Public Notice: City of Lakeland Implements One-Day-Per-Week Watering Restrictions in Effect February 8, 2026
LAKELAND, FL (February 6, 2026) | The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to ongoing dry conditions throughout the region. As a result, all property owners, including those on private wells, are required to follow one-day-per-week outdoor watering restrictions from February 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026. These restrictions apply to Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands, and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County.
The District has experienced below-average rainfall and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, and lakes continue to decline, and public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected.
Standard Watering Schedule
If your address (house number) ends in:
- 0 or 1 – Monday
- 2 or 3 – Tuesday
- 4 or 5 – Wednesday
- 6 or 7 – Thursday
-
8 or 9* – Friday
*Includes locations without a discernible address.
Watering Times in Lakeland
- Properties under two acres: Before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Properties two acres or larger: Before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Allowed at Any Time
- Low-volume watering (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) for plants and shrubs
Additional Restrictions
- Annual pressure washing or pressure washing for painting/sealing is allowed
- HOAs may not require increased water use for landscaping or aesthetics
- Car washing at home is allowed only on your assigned watering day
- Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours per day
Enforcement and Monitoring
Local utilities are required to review and implement enforcement procedures and report activity to the District. The District continues to monitor conditions and is coordinating with regional partners, including Tampa Bay Water and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority.
Learn More
For more information on the Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order, visit:
WaterMatters.org/Restrictions
For water conservation tips, visit:
WaterMatters.org/Water101
Visit Lakelandgov.net/WaterUtilities for information specific to the City of Lakeland service area.
Contacts
Jamin Smith
Digital Content Creator
City of Lakeland
Jamin.Smith@lakelandGov.net
About Lakeland
The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.
For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.