Water Management District declares water shortage

Published on November 17, 2023

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board is declaring a Modified Phase I Water Shortage order due to ongoing regional dry conditions and increasing water supply concerns. The restrictions apply to many counties across the state, including Sarasota County, from Nov. 21, 2023, through July 1, 2024.

The district received lower-than-average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 9.2‐inch districtwide rainfall deficit compared to the average 12‐month total.

What does this mean for North Port?

No new restrictions are in place for the City of North Port. However, residents should refamiliarize themselves with existing guidelines and voluntarily conserve water.

The City of North Port has the following lawn-watering restrictions:

• Lawn watering is limited to up to twice per week.
• Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Locations without a discernible address, such as rights-of-way and common areas inside a subdivision, may water on Tuesday and/or Friday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Residents can hand water and micro-irrigate plants (other than lawns) on any day and time.

Residents can find more information on the City’s water restrictions at NorthPortFL.gov/WaterRestrictions.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Florida-Friendly Landscaping is the state of Florida’s premier Extension program that promotes sustainable alternatives to “conventional” landscaping, guiding low-impact, environmentally friendly, science-based landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters.

For more information on the Florida-Friendly Landscaping program, visit NorthPortFL.gov/Landscaping.