ORLANDO, Fla. — Water management authorities in Central Florida issued emergency declarations and tightened water restrictions on April 3 due to a severe rainfall deficit. The Modified Phase III restrictions limit landscape irrigation to one day weekly in five counties.
Emergency measures follow reports from the Southwest Florida Water Management District and St. Johns River Water Management District showing below-average rainfall. These shortages have caused aquifers, rivers, and lakes to drop to “severely abnormal” levels for this time of year.
The Modified Phase III restrictions cover Polk, Sumter, Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. These measures will remain in place until July 1, 2026. Residents in these counties are required to limit their landscape irrigation to no more than once a week to help conserve water resources.
Regional water levels have declined due to no precipitation. The Southwest Florida Water Management District noted a 12-month rainfall deficit of 13.7 inches, while the St. Johns River Water Management District reported annual rainfall over seven inches below average.
District officials monitor water trends and weather. St. Johns River Water Management District said more Central Florida counties might join restrictions if rainfall remains insufficient.
The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board is scheduled to meet on April 14. A comprehensive hydrologic conditions report will be provided during that meeting to assess current trends and decide if additional emergency measures are needed.
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