Watering Schedule and Restrictions
Lawn and Landscape Irrigation
- Lawn watering is limited to twice-per-week schedule for potable (drinking water) and other water resources, regardless of the source such as wells, surface water etc.
- Watering times are midnight to 10 a.m., or 4 p.m. to midnight.
- Hand watering or micro-irrigation of landscape other than actual lawn areas are allowed at any time.
- Locations without a discernible address are areas such as rights-of-way and other common areas inside a subdivision are included in the restrictions.
Irrigation Schedule
(Irrigation Schedule is determined by your address, regardless of water source)
| If your Address is | Watering Days |
|---|---|
| Even Address | Thursday, and or Sunday |
| Odd Address | Wednesday, and or Saturday |
| *Common Areas | Tuesday, and or Friday |
*All common areas and properties where no address can be determined
New Lawns and Plants
- New lawns and plants may be irrigated at any time on planting day.
- Days 2- 30 – any day is allowed, but no watering within the 10 am to 4 pm restricted times.
- Days 31- 60 - 3 day per week watering is allowed (except between restricted hours) on the following days:
- Even Address - Tuesday, Thursday and or Sunday
- Odd Address - Monday, Wednesday and or Saturday
- *Common Areas - Tuesday, Friday and or Sunday
Address Numbering Watering Days
- Days 1 - 30 - Any Day - Water as needed
- Days 30 - 60 - Hours: midnight to 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. to midnight
- Even Address - Tuesday, Thursday and or Sunday
- Odd Address - Monday, Wednesday and or Saturday
- *Common Areas - Tuesday, Friday and or Sunday
*All common areas and properties where no address can be determined.
Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing
- There are no specific restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing.
- Commercial car washes, including mobile detailing businesses, may still operate on any day.
These and other water uses should be conducted as efficiently as possible, such as using a shutoff nozzle on each hose to adhere to the general restriction prohibiting wasteful water use.
Watering Violations
The county's water use restrictions apply to all customers, residential and commercial, in unincorporated Polk. The restrictions also apply to all water sources, including wells and surface waters. Violating these restrictions may result in a fine of up to $500.
For questions and inquiries, or to report a water use violation, call Water Resource Enforcement at (863) 229-5031, or email bnadeau [at] eaglelakefl.gov. Please provide the following information:
- Violation address
- Date and time of the violation
- The nature of the violation (i.e. watering on a non-watering day, watering during non-watering time, etc.)
- Your name and contact information (Required)
Please Note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state and local officials regarding state or local business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your email communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.
Additional Water Restriction Information
The jurisdiction of Polk County includes lands located in both the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the South Florida Water Management District. The majority of the population in Polk and the majority of public water supplies and domestic wells serving Polk's population are currently located within the SWFWMD water service area. To be consistent to one set of year-round conservation measures and when necessary, one consistent set of temporary water shortage restrictions on a county-wide basis, Polk County has adopted the related rules to follow from those of SWFWMD. It is the duty of county governmental and law enforcement officials for enforcement of these rules.
Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited, which includes:
- Allowing water to be dispersed without any practical purpose
- Using water in a grossly inefficient manner
- Using water for a purpose that can be readily accomplished by other means