Charlotte County Utilities

Current Water Restrictions

Phase I water shortage has been extended through July 31, 2013.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board voted on Feb 26, 2012 to continue Phase I restrictions in Charlotte, Citrus, Desoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter Counties. The City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County also remain under Phase I restrictions. Other portions of Marion County and the City of Ocala follow restrictions set by the St. Johns River Water Management District. Restrictions apply to all of Charlotte County, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments. Always refer to your local government or utility restrictions first.

WHAT DOES “PHASE I” MEAN TO YOU?

A "Phase I" restriction declaration means that conditions are below normal and warrant alerting the general public and ordering water utilities and other water users to review and implement procedures as a means of preparing for possible additional actions.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

  • Reduce indoor water use on a voluntary basis.
  • Test and repair or adjust each irrigation system to address broken pipes and other leaks, damaged or tilted sprinkler heads, and other sources of water waste.
  • Continue to follow Charlotte County’s water restrictions below:

Lawn Watering Schedule and TimesLawn Watering

  • Lawn watering is limited to twice per week.
  • Unless your local government or utility has a different schedule or stricter hours in effect:
  • Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
  • Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Landscape Watering Schedule and Times

Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day and at any time.

New Lawns and Plants (30 / 30)

  • New lawns and plants have a 30 day establishment period, which allows any-day watering during the first 30 days. After the day of installation, unless low volume irrigation is used, new lawns and plants may only be watered before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
  • During the second 30 days, watering is allowed three days per week: even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses may water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.

Fountain Operation, Car Washing and Pressure Washing

There are no restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing. However, the District asks that residents be as efficient as possible, such as using a shut-off nozzle on their hose, so water isn’t wasted.

For additional information about water restrictions and water conservation, please contact your local utility or visit the District’s website at www.WaterMatters.org/conservation. To report a possible violation, call 1-800-848-0499 or email Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org