Change your irrigation schedules! Manatee County has new watering restrictions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to ongoing dry conditions across the region. As a result, all residents in Manatee County, including those on private wells, will be required to follow one-day-per-week outdoor watering restrictions beginning February 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026. 

Because outdoor irrigation can account for more than 50 percent of household water use, residents should carefully follow their local watering schedules. In Manatee County, the standard one-day-per-week schedule is based on street address: 

• Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday 

• Addresses ending in 2 or 3: Tuesday 

• Addresses ending in 4 or 5: Wednesday 

• Addresses ending in 6 or 7: Thursday 

• Addresses ending in 8 or 9 and locations without a discernible address: Friday 

Properties under two acres may water only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 

During this restriction, homeowners associations and similar entities may not require increased water use for landscape appearance, plant replacement or pressure washing. 

See the Manatee County website for details - https://www.mymanatee.org/connect/news-and-information/news-and-information/article-detail/utilities-water-division-blog/2025/02/13/watering-restrictions