Southwest Florida Water Management District Extends Water Shortage Order Amidst Ongoing Drought
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board has voted to extend its Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order. This decision, made at a September 22 meeting, comes in response to persistent drought conditions across the region. As a direct consequence, Polk County will continue to enforce its current irrigation restrictions, which mandate a one-day-per-week watering schedule with modified hours, through March 2027. These restrictions, initially slated to conclude after October 1, apply to all residences, businesses, and common areas served by Polk County Utilities, irrespective of their water source. This includes customers utilizing private wells and reclaimed water. Furthermore, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are prohibited from enforcing community standards that would necessitate increased water usage beyond the approved schedule. Polk County Utilities will no longer issue courtesy letters for first infractions; instead, customers observed violating the watering schedule will ...
