The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s board made the call, aiming to save water as dry weather lingers.

So, what does this mean if you’re in Punta Gorda? 

Lawn watering stays on a strict schedule. Your allowed watering day depends on your address:

Monday: Ends in 0 or 1 

Tuesday: Ends in 2 or 3 

Wednesday: Ends in 4 or 5 

Thursday: Ends in 6 or 7 

Friday: Ends in 8 or 9, also includes addresses that end with a letter or places without a number 

The rules prohibit watering on Saturdays or Sundays.

You only get to water during two windows on your assigned day: from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m., or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

These rules come straight from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Both the City’s Utilities Department and Code Compliance will be out checking for violations, and if you ignore the rules, you could face penalties. It’s all about stretching our water supply until the rain returns. Check your specific watering day here: City of Punta Gorda.

Meanwhile, in Sarasota County, because drought keeps gripping our area, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s board just decided that restrictions aren’t going anywhere. Phase 3 water rules stay in effect through October 1, 2026. 

If you live in Sarasota County, here’s what you need to know:
— You can only water your lawn overnight, either between 8 p.m. and midnight or from midnight to 4 a.m., and only on your assigned watering day.
— Washing your car? That’s allowed any time on your watering day, but you need to use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
— If you’re running a fountain, you can only use it for four hours a day.
— And don’t count on second chances. Public Utilities staff will hand out citations on the spot, with no warnings.

Need all the details? Visit scgov.net/waterrestrictions.

The post The Dry Spell Lingers: Sarasota County and Punta Gorda Taps the Brakes on Water Use appeared first on Englewood Review.