violation: $100 fine
• 3rd violation: $250 fine
• 4th and subsequent violations: $500 fine

How will violations be identified?
Violations may be observed by Water Compliance staff, Code Enforcement officers, or reported by residents. All reports submitted by anyone other than trained compliance/enforcement personnel are investigated before enforcement action is taken.

Will I be notified before receiving a fine?
Yes. The first violation results in a warning and educational information about the watering schedule and restrictions.

Do the fines apply to homeowners on private wells?
Yes. All properties in Manatee County, including those using private wells, must follow the water shortage restrictions and are subject to enforcement.

Can homeowners' associations issue fines for violations?
HOAs may not require increased water use or penalize residents for complying with the water shortage restrictions. Enforcement of the restrictions themselves is handled by the County.

How can I avoid a violation?
Know your assigned watering day based on your address, follow the allowed time windows, and limit irrigation to the permitted schedule. Low-volume watering, such as hand watering and micro-irrigation, is allowed any day and at any time.

Where can I find the full watering schedule and rules?
Visit mymanatee.org/waterrestrictions for the complete schedule, allowed times, and details on the Modified Phase II Water Shortage.

Where can I find more information and water-saving tips?

Visit Manatee County’s Watering Restrictions by clicking here, or visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions for full details on the Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order and WaterMatters.org/Water101 for conservation tips and ways to reduce water use at home and outdoors.


Please contact [email protected] with any questions or for additional information. 

Modified Phase III Water Shortage – Frequently Asked Questions
Updated April 3, 2026

What is a Modified Phase III Water Shortage?
A Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage is declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District when dry conditions become more severe, and water resources are critically stressed. It requires stricter water conservation measures to help protect drinking water supplies, aquifers, rivers, and lakes.

Why was this water shortage declared?
The region received below-average rainfall during the 2025 rainy season and is currently experiencing a rainfall deficit of about 13.7 inches. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, lakes, and public water supplies are continuing to decline and are well below normal for this time of year.

When do the restrictions take effect, and how long will they last?
Restrictions are in effect from April 3, 2026, through July 1, 2026, unless lifted earlier or extended by the District.

Who must follow the watering restrictions?
All Manatee County residents, including those who use private wells, must follow the one-day-per-week outdoor watering schedule. Reclaimed water customers are strongly encouraged to follow the same schedule.

What is the one-day-per-week watering schedule?
Watering days are based on your street address number:

Ends in 0 or 1 – Monday
Ends in 2 or 3 – Tuesday
Ends in 4 or 5 – Wednesday
Ends in 6 or 7 – Thursday
Ends in 8 or 9, and locations without a discernible address – Friday

What time of day can I water?
Unless stricter local hours are in effect:

Properties less than one acre: 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Properties one acre or larger: Before 4 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Can I water by hand or with a hose any day?
Yes. Hand-watering and micro-irrigation for flower beds, shrubs, and other plants other than lawns are allowed any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Are new lawns and plants treated differently?
Yes. New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. During days 1–30, they may be watered any day. During days 31–60, they may be watered three days per week. A written watering schedule must be maintained during the establishment period.

Can I wash my car at home?
Yes, but only on your assigned lawn watering day and only with a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.

Are pressure washing and cleaning allowed?
Yes. Pressure washing in preparation for painting or sealing is allowed.

Do HOA rules still apply?
Homeowners associations and similar entities may not enforce rules that require increased water use, including landscape replacement or pressure washing to meet aesthetic standards.

Are decorative fountains allowed to operate?
Aesthetic fountains and other water features may operate, but only for four hours per day.

Will Manatee County enforce the restrictions?
Yes. Manatee County Utilities, in coordination with Code Enforcement, will enforce the water shortage restrictions and report enforcement activity as required.

Who enforces the watering restrictions in Manatee County?
Manatee County Utilities, in coordination with Manatee County Code Enforcement, is responsible for enforcing the Modified Phase III Water Shortage restrictions.

What happens if I water on the wrong day or outside allowed hours?
Beginning 14 days after the effective date of the order, citations may be issued without a warning.

What are the fines for watering restriction violations?

1st violation: $100 fine
2nd violation: $250 fine
3rd violation: $500 fine

Do the fines apply to homeowners on private wells?
Yes. All properties in Manatee County, including those using private wells, must follow the water shortage restrictions and are subject to enforcement.

Do HOA rules still apply?
Homeowners associations and similar entities may not enforce rules that require increased water use, including landscape replacement or pressure washing to meet aesthetic standards. All Manatee County residents must follow the Modified Phase III watering schedule unless the property has a reclaimed meter or is located in Trevesta HOA or Rio Mar HOA, the only two communities with active variances from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Beginning 14 days after April 3, 2026, confirmed violations may receive a citation without a warning, with fines starting at $100. Visit mymanatee.org/waterrestrictions for the address-based watering schedule. 

Can homeowners’ associations issue fines for violations?
HOAs may not require increased water use or penalize residents for complying with the water shortage restrictions. Enforcement of the restrictions themselves is handled by the County.

How can I avoid a violation?
Know your assigned watering day, follow the allowed time windows, and limit irrigation to the permitted schedule. Hand-watering and micro-irrigation for plants other than lawns are still allowed during permitted hours.

Where can I find the full watering schedule and rules?
Visit mymanatee.org/waterrestrictions for the complete schedule, allowed times, and details on the Modified Phase III Water Shortage.

Where can I find more information?
Contact Manatee County Utilities Water Conservation at 941-792-8811, ext. 5327, or [email protected]

Where can I find more information and water-saving tips?

Visit Manatee County’s Watering Restrictions by clicking here, or visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions for full details on the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order issued by SWFWMD and WaterMatters.org/Water101 for conservation tips and ways to reduce water use at home and outdoors.


Please contact [email protected] with any questions or for additional information. You can also call 941-792-8811, option 4, or ext. 5327.