Homeowners in Palm Harbor and Dunedin can water their lawns just once a week through Oct. 1, 2026, and Pinellas County Utilities staff will hit violators with a $193 fine on first offense — no warnings.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board voted June 23 to extend its Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Order through Oct. 1, citing a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit and water supply levels below 20% capacity. The order covers all of Pinellas County.

What it means for your yard

Both Palm Harbor and Dunedin sit north of SR 580. For Pinellas County Utilities customers, the assigned watering schedule is:

  • Even-numbered addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Saturdays only
  • Odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesdays only

Dunedin residents should confirm their assigned watering day with Dunedin Utilities at 727-298-3000, as the city may apply a locally different schedule.

Watering hours are limited to 12:01–4 a.m. or 8–11:59 p.m. Properties under one acre may use only one of those two windows. The restrictions apply to potable, well and lake water sources, including private wells.

The $193 citation doubles with each additional violation. Pinellas County Utilities has not issued warnings since April 17, according to the county's watering rules page.

Beyond the sprinklers

The order carries additional restrictions:

  • Car washing at home is allowed only on your assigned watering day, with a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle.
  • Ornamental fountains are limited to four hours daily.
  • Restaurants must serve water only upon request.

Hand watering of plants (not lawns) or microirrigation for flower beds and shrubs is permitted any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

A companion fertilizer ban restricting nitrogen and phosphorus application runs through Sept. 30 across Pinellas County, according to county ordinance.

HOAs cannot override the order

Homeowners associations and similar entities cannot enforce deed restrictions requiring increased water use during the shortage order. That means residents cannot be penalized for a brown lawn, and HOAs cannot demand pressure washing or plant replacement to meet aesthetic standards, according to Pinellas County's official announcement.

"Outdoor water conservation is about more than saving gallons," Pinellas County Utilities Director Jeremy Waugh said in the county's June 23 announcement of the extension. "It's about reducing demand on our water-dependent ecosystems and making sure our water supply will be able to meet our region's needs in the future."

Background

Outdoor water use accounts for more than half of household water consumption, according to SWFWMD. Aquifer levels, rivers and lakes across the district are "severely abnormal," and public water supplies remain extremely low for this time of year.

Updated schedules, conservation tips and Florida-Friendly Landscaping guidance are available on the Pinellas County Utilities website. Residents who do not receive water from Pinellas County Utilities should verify their watering days with their water supplier.

The order runs through Oct. 1, 2026. SWFWMD has not announced a specific review date but evaluates rainfall totals and aquifer levels before modifying or rescinding a shortage phase.