Watering Schedule and Rules

Watering Schedule

Severe drought conditions and declining water supplies have led the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) to issue a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order.

The order establishes watering restrictions and water-use requirements throughout our region. Pinellas County Utilities customers must follow the watering schedule and restrictions below for all potable, well, lake and reclaimed water sources.

Residents who receive water from another utility should contact their water provider to verify any additional watering requirements that may apply.

Watering hours are limited to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre may use only one of these time periods. Properties one acre or larger may use both.

Customers north of SR580

Potable, Well and Lake Water

  • Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Saturdays
  • Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesdays
  • Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other “no address” locations): Wednesdays

Reclaimed Water

  • Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Tuesdays and/or Saturdays
  • Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesdays and/or Sundays
  • Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other “no address” locations): Wednesdays and/or Sundays
The boundary between the reclaimed water north and south facilities is State Road 580.

Customers south of SR580

Potable, Well and Lake Water

  • Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Tuesdays
  • Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Thursdays
  • Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other “no address” locations): Thursdays

Reclaimed Water

  • Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Tuesdays and/or Sundays
  • Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Mondays and/or Thursdays
  • Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other “no address” locations): Mondays and/or Thursdays

Restrictions under Phase III

In addition to continued one-day-per-week watering for potable, well and lake water, the following restrictions went into effect April 3, 2026:

HOA and Community Standards

The water shortage order prohibits homeowner associations, mobile home parks, property managers and similar organizations from enforcing requirements that would increase water use while the order is in effect.

This includes requirements to:

  • Increase irrigation beyond what is allowed by the order.
  • Pressure wash a property for appearance purposes.
  • Replace landscaping solely to meet aesthetic requirements.

Residents remain responsible for complying with the water shortage order regardless of HOA or community requirements.

Handwatering & Microirrigation

Residents may still hand water plants or use microirrigation to water flower beds, shrubs, or other plant material (other than lawns) on any day, however under the Modified Phase III restrictions it is limited to before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

New Lawns & Plants

Note: Due to ongoing drought conditions and an increased need for water conservation, we advise against re‑sodding or major landscape changes at this time.

New plant materials may be watered for a 60-day total establishment period. The following information will help you properly water your new plants and turf grass under the exemption. Proof of new lawn material must be submitted online.

Exemption Guidance

  • Days 1–30: Irrigation may occur any day of the week.
  • Days 31–60: Follow the SWFWMD’s standard establishment schedule at swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-restrictions.
  • You water source does not affect the establishment days. Potable, well, surface and reclaimed water all follow SWFWMD’s establishment schedule.
  • A full irrigation zone may only be run if 50% or more of it is new material. Partial or dispersed plantings can only be hand watered.

Irrigation System Testing & Repair

Irrigation systems may be operated for testing and repair purposes. Testing may be done as often as once a week. The run-time for any one test may not exceed 10 minutes, and an attendant must be on-site in the area being tested.

Decorative Fountains & Water Features

Ornamental fountains and waterfalls may operate for up to four hours per day. Property owners may choose their hours of operation but must post them in a visible location. Koi ponds and water features holding less than 100 gallons may operate as needed.

Washing Vehicles

Residents may wash vehicles at home only on their assigned lawn watering day and only when using a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.

Commercial car washes may continue operating. Many commercial facilities use advanced water reclamation and recycling systems that reuse water throughout the wash process, often reducing overall water consumption compared to washing a vehicle at home.

Charity car wash fundraisers are not permitted during the water shortage order.

Pressure Washing & Exterior Cleaning

Pressure washing and spray washing are only allowed when necessary for maintenance, construction, health, safety or code compliance. Pressure washing for appearance, curb appeal, routine cleaning or annual cleaning is not allowed during the water shortage order. This restriction applies whether a pressure washer or a garden hose is used.

Examples of allowable pressure washing include:

  • Preparing a surface for painting or sealing.
  • Removing mold, mildew or other hazardous materials.
  • Maintaining a manufacturer or contractor warranty.
  • Construction-related cleaning before sealing or finishing.
  • Meeting a government health, safety or code requirement.

Residents should keep documentation supporting the maintenance activity.

Indoor Water Use and Pools

While the water shortage order does not restrict normal indoor water uses such as water used for drinking water, bathing and showering, laundry and dishwashing, residents are encouraged to implement indoor watering saving practices where you can. Medical, livestock and public safety uses are not restricted.

Swimming pools may continue to be filled and topped off under the current order.

Restaurants

Restaurants may only provide drinking water to customers upon request.

Violations

To protect the remaining water supply, Pinellas County Utilities is required to issue a $193 citation for any violation of these watering restrictions. This fine will double with each additional violation. While we typically issue a warning for a first violation, warnings will not be allowed after April 17, 2026, due to the extreme drought conditions.

If you would like to report a violation, please use SeeClickFix and choose “Illegal Watering,” or call our Water Conservation team at (727) 464-8888. You’re also welcome to call us with any questions about what is allowed under this order.

Please monitor this page for up-to-date water schedule information as restrictions can change at any time. Residents who do not receive their water from Pinellas County Utilities should verify their watering days and restrictions with their water supplier.

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