Phase I Water Shortage Declared: What It Means for Your Lawn & Landscape in Charlotte County and Beyond

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has officially declared a Phase I Water Shortage, impacting homeowners and businesses across our region, including Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, and other counties.

This declaration goes into effect December 1, 2025, and runs through July 1, 2026, due to lower-than-normal rainfall and declining aquifer and river levels.

Whether you live in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, or North Port, this alert affects how we manage and maintain our lawns, sprinkler systems, and irrigation habits.

💧 What Is a Phase I Water Shortage?

A Phase I Water Shortage is the first step in regional water conservation. It doesn’t immediately change watering schedules, but it prohibits wasteful outdoor water practices and raises awareness about responsible usage.

Prohibited Practices Now Include:

Letting a hose run unattended
Allowing water to flow off your property onto sidewalks or roads
Ignoring irrigation leaks or broken sprinkler heads

🌱 Important: While SWFWMD hasn’t changed watering days yet, local governments (like Charlotte County) may already have stricter rules, such as once-per-week watering.
Always check your city or county guidelines to avoid violations and potential fines.

💡 Did You Know?

Outdoor landscape irrigation accounts for over 50% of a household’s water use in Florida.

That means:

A leaky system equals hundreds of gallons of wasted water per week
Overwatering leads to higher bills and stressed lawns
Poor scheduling results in non-compliance during restrictions

Your sprinkler system plays a major role in conserving water, and that’s where we come in.

✅ How Shaffer’s Irrigation & Outdoor Lighting Can Help

At Shaffer’s, we specialize in water-saving solutions for Florida homeowners, without sacrificing the beauty of your landscape.

Here’s how we can help during the Phase I Water Shortage:

🔧 System Evaluation & Timer Review

We’ll conduct a full inspection of your irrigation system to:

Ensure timers are set correctly
Confirm zones are watering efficiently
Adjust schedules to comply with local rules

We’ll also educate you on best practices during dry months so you stay compliant.

🔍 Leak Detection & Repairs

Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons per day, and often go unnoticed.

Our expert techs can:

Identify leaks in pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads
Replace broken heads or nozzles
Ensure all zones are functioning efficiently and evenly

🌦️ Smart System Upgrades

New technology helps you water smarter and save more.

Ask us about:

Rain sensors – shut off systems during rain events
Pressure-regulated sprinkler heads – reduce water waste
Weather-based controllers – adjust automatically with the forecast

These upgrades can drastically reduce overwatering and help you stay within Phase I guidelines.

🛠️ Efficient Design & Retrofits

If your system is outdated or wasn’t designed for your current landscape, it may be wasting water and increasing your bills.

We offer:

Custom re-designs to match your lawn layout
Drip irrigation conversions for beds and gardens
Zone adjustments for better coverage and efficiency

Our retrofits can extend the life of your system and lower your water usage.

📍 Serving Charlotte County and Surrounding Areas

Whether you’re in:

Port Charlotte
Punta Gorda
North Port
Englewood
Boca Grande

…our team at Shaffer’s Irrigation & Outdoor Lighting is ready to help you stay compliant, reduce waste, and protect your landscape investment.

⚠️ Don’t Wait for Phase II

The Phase I declaration is a warning, and a chance to get ahead of stricter rules that could come next. Acting now means:

Avoiding violations
Reducing unnecessary water use
Being prepared for the dry season

Take advantage of this time to upgrade your irrigation system, fix inefficiencies, and stay water-smart.

📞 Call Today to Schedule Your System Check-Up

Let’s work together to keep your yard green, efficient, and compliant, even during a drought.

👉 Call us today at (941) 625-5875
🌐 Visit us online: https://shaffersirrigation.com
📍 Find us on Google Maps

Phase I Water Shortage Declared: What It Means for Your Lawn & Landscape in Charlotte County and Beyond