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Water Reclamation
What is reclaimed water?
Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater that can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our limited water supplies. Reuse facilities are constantly monitored to ensure that only high-quality reclaimed water is distributed. This water is clear and essentially pathogen-free.
Benefits of using reclaimed water:
- reducing potable water use
- decreasing fertilizer application
- reducing discharge into rivers and bays from wastewater plants
- ensures a sustainable and cost-effective water supply
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Water Conservation
Why should I be worried about water supply?
There is currently only 1% of available freshwater we can use here on Earth. That 1% is supplying the ever-growing population. Check out the following links for ways to save!
Indoor Conservation
Outdoor Conservation
Schools
Phase II Irrigation Schedule (Currently in Effect):
Lawn and Landscape Watering Times
Applies to turf (grass or sod) and landscape plants.
- Properties under 2 acres in size- Before 8 a.m. or After 6 p.m., but not both
- Properties greater than 2 acres in size- Before 10 a.m. or After 4 p.m., but not both
These restrictions apply to all water sources and high-volume irrigation systems, including in-ground systems and portable sprinklers.
Watering Days by Address Number
Water is limited to one day per week, based on the last digit of the address:
0 or 1: Monday
2 or 3: Tuesday
4 or 5: Wednesday
6 or 7: Thursday
8 or 9: Friday
Example: 123 Save Water Street would only water on Tuesday
*Properties without a discernible address, such as neighborhood entryways and common areas, may water on Friday only.
Special Landscape Uses
Golf Courses, athletic Fields, cemeteries, and other non-residential landscape uses may have different requirements. These locations are subject to the Phase II landscape restrictions under Florida Rule 40D-21.631.
If a property holds a Water Use Permit, all permit conditions must be met. Owners and managers of these properties shoudl refer to Florida Rule 40D-21.631 and applicalbe permit documents for specific requirements.
Please note: Water shortage phases are evaluated regularly and restrictions may change before July 1, 2026.
Rules to Follow
- The one-day-a-week schedule above must be followed during the water shortage declaration. The year-round schedule resumes when water levels return to normal, and SWFWMD rescinds the water shortage order.
- Watering times is dependent on property size. Properties less than 2 acres in size are allowed to irrigate before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. (but not both). Properties greater than 2 acres in size are allowed to water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (but not both).
- All automatic irrigation systems are required to have a working rain shut off device.
- Variances are available, through the Southwest Florida Water Management District, if a property proposes an alternate irrigation plan (such as splitting a large property into two pieces and assigning a different day to each piece). Download an Application
- Hand watering (with automatic shut-off device) or micro-irrigation of non-lawn landscaping is not currently restricted by day or times.
- These restrictions apply to private residences and to commercial landscapes.
All Water Uses
On January 27, 2026, a Phase II Water Shortage per Rule 40D-21 was declared by the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Florida received below average rainfall during the summer rainy season and, as of December, has a 13-inch rainfall deficit compared to the historical average 12-month total. Water levels in the region's aquifers, rivers, and lakes are declining. Public water supplies in the the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.
These restrictions apply to the use of water from public and private water utilities as well as the use of all wells and surface water sources (ponds, rivers, etc.).
This is only a summary. All water users should review Water Shortage Rules outlined in Rule 40D-22 of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
For Additional Information
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has a toll-free line (800-848-0499) to provide answers to questions about water restrictions.
Information on water conservation is also available on the Southwest Florida Water Management District Website.
