The St. Johns River Water Management District Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order is the highest level of water restrictions under the District’s Water Shortage Plan and is intended to protect groundwater and surface water supplies during severe drought conditions. The order became effective immediately upon execution on May 11, 2026.
Residential Lawn Watering Schedule
Odd-numbered addresses: May water only on Saturday
Even-numbered addresses: May water only on Sunday
Time Restrictions
Watering is prohibited between: 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
That means irrigation is only allowed:
Before 8 a.m.
After 6 p.m.
Only on the assigned watering day
New Landscaping
Newly installed plants, sod and landscaping have a shortened establishment allowance under a “15/30/15” schedule:
Any day watering for the first 15 days after installation
Up to 3 days per week for the next 30 days
Up to 2 days per week for the final 15 days
What Residents Should Avoid
The order also prohibits “wasteful and unnecessary” water use, including:
Letting irrigation run onto sidewalks or streets
Watering inefficiently
Using water where alternatives exist
Pressure Washing and Cleaning
Pressure washing is still allowed only for necessary maintenance, such as:
Removing mold or mildew
Preparing surfaces for painting or sealing
Meeting warranty requirements
Simply cleaning for appearance or HOA standards is not considered necessary maintenance.
Vehicle Washing
Commercial car washes may continue operating under conservation measures, but non-essential washing of equipment and vehicles is generally discouraged or suspended under the order.
Pools and Decorative Water Features
Pools must be maintained to minimize refill needs and leaks repaired promptly.
Decorative or aesthetic water uses are prohibited.
HOAs Cannot Override the Order
The order specifically states that homeowners associations and property managers cannot enforce landscaping standards that would cause residents to violate the water restrictions.
