NOTICE
RE: Irrigation Resource Restrictions Effective February 8, 2026, thru July 1, 2026
In January, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) declared a modified Phase II severe water shortage throughout the water management district, which includes Sarasota County and the West Villages Improvement District. The declaration requires all residents, including those on private wells, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
SWFWMD received lower than normal rainfall during the summer rainy season, resulting in a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. Additionally, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline, with many below normal levels.
Watering Restrictions
Under the modified Phase II declaration, residents must adhere to one-day-per-week water restrictions. In the City of North Port, addresses ending in:
- 0 or 1 can water only on Monday
- 2 or 3 can water only on Tuesday
- 4 or 5 can water only on Wednesday
- 6 or 7 can water only on Thursday
- 8 or 9 can water only on Friday
Sites with a mix of addresses or for which an address can’t be determined, such as common areas associated with a subdivision, can also only be watered on Friday.
Properties under two acres may only be watered before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.; while properties larger than two acres may only be watered before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Other restrictions outlined in the Phase II Water Shortage Order include:
- Annual pressure washing or in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.
- No HOA or other entitlement shall enforce community standards that require an increase in water use, including replacing plant materials to meet aesthetic or pressure washing.
- Car washing at home is only allowed on your lawn watering day
- Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours a day.
Water Conservation Plans Required
The District’s water use permit requires the WVID and the master developer to implement a SWFWMD-approved water conservation permit. The permit also requires customers, such as homeowners’ and property owners’ associations, to create and implement their own water conservation plans.
Communities throughout the WVID should ensure their water conservation plans are in effect. If such a plan does not exist, communities are asked to create and implement a plan at this time. Conservation plans are especially important as dry conditions continue to persist.
As the agency responsible for the implementation and compliance of the SWFWMD water use permit, the WVID is committed to water conservation efforts, while also ensuring residents have access to irrigation water. For additional information about irrigation resources, visit westvillagesid.org.
Please contact District Manager William Crosley at 941-244-2805 or wcrosley@sdsinc.org with any questions.
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Letter to GP POA on Irrigation Questions (PDF) (RTF)
Letter to GP POA on Revised Irrigation AGMOD Allocations (PDF) (RTF)
Transmittal Letter to GPHOA on Revised Irrigation AGMOD Allocations (PDF) (RTF)
Transmittal Letter to GPHOA on Submission of Water Conservation Plan (PDF) (RTF)
Response Letter to GPHOA on Irrigation Matters (September 2022), Letter 8.15.2022, 549308 – Irrigation Rate Study (2018) (PDF) (RTF)
Response Letter to GPHOA on Irrigation Matters (October 2022) (PDF) (RTF)
549308 – September 13, 2018 Public Hearing Presentation on Rate Study (PPTX)
For more information, updates and resources related to ongoing irrigation water issues and discussions, please click the button below.
About the District
The West Villages Improvement District (WVID) was created in 2004 by a Special Act of the Florida Legislature, pursuant to and under Chapter 189, Florida Statutes. The WVID is a limited, single and specialized purpose local government, whose purpose is to assure timely, cost-effective and high-quality and implementation of infrastructure for the district.
The WVID has the authority to plan, finance, construct, operate and maintain public infrastructure within Wellen Park. The district currently spans more than 12,000 acres within the city of North Port and unincorporated Sarasota County. Residential neighborhoods, commercial centers and the Atlanta Braves’ spring training stadium are all located within the district boundaries.
The WVID is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, who are elected to a term of four years. The District has the authority to borrow money, issue bonds and levy and impose special assessments, user fees and charges.