MANATEE COUNTY, FL (November 17, 2023) – The Southwest Florida Water Management District's (SWFWMD) Governing Board has issued a Phase I Water Shortage order to conserve water effective November 21, 2023, until July 1, 2024, for Manatee County and many other Gulf Coast counties.
Despite the order, no additional watering restrictions are required in Manatee County currently. This continues Manatee County’s water conservation program that limits irrigation to once a day, twice a week. If more restrictive conservation methods are mandated by SWFWMD, citizens will be alerted of the change(s).
Water restrictions for Phase I are only in effect for irrigation water and potable (drinking) water. Fountains, car washing, pressure washing and reclaimed water do not currently have restrictions in place.
Many residents have utilized Manatee County’s water conservation programs, including rain barrels and rebates, to help conserve water and prolong its availability. More information on these programs can be found at mymanatee.org/water.
For more information on the Manatee County watering restrictions for this phase, please visit mymanatee.org/waterrestrictions.