Water Restrictions

Lawn and Landscape Irrigation

Lawn watering is limited to twice-per-week using the lawn watering schedule for potable (drinking water) and other water resources, regardless of the source such as wells, surface water, etc.

Watering times are midnight to 10 a.m. and / or 4 p.m. to midnight. Hand watering or micro-irrigation of landscape other than actual lawn areas are allowed at any time.

Locations without a discernible address are areas such as rights-of-way and other common areas inside a subdivision are included in the restrictions.

*All common areas and properties where no address can be determined.

New Lawns and Plants

• New lawns and plants may be irrigated at any time on planting day
• Days 2 – 30: Any day is allowed, but no watering within the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. restricted times.
• Days 31- 60:  Three days per week watering is allowed, except between restricted hours, on the following days:
  • Even Address – Tuesday, Thursday and / or Sunday
  • Odd Address – Monday, Wednesday and / or Saturday
  • *Common Areas – Tuesday, Friday and / or Sunday

*All common areas and properties where no address can be determined.

Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing

There are no specific restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing. Commercial car washes, including mobile detailing businesses, may operate any day.

These and other water uses should be conducted as efficiently as possible, such as using a shutoff nozzle on each hose to adhere to the general restriction prohibiting wasteful water use.

Watering Violations

The county’s water use restrictions apply to all customers, residential and commercial, in unincorporated Polk. The restrictions also apply to all water sources, including wells and surface waters. Violating these restrictions may result in a fine of up to $500.

For questions and inquiries, or to report a water use violation, call Water Resource Enforcement at (863) 298-4211, or email wre@polk-county.net. Please provide the following information:

• Violation address
• Date and time of the violation
• The nature of the violation, i.e., watering on a non-watering day, watering during non-watering time
• Your name and contact information are required when reporting a violation

Note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state and local officials regarding state or local business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.

Additional Water Restriction Information

• Southwest Florida Water Management District Water Restriction
• Polk County Ordinance No. 04-07, adopted Feb. 18, 2004 – Year-round water conservation measures and water shortage ordinance.
• Polk County Ordinance No. 09-050, Amended Ordinance No. 04-07, section 8 and section 9 on Aug. 1, 2009.
  • Section 8 was amended to provide for enforcement through the Polk County code enforcement special magistrate.
  • Section 9 was amended to provide for penalties and a method to address violations that are irreparable or irreversible in nature; providing for severability, providing for an effective date.

The jurisdiction of Polk County includes properties located in both the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the South Florida Water Management District. The majority of the population in Polk and the majority of public water supplies and domestic wells serving Polk’s population are currently located within the SWFWMD water service area. To be consistent to one set of year-round conservation measures and when necessary, one consistent set of temporary water shortage restrictions on a countywide basis, Polk County has adopted the related rules to follow from those of SWFWMD. It is the duty of county government and law enforcement officials for enforcement of these rules.

Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited, which includes:

• Allowing water to be dispersed without any practical purpose
• Using water in a grossly inefficient manner
• Using water for a purpose that can be readily accomplished by other means