Lawn by Season
Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage
Through July 1, 2026

Dunedin Water Restrictions 2026

Pinellas · Florida

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Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage

We have not independently verified this city’s watering schedule. Rules change with drought stage and can be updated at short notice. Confirm your assigned watering days on the SWFWMD official page before watering. Following the wrong schedule can result in a municipal fine.

Verification needed

Check with utility

12:01 AM – 4:00 AM

Allowed Hours

Verification needed

Check with utility

Check Your Watering Day With Dunedin

We have not verified Dunedin’s current watering schedule against an official source. Watering rules are set by your city and change with drought stage.

Confirm your assigned days on Dunedin’s official water page: SWFWMD.

Want an email when Dunedin's rules change?
Reset Your Sprinkler Timer
  1. Press and hold the left arrow button for 2 seconds to enter programming mode
  2. Set current day and time first
  3. Set start time to your allowed hour (e.g. 8:00 PM)
  4. Set run time per zone (15–25 minutes for most lawns)
  5. Set watering days to your assigned day ONLY - deselect all others

Allowed Watering Hours

12:01 AM – 4:00 AM8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

Dunedin is in Pinellas County under the same Phase III rules as Clearwater and St. Petersburg. Contact Dunedin Utilities for any local stricter rules.

Still Allowed

💧 Hand Watering

Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.

🌿 Drip Irrigation

Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.

Fines & Enforcement

$500

No warnings, citations issued immediately starting April 17, 2026. Up to $500 per violation.

🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions

HOA lawn enforcement suspended through July 1.

If your homeowners association sends a violation notice for a dormant or brown lawn during the current restriction period, respond in writing citing the applicable law and include a copy of the SWFWMD's current restriction order. Most HOAs will rescind the notice once they are made aware of the legal protections in place. If the issue persists, contact your county’s code enforcement division for assistance.

Why These Restrictions Exist

Dunedin is on the Pinellas Peninsula, one of the most densely populated parts of the Phase III drought zone. The city’s proximity to Old Tampa Bay and the Gulf does not protect it from the aquifer and freshwater supply crisis affecting all of Pinellas County.

Rainfall Deficit: 13.7 inches below average

This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Dunedin area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.

How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Dunedin Water Restrictions

8 tips tailored for Dunedin homeowners during Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions.

Water 1 night/week, midnight to 3am.

Dunedin’s coastal humidity helps lawns survive with less irrigation than inland cities.

St. Augustine at 3.5+ inches handles Phase III well.

Raise your mower blade to 3.5–4 inches; taller grass shades the soil and reduces evaporation by up to 25%.

Apply a thin layer (0.5 in) of compost or mulch around landscape beds to retain soil moisture.

Inspect sprinkler heads weekly and repair broken or misaligned nozzles immediately to avoid wasting your single watering day.

Water in the approved overnight window (12:01–4 AM) when evaporation is lowest and wind is calm.

Let your lawn go semi-dormant – St. Augustine and Bahia grasses can survive 4–6 weeks without irrigation and green up after rain.

Dunedin Water Restriction FAQs

What days can I water my lawn in Dunedin?
The current restriction stage for Dunedin has not been independently verified. Contact SWFWMD for the current drought stage, schedule, and any enforcement details before relying on watering-day assumptions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Dunedin?
Hour restrictions for Dunedin have not been independently verified. Contact SWFWMD for current rules.
What are the fines for water violations in Dunedin?
No warnings, citations issued immediately starting April 17, 2026. Up to $500 per violation. The SWFWMD and local Pinellas enforcement officers conduct patrols and respond to complaints. Keep your irrigation timer set to your assigned day and hours to avoid citations.
Can I install new sod or seed in Dunedin during restrictions?
New lawn installations are prohibited during Phase III unless a variance is obtained from SWFWMD.
When will water restrictions end in Dunedin?
The current Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions in Dunedin are effective from April 3, 2026 through July 1, 2026. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the SWFWMD website for updates.

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