On May 23, 2017 the governing board of The Southwest Florida Water Management District declared a Modified Phase III Water Shortage (Severe) for several counties including Polk.  The primary purpose for a Phase III Water Shortage is to reduce the amount of water being used by the public.   As such tighter water restriction are now in plac.  The watering restrictions now allow only one day per week.  Wasteful and Unnecessary water use is now prohibited.