(Brooksville, FL) – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order through March 31, 2027, in response to severe drought conditions across the region. The extended order continues to establish conservation measures to protect water resources.

The following guidelines remain the same:

• Irrigation Hours:
  • Lawn irrigation is permitted only from 12:00 a.m.to 4:00 a.m. ORfrom 8:00 p.m.to 12:00 a.m. on assigned watering days.
  • Please be sure to adjustthe clocks attached to sprinkler/irrigation systems accordingly.
  • This applies to all usersof water, including wells,reclaimed, potable, lake,and pond sources.
    
    
• Micro-Irrigation & HandWatering:
  • These methods are limited to before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. on any day of the week.
    
    
• Homeowners Associations (HOAs):
  • No HOA, or other entity, shall enforce deed restrictions, or other community standards, requiring an increase in potable or domestic well water use, including replacement of plant material, to meet aesthetic standards or for pressure washing.
    
    
• Pressure Washing Restrictions:
  • Noaesthetic pressure washing of homes is permitted atthis time.
    
    
• Fountain Usage:
  • Fountain operation is limited to 4 hours per day.
    
    
• Golf Course Irrigation Limits:
  • Fairways: Watering is allowed once a week.
  • Tees and similar areas: Watering is allowed three times a week.
  • Roughs: No irrigation allowed.

More information about the Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage” can be found on SWFWMD’s website at www.watermatters.org.

For questions or more information,
please contact Hernando County’s Utilities Department at (352) 754-4037.

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