WINK Digital Team
•9/1/2026
DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Residents are now under mandatory one-day-per-week watering restrictions due to an extreme water shortage.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District declared a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage due to a 13.7-inch rainfall deficit and declining water levels, according to a press release. The restrictions took effect Feb. 8, 2026, and will remain in place through October 1, 2026.
Residents can only water their lawns one day per week based on the last digit of their address. Addresses ending in 0 or 1 can water on Monday, 2 or 3 on Tuesday, 4 or 5 on Wednesday, 6 or 7 on Thursday and 8 or 9 on Friday.
Watering is only allowed between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m., but not both time periods. Residents may still hand water plants or use micro irrigation for flower beds, shrubs or other plant material on any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
The order includes several other restrictions. Pressure washing is allowed only in preparation for painting and sealing. Car washing at home is only permitted on designated lawn watering days.
Aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours per day. Restaurants must only serve water upon request.
Homeowners' associations and other entities cannot enforce deed restrictions or community standards that require increased water use, including the replacement of plant material for aesthetic purposes or pressure washing. The order requires local utilities to review and implement enforcement procedures, including reporting enforcement activity to the district.
Violations of watering restrictions can result in fines or disconnections. Residents can find additional information about the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order here.
Water conservation tips are available here. The district recommends considering alternatives to watering, such as Florida-Friendly plantings and sod alternatives.
DeSoto County residents can call the Extension office at 863-993-4846 to speak with a University of Florida/IFAS Extension Services Master Gardener for landscaping advice. Master Gardeners can provide information on sod alternatives, drought-tolerant plantings, automatic timer settings and water-conserving landscapes.
