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Polk City Today
By the People, for the People
Polk County Enacts 'Extreme' Water Restrictions Amid Statewide Shortage
New rules limit lawn watering, car washing, and restaurant water service
Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:07pm
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In response to a severe months-long water shortage, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is implementing 'extreme' Phase III water restrictions for all of Polk County, Florida. The new rules, which take effect on April 3, 2026, limit residents to one day per week for lawn watering, restrict water feature operation, and require restaurants to only serve water upon request.
Why it matters
The ongoing drought and resulting water shortage in central Florida have forced SWFWMD to enact increasingly strict conservation measures to preserve the region's limited water supply. These extreme restrictions will significantly impact daily life for Polk County residents and businesses, requiring major adjustments to normal water usage.
The details
Under the new Phase III restrictions, Polk County residents will only be allowed to water their lawns one day per week, based on their address. Handwatering is still permitted, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Water features like fountains can only operate for 4 hours per day, and car washing is only allowed on a household's designated lawn watering day. Restaurants in the county must also now only serve water upon customer request.
- The new 'extreme' Phase III water restrictions for Polk County take effect on Friday, April 3, 2026.
- The restrictions will remain in place through Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The players
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
The regional water management district responsible for overseeing water resources and implementing conservation measures in central Florida, including Polk County.
What’s next
SWFWMD will continue to monitor rainfall and water supply levels in the region, and may extend or modify the restrictions if the drought persists beyond the current July 1 end date.
The takeaway
The extreme water restrictions in Polk County underscore the growing water scarcity challenges facing Florida and the need for residents and businesses to significantly curb their water usage during this prolonged drought period.
