HomeLocal governmentSevere water shortage declared in the region

Severe water shortage declared in the region

March 18, 2026

Press release from Alachua County

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns River and Suwannee Water Management Districts have adopted a Phase II Severe Water Shortage Order for the region due to ongoing drought conditions and declining water levels. The order applies throughout Alachua County and includes the municipalities. The restrictions apply to private wells, water supplied by public or private utilities, and water pumped from surface waters.

Landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week based on the last number of your address. Addresses ending with an odd number may water on Saturday, even numbers on Sunday, and commercial (including common areas of subdivisions) may water on Tuesday.  Homeowners Associations (HOAs) cannot require extra watering for appearance. The washing of streets, driveways, or sidewalks is prohibited unless for safety. Low-volume pressure washing is only permitted for painting, sealing, or construction preparation. 

“To protect our springs, rivers, lakes, and water supply, property owners are encouraged to leave irrigation systems off and hand water plants that are wilting and showing stress,” said Stacie Greco, the County’s water resources program manager.

For more information on watering restrictions and for a link to report water waste, visit the Alachua County Environmental Protection website.

  • The last time something like this happened we found all my lost fishing hooks were lodged in ancient submerged canoes.

  • Problems with that plan. My yard is almost 2 acres. Can’t water it on only 1 day ( well) AND it will not be on a weekend, because that is when I do my yard work.

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