MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Marion County officials are reminding residents and businesses that watering restrictions remain in place across the county due to ongoing dry conditions and declining water levels.

Marion County falls within two separate water management districts, and rules vary depending on location. Residents should confirm which guidelines apply to their property and follow the applicable schedule below.

Declaration by the St. Johns River Water Management District

The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a Phase II Severe Water Shortage in Marion County.  With the exception of the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County, all properties in Marion County shall adhere to the following guidelines set forth by the St. Johns Water Management District:

Watering Schedule

  • Odd-numbered or no address: Saturday
  • Even-numbered address: Sunday
  • Nonresidential properties: Tuesday
  • Irrigation is limited to one day per week
  • No watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Maximum of three-quarters inch per zone and no more than one hour per zone

Restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells and utility systems. Low-volume irrigation, hand watering with an automatic shut-off nozzle, limited establishment watering for new landscaping, and system testing or repairs are allowed under specific conditions.

Declaration by the Southwest Florida Water Management District

Properties in the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County, shall adhere to guidelines set forth by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which has issued a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order currently in effect.

Watering Schedule

  • Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday
  • 2 or 3: Tuesday
  • 4 or 5: Wednesday
  • 6 or 7: Thursday
  • 8 or 9 and no discernible address: Friday
  • Irrigation is limited to one day per week

Watering hours are restricted to:

  • 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. OR
  • 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Properties under one acre may use only one of those time windows on their assigned day.
Low-volume irrigation is allowed any day. A 60-day establishment period applies for new lawns and landscaping under specific guidelines.

Both water management districts

  • Limit most lawn and landscape irrigation to one day per week
  • Allow low-volume irrigation such as drip or micro-spray systems
  • Apply restrictions to private wells and utility customers
  • Encourage residents to reduce nonessential outdoor water use

Outdoor irrigation can account for up to half of household water consumption. Following the appropriate schedule for your property helps protect Marion County’s aquifers, springs, rivers and lakes.
Residents who are unsure which district serves their property should contact their local utility provider or visit the appropriate district website for clarification.

Marion County offers water conservation rebates for installing ultra-high-efficiency toilets and retrofitting irrigation systems with water conserving hardware.  For information on these rebate programs contact Marion County Water Resources at WaterResources@MarionFL.org or 352-671-8672.