Southwest Florida Water District Declares Phase I Water Shortage, Affecting Hernando

The Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District voted on November 18 to declare a Phase I Water Shortage in response to drier than normal conditions across the region. The order covers Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, and also applies to the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County, with restrictions remaining in place through July 1, 2026.

The District said the decision follows lower than normal rainfall during the summer rainy season and a current 13 inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12 month total. Water levels in the Districts resources, including aquifers, rivers and lakes, are declining even as public water supplies are described as remaining in relatively good shape. The District is monitoring the drier than normal hydrologic conditions and coordinating with utility and regional water supply partners.

For Hernando County residents the declaration reinforces existing local watering restrictions. The Phase I Water Shortage Order does not change allowable watering schedules, and twice a week lawn watering remains the baseline approach except where local governments have imposed stricter measures. The order does explicitly prohibit wasteful and unnecessary water use, such as allowing water to flow from an unattended hose, and asks residents to check irrigation systems and timers to prevent leaks and overwatering.

The order also requires local utilities to review and implement procedures for enforcing year round water conservation measures and water shortage restrictions, and to report enforcement activity back to the District. That requirement means Hernando utilities will be expected to step up monitoring and compliance efforts while coordinating with state water managers.

The immediate local impact is primarily behavioral and operational. Homeowners and businesses should expect to adjust irrigation practices and to receive outreach from utilities about conservation measures. Over the longer term, the declining levels in aquifers and surface waters underscore risks for private wells, springs and natural systems that are important to the countys environment and economy. Local leaders and water managers will be watching rainfall and resource levels closely as the District assesses whether additional actions are warranted.