Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order issued for Pinellas

Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Order issued for Pinellas

Severe drought conditions and declining water supplies have led the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to issue a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Order. This elevated restriction level emphasizes the urgent need for customers throughout Pinellas County and surrounding areas to take immediate action to conserve water.

In addition to continued one-day-per-week watering, the following restrictions will go into effect April 3, 2026:

• No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.
• Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
• Ornamental fountains are limited to four hours a day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner but must be posted.
• Restaurants are required to only serve water upon request.

Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50% of water consumed by households and residents should only water on their designated day. Pinellas County Utilities customers should continue to follow the one-day-per-week watering schedule for all reclaimed, potable, well, lake and pond sources using the schedule below.

To protect the remaining water supply, Pinellas County Utilities staff is authorized to issue fine of $193 for violations of the watering restrictions. While staff typically issues warnings for these violations, warnings will not be allowed after April 17, 2026, due to the extreme drought conditions.

Customers north of SR580

• Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Saturdays
• Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesdays
• Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other "no address" locations): Wednesdays
• Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows.

Customers south of SR580

• Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Tuesdays
• Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Thursdays
• Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other "no address" locations): Thursdays
• Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows.

Residents who do not receive their water from Pinellas County Utilities should verify their watering days and restrictions with their water supplier.

"Every household, business and community space plays a role in protecting our water supply," said Jeremy Waugh, Pinellas County Utilities Director. "Our staff works tirelessly to deliver high quality, safe drinking water to our residents and I urge you to make the most of it by making water conservation a priority in your daily routines."

Learn how at pinellas.gov/water-conservation.