Hernando County Is Now in a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage

(Brooksville, FL) – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has issued a Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order in response to severe drought conditions across the region. The updated order introduces conservation measures to protect water resources.

Key Changes from Modified Phase II Include:

• Irrigation Hours:
  • Lawn irrigation is now permitted only from 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. OR from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. on assigned watering days.
  • Please be sure to adjust the clocks attached to sprinkler/irrigation systems accordingly.
  • This applies to all users of water, including wells, reclaimed, potable, lake, and pond sources.
• Micro-Irrigation & Hand Watering:
  • Previously unrestricted, these methods are now limited to before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. on any day of the week.
• Pressure Washing Restrictions:
  • No aesthetic pressure washing of homes is permitted at this time.
  • No HOA or other entity may enforce rules that increase water use, including landscaping changes or pressure washing.
• Fountain Usage:
  • Fountain operation is limited to 4 hours per day.
• Golf Course Irrigation Limits:
  • Fairways: Watering is allowed once a week.
  • Tees and similar areas: Watering is allowed three times a week.
  • Roughs: No irrigation allowed.

More information about the Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage” can be found on SWFWMD’s website at www.watermatters.org.

For questions or more information, please contact Hernando County’s Utilities Department at (352) 754-4037.

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