Weather conditions this year are already setting records, not only in the state of Florida, but throughout the United States. According to the Southeast Regional Climate Center, the 2025-2026 fall and winter season ranks among the driest on record. Given that Florida’s dry season typically lasts into the end of May, this could lead to current drought conditions continuing into early summer. Refer to the drought map for current conditions. 

Why This Year is Unique

The temperature of the Pacific Ocean is cooler this year. When this happens, the climate pattern known as La Niña may occur. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has confirmed that the conditions necessary for this weather phenomenon have been met.   

Some characteristics of a La Niña year include:   

• warmer, drier winters for the Southern U.S.   
• low water levels in natural bodies of water  
• crop and agricultural losses  
• increased risk of wildfires  
• stress on municipal water supplies   

Pasco County Drought Restrictions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted for a Phase III Modified Water Shortage Order on 3/25/2026, which limits outdoor water use. For those in Pasco County, this means:   

• From April 3, 2026, to July 1, 2026, all residents on municipal and private water supplies are restricted to watering lawns and landscapes once a week.  
• Watering hours are permitted between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
• On any day before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m., residents may still handwater plants or use microirrigation on plant material, but not lawns. 
• A HOA or other entity cannot require an increase in water use to meet community standards. 
  • This includes replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards, pressure washing, etc. 

Where the Order Applies

As of 4/10/2026:

“Water Shortage Order No. SWF 25-015 applies to Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands, and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County. The modified order is effective April 3, 2026, through July 1, 2026.” (Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2026)

• Visit District Water Restrictions | WaterMatters.org to read more about the Phase III Modified Water Shortage Order. View the full order here: Phase III Fact Sheet Final.pdf. 
•  Also see, Phase III Water Shortage FAQs and Phase III Water Shortage Fact Sheet.  

Visit the New Watering Guidelines Issued for Pasco County and the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions or call (813) 856-5679 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information. 

• Email SaveH2O@MyPasco.net to request help with your irrigation controller or schedule a free irrigation system evaluation with UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County. 

When to Water

Water your landscape in the early morning hours, if possible. This is the best option for plant health, since the roots can absorb water and the foliage won’t be exposed to prolonged moisture overnight to prevent fungal disease. If it sits wet too long, it can lead to fungal growth.

Due to the order by SWFWMD, watering is allowed one day per week according to your address:

• Day of the week depending on the house number your address ends in…  
  • • …0 or 1, water only on Monday  
    • …2 or 3, water only on Tuesday  
    • …4 or 5, water only on Wednesday  
    • …6 or 7, water only on Thursday  
    • …8 or 9 and locations without a discernible address, water only on Friday  
• Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties one acre or larger may only water before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m.  
• Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) is allowed any day but is limited to before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. (Southwest Florida Water Management District, 2026).  

Read the next blog in the series: Healthy Lawns Need This Much Water – UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County

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We have several ways to connect. Visit our Facebook, Instagram, Eventbrite, Blogs, UF IFAS Extension Pasco County Master Gardeners | Dade City FL | Facebook, Florida-Friendly Facebook, & Website.Supervising agent: Dr. Whitney Elmore

Resources

• Florida. Drought.gov. https://drought.gov/states/florida 
• Historical Rankings Map. Drought.gov. https://drought.gov/historical-rankings 
• Local Drought and Rainfall Information. https://drought.gov/data-maps-tools 
• Pasco County Conditions. Drought.gov. https://drought.gov/county/pasco-florida 
• WSO Phase II FAQs (PDF). Southwest Florida Water Management District. WSO Phase II FAQs.pdf   
• District Declares Modified Phase II Water Shortage. WaterMatters.org. https://www.watermatters.org 
• Water Resources. Southwest Florida Water Management District. https://www.watermatters.org/water-resources 
• Lawn Management During Drought – Gardening Solutions 
• Tips for Homeowners to Save Water and Save Money | WaterMatters.org

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