The Villages Water Restrictions 2026
Marion / Sumter / Lake Counties Β· Florida
Published:
Restrictions Active - Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage
1
Day/Week
12:01 AM β 4:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$500
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
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| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| 0 or 1 | Monday |
| 2 or 3 | Tuesday |
| 4 or 5 | Wednesday |
| 6 or 7 | Thursday |
| 8 or 9 | Friday |
Allowed Watering Hours
Properties under 1 acre may use only ONE of the two watering windows per scheduled day.
Still Allowed
π§ Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.
πΏ 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.
Citations begin April 3, 2026π HOA Rules During Restrictions
The Villages community deed restrictions defer to SWFWMD orders during declared water shortages. A water surcharge is in effect for usage above 8,000 gallons per month.
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 countyβs code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
The Villages spans three counties and multiple water supply utilities, making it one of the largest communities affected by SWFWMDβs Phase III order. The communityβs 80,000+ residents maintain extensive turf and ornamental landscapes that drive some of the highest per-capita irrigation demand in the district. A water surcharge has been implemented for households exceeding 8,000 gallons per month to discourage excessive use. SWFWMD monitoring wells in the Ocala Limestone aquifer beneath The Villages show levels at 15-year lows.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the The Villages area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During The Villages Water Restrictions
7 tips tailored for The Villages homeowners during Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions.
The Villagesβ water surcharge kicks in above 8,000 gallons/month β track your usage on the utility portal to avoid extra charges.
If your home is on a reclaimed water line, the same one-day-per-week schedule applies during Phase III.
Raise your mower blade to 3.5β4 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 (12:01β4 AM) when evaporation is lowest and wind is calm.
Let your lawn go semi-dormant β St. Augustine and Bahia grasses can survive 4β6 weeks without irrigation and green up after rain.
The Villages Water Restriction FAQs
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