Water Restrictions: Lakeland vs Winter Haven
How do water restrictions rules compare between Lakeland, FL and Winter Haven, FL?
Lakeland and Winter Haven have similar restriction levels.
Lakeland, FL
Polk County
Lakeland follows SWFWMD's Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage rules: lawn watering once per week on assigned day. Properties under 1 acre may water before 4 AM OR after 8 PM (one window). Over 1 acre may use both windows. Hand watering allowed before 8 AM or after 6 PM.
View full Lakeland rules →Winter Haven, FL
Polk County
Winter Haven is in the Southwest Florida Water Management District. As of April 2026, Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions are in effect through July 1, 2026 - even addresses water Tuesdays, odd addresses water Thursdays, before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m. only, once per week.
View full Winter Haven rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakeland | Winter Haven |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 1 day/week | - |
| Lots <1 acre | Pre-4AM OR post-8PM | - |
| Lots >1 acre | Both windows | - |
| Hand Watering | Pre-8AM or post-6PM | - |
| Authority | - | SWFWMD + City Code |
| Current Phase | - | Modified Phase III (Apr-Jul 2026) |
| Even Addresses | - | Tuesday only |
| Odd Addresses | - | Thursday only |
| Hours | - | Before 4 a.m. OR after 8 p.m. |
| Hand-Water Exempt | - | Before 8a / after 6p any day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakeland FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Lakeland?
Once per week on your assigned day. Properties under 1 acre may water either before 4 AM or after 8 PM (one window only). Properties over 1 acre may use both windows. Restrictions are set by SWFWMD's Modified Phase III declaration.
Can I hand-water plants?
Yes — hand watering and microirrigation remain allowed any day, but only before 8 AM or after 6 PM under the current Phase III rules.
Winter Haven FAQ
What day can I water my lawn in Winter Haven?
Under the current Modified Phase III restrictions (April-July 2026), even addresses water Tuesdays only and odd addresses water Thursdays only. Outside extreme drought, normal SWFWMD rules allow 2 days per week.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Winter Haven?
Properties under 1 acre may water either before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on the assigned day - pick one window. Properties over 1 acre may use both windows on the assigned day.
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