Sarasota County Under Phase III Water Restrictions Despite Recent Rain
Sarasota County remains under Phase III watering restrictions imposed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, officials said, noting that recent rainfall has not eliminated the area's ongoing rainfall deficit.
Under the restrictions, lawn irrigation is limited to the hours of 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on designated watering days. Residents may wash cars on their assigned watering day at any time but must use a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle. Decorative fountains are restricted to four hours of operation per day.
SWFWMD has directed Sarasota County Public Utilities staff to begin issuing citations without prior warning starting April 17. County ordinance 2006-053 also requires residents with automated irrigation systems to have an automatic rain sensor device or switch installed.
Additional details on the restrictions are available on the Sarasota County government website.