Water authority's restrictions include Manatee, Sarasota

Once-a-week restrictions on outdoor irrigation were ordered this week by the regional authority that manages water resources from Citrus to Charlotte counties — including Manatee and Sarasota.

The governing board of the Southwest Water Management District declared a modified phase 2 “severe” water shortage in the region, with restrictions becoming mandatory on Feb. 8.

The district reported below-average rainfall during the 2025 summer rainy season and a current regional rainfall deficit of approximately 13 inches compared to the 12-month average. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, lakes, and regional public water supplies continue to decline and are below normal for this time of year. 2025 was the 10th driest year in Manatee and Sarasota since records were first kept in 1895. Both counties are classified in severe drought conditions. 

Because water all comes from the same source, well-water users are included in the order, the district said. Outdoor irrigation can account for more than 50% of household water use. The 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
• Low-volume irrigation (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering) is allowed any day and time.

Additional provisions include:

• Homeowners associations and similar entities may not require increased water use for landscape appearance, plant replacement, or pressure washing.
• Residential car washing is allowed only on the assigned watering day.
• Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours of daily operation.
• Pressure washing is allowed once per year or when preparing surfaces for painting or sealing.

Rain is forecast on Saturday in the area, along with an outside chance of snow flurries on Saturday, the National Weather Service predicts.