Modified Watering Hours to Remain in Effect Through Oct. 1

Published: July 2, 2026

Bartow, Fla. (July 2, 2026) — Polk County Utilities customers will remain under the current one-day-per-week irrigation with modified watering hours guidelines through Oct. 1 in order to comply with the extension to the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Order issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) on June 23. SWFWMD’s Governing Board voted to extend the water shortage order due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the region.

As per SWFWMD’s water shortage order requirements for public utilities, Polk County Utilities is no longer issuing courtesy letters upon a customer’s first infraction of the watering schedule. If a customer is observed watering outside of their designated day or time, they will receive a citation and possible fines as outlined by Polk County Ordinance No. 09-050.

The modified watering hours apply to all residences, businesses and common areas that are served by Polk County Utilities, regardless of water source. Customers with private wells and those using reclaimed water are also subject to the modified watering hours.

Homeowners associations (HOAs) may not enforce community standards that would require an increase in water usage outside of the approved watering schedule.

Customers of other utilities are encouraged to review their municipality’s or governing body’s schedule and restrictions, as their allowable watering days or hours may be stricter than those enforced by Polk County Utilities.

Details about the watering schedule are available at www.polkfl.gov/services/utilities/water-restrictions/.

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