Current Water Restrictions
for Polk & Hillsborough County
Everything you need to know about the SWFWMD water shortage order — explained simply for homeowners.
What's Going On Right Now
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has declared its most serious drought emergency — "Modified Phase III Extreme" — for the first time since 2009. Here's what that means for your yard.
Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage
The region is 13.7 inches below average rainfall over the past year. Aquifers, rivers, and lakes are at severely abnormal levels, and public water supplies are critically low. This affects every homeowner in Polk and Hillsborough County — including those on private wells.
1 Day Per Week Only
You can only run your irrigation system one day per week. Which day depends on your address number (see the finder below).
Nighttime Hours Only
Watering must happen between midnight–4 AM or 8 PM–midnight. No daytime watering allowed for properties under 1 acre.
All Water Sources Covered
It doesn't matter if you're on city water, a private well, or use pond/lake water. All sources are restricted under this order.
HOAs Can't Force You to Water More
While restrictions are active, your HOA cannot penalize you for brown grass or require you to replace plants to maintain appearance standards.
Hand Watering Plants & Shrubs
You can still hand-water or use drip/micro-irrigation on plants and shrubs (not lawn turf) on any day — but only before 8 AM or after 6 PM.
No Hosing Driveways
Hosing down driveways, sidewalks, or patios to remove debris is prohibited. Use a broom or dry methods instead.
Fines Start at $100
Hillsborough County Code Enforcement actively cites violations. Violations can be reported by neighbors to Code Enforcement at (813) 274-6600. Don't get caught watering on the wrong day — or at the wrong time.
What Day Can I Water?
Your allowed watering day is based on the last digit(s) of your street address — not your zip code or water provider. Use this quick lookup:
🔍 Address Day Finder
Type your house number below and we'll tell you your watering day.
🌿 Hillsborough County
🍊 Polk County (Utilities Customers)
What You Should Do Right Now
Don't wait for a fine to arrive at your door. Here are the steps every homeowner in Polk and Hillsborough County should take today.
Find Your Allowed Watering Day
Use the address finder above. Your day is based on the last digit of your house number. Write it down — and set a recurring reminder in your phone so you don't accidentally water on the wrong day.
Reprogram Your Irrigation Timer
Change your sprinkler controller from 2x/week to just your one allowed day — and shift the run times to the approved nighttime window (midnight–4 AM or 8 PM–midnight). If you're not sure how, GoTerra can do this during a tune-up visit. Hillsborough County also offers free help via (813) 744-5519.
Check for Leaks and Broken Heads
Running your system less often means broken heads or leaks waste an even higher percentage of your total allowance. A quick inspection now can save water — and keep you compliant. Runoff from broken sprinklers is a violation even on your allowed day.
Adjust Your Zones for Efficiency
With only one watering day, your system needs to work smarter. Many systems are over-watering some zones and under-watering others. A professional tune-up re-calibrates your runtime and distribution so every minute counts.
Consider a Smart Controller Upgrade
Weather-based smart controllers automatically skip watering if it's rained recently — which is especially helpful when your one day per week lands on a rainy day. Tampa Bay Water Wise offers rebates up to $250 for qualifying smart controller installations.
What's Still Allowed Anytime
Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed (purple pipe) water is exempt from the day restriction — but still cannot be used between 10 AM and 4 PM.
New Sod & Plants (60-Day Rule)
Newly installed sod/plants get a 60-day establishment window with modified watering allowed. Keep a written record of your install date.
Drip & Micro-Irrigation
Soaker hoses and micro-irrigation for plants and shrubs (not lawn turf) are allowed any day — just before 8 AM or after 6 PM.
Hand Watering
Hand watering of plants and shrubs is permitted any day within allowed hours. Lawns cannot be hand-watered on a restricted day.
We Help You Stay Compliant — and Protect Your Lawn
With only one watering day per week, your irrigation system has to perform perfectly. One broken head, one miscalibrated zone, or one wrong timer setting can waste your entire week's allowance — or earn you a fine. Let GoTerra make sure your system is doing exactly what it should.
System Tune-Up
We inspect every zone, adjust sprinkler heads for optimal coverage, check for leaks and broken components, and reprogram your controller for the current one-day restriction schedule. Your system will run smarter with the time you have.
Most Requested Right NowEfficiency Upgrades
Upgrade to smart weather-based controllers that skip watering when it rains, or install high-efficiency rotary nozzles that apply water slower so it actually soaks in. We can also help you qualify for Tampa Bay Water Wise rebates up to $250.
Rebates AvailableCompliance Inspection
Not sure if your system is set up correctly under the new restrictions? We'll do a full walk-through, document any issues, and give you a written summary of what's compliant and what needs adjustment — so there are no surprises.
Peace of Mind
Ready to Get Your System Right?
Restrictions are active now through July 1st. Don't risk a fine or a dead lawn — let Goterra make sure your irrigation is dialed in for the drought.