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18500 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte, FL 33948

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Water Conservation

Home Departments & Agencies Utilities Department About Utilities Outreach Water Conservation

From Feb. 8, 2026 through July 1, 2026, all Charlotte County residents, including those on private wells, are asked to limit lawn watering to once per week under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water shortage declaration.

Charlotte County residents are encouraged to follow these guidelines unless stricter city, municipality or neighborhood rules apply.

Section 3-8-74: Year-Round Conservation and Water Shortage Measures Ordinance 2020-045

Lawn Watering Days

Watering days are based on the last number of your street address:
  • 0 or 1: Monday
  • 2 or 3: Tuesday
  • 4 or 5: Wednesday
  • 6 or 7: Thursday
  • 8 or 9: Friday (also for locations with mixed or no address, such as subdivision common areas)

Allowed lawn watering hours: morning only, from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (not lawns) are allowed any day, any time.

Water restrictions map

New Lawns and Plants (“30/30” Rule)

New lawns and plants have a two-phase, 60-day establishment period:
  • Day of installation: watering allowed any time.
  • Days 1–30: watering allowed any day during the allowable hours.
  • Days 31–60 (three days per week):
    • Even-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
    • Odd-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
    • No discernible address: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday

Understanding Water Usage on Your Bill

Use your water bill to track how much water you use, spot unusual increases and find ways to conserve.
  • View a sample bill. Look for item #21, which shows water usage for the billing period in gallons.
  • View average water usage by service area. Toggle:
    • Burnt Store if you live in the Burnt Store service area, or
    • Peace River if you live outside the Burnt Store service area.
    This tool is updated regularly.

Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water follows voluntary watering hours unless it is blended with another source or restricted by a local government or utility.

Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing

There are currently no specific restrictions on fountains, car washing or pressure washing. However, you should still use water efficiently, such as by using a shutoff nozzle on each hose to avoid waste.

Report a Violation or Ask a Question

Water Conservation Practices for Households

Conserving water lowers monthly bills and reduces strain on septic systems. Simple steps at home can save water and money.
  • Run dishwashers and laundry machines only with full loads; use the shortest effective cycles and the lowest water level.
  • When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink—don’t let water run continuously.
  • Avoid using a garbage disposal when possible.
  • When replacing a washer, choose an efficient model (for example, a suds-saver).
  • Place two half-gallon bottles filled with water in toilet tanks to reduce flush volume.
  • Take shorter showers and use showerheads rated under 2.5 gallons per minute; baths typically use 30–50 gallons.
  • Turn off the tap while shaving, brushing teeth, or washing your face.
  • Water lawns only when necessary; hand-held hoses typically use less water than automated sprinklers.
  • Water during the coolest parts of the day to reduce evaporation; drip/trickle systems and soaker hoses can be about 20% more efficient than sprinklers.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program

Follow the 9 Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping:
  1. Right Plant, Right Place
  2. Water Efficiently
  3. Fertilize Appropriately
  4. Mulch
  5. Attract Wildlife
  6. Manage Yard Pests Responsibly
  7. Recycle Yard Waste
  8. Reduce Stormwater Runoff
  9. Protect the Waterfront

Visit Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program to learn more.

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