Watering Schedule and Rules
Phase III Water Shortage Order
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. This elevated restriction level emphasizes the urgent need for customers throughout Pinellas County and surrounding areas to take immediate action to conserve water. Customers must adhere to the following watering schedule and restrictions. To protect the remaining water supply, Pinellas County Utilities is required to issue a $193 citation for any violation of these watering restrictions beginning April 17, 2026. This fine will double with each additional violation. Learn how to better conserve water at Pinellas.gov/water-saving-tips-tools.
Watering Schedule
The authorized irrigation schedule for all Pinellas County Utilities customers is as follows for all reclaimed, potable, well, lake or pond sources:
Customers north of SR580
- 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
- Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows. Properties one acre or larger can use both windows.
Customers south of SR580
- 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
- Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows. Properties one acre or larger can use both windows.
Restrictions under Phase III
In addition to continued one-day-per-week watering, the following restrictions will go into effect April 3, 2026:
- No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.
- Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
- Ornamental fountains are limited to four hours a day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner but must be posted.
- Restaurants are required to only serve water upon request.
Additional Information
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
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 faxed to (727) 464-3717.
Exemption Guidance
- From Day 1 to Day 30, new plants and turf grass can be watered any day of the week.
- From Day 31 to Day 60, new plants and turf grass can be watered three days per week.
- Exemption begins on the day of installation. New turf grass or plants can be watered one time outside of watering times on installation day.
- You can only use an entire irrigation system zone if it waters an area with at least 50% new plant material.
- Partial zone and dispersed plantings like trees, plants and shrubs must be watered by another, more targeted, irrigation method such as a water hose with a nozzle.
Irrigation System Testing and Repair
- 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
- An attendant must be on-site in the area being tested
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.
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.
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.