SFWMD Issues Water Shortage Warning for Multiple Counties in the Region

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issued a Water Shortage Warning for Collier, Glades, Highlands, Lee, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties amid continuing dry conditions and increasing water supply concerns.

Read the Declaration of Water Shortage Warning SFWMD 2026-012
Read the Declaration of Water Shortage Warning SFWMD 2026-013
Read the Declaration of Water Shortage Warning SFWMD 2026-014

The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that the Lower East Coast and Lower West Coast are in a moderate to severe drought and the Indian Prairie Basin which is located in Glades and Highlands counties is in a severe drought.

View the map for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
View the map for Glades and Highlands counties.
View the map for Collier and Lee counties.

Drought conditions and water use have resulted in water levels in the underground Biscayne Aquifer in Miami-Dade County and the underground Lower Tamiami Aquifer in Collier and Lee counties (that supply water to these areas) to decline, exacerbating saltwater intrusion risks. In addition, the shortage is causing water levels in canals and lakes within the Indian Prairie Basin to decline. Without significant rainfall, further decline in groundwater and surface water levels is anticipated over the remainder of the dry season, which typically lasts until May.

The SFWMD is encouraging residents, visitors, and businesses to conserve water and limit irrigation. Residents can use these simple tips to save water both inside and outside their home:

• All landscape irrigation should comply with the allowed days and times established in your local government's year-round landscape irrigation ordinance. Visit Lawn Watering Restrictions to learn more. During the cooler winter months, lawns do not need to be irrigated as frequently as summer months. Most of the time, one day of irrigation per week is sufficient to maintain a healthy landscape.
• Check irrigation timers to ensure settings are correct and rain sensors are working properly. Check irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly and test and repair broken pipes and damaged sprinkler heads.
• Fix leaks. Finding and fixing water leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.
• Avoid washing or cleaning streets, sidewalks, driveways, or other impervious areas with water.
• When utilizing water indoors, reduce shower durations, minimize loads of laundry, and only run dishwashers when full.
• Landscape the Florida-Friendly Way by planting low maintenance plants using environmentally sustainable practices.
• Read more Simple Steps to Save Water.

SFWMD staff will continue to monitor water usage and water levels to assess the effectiveness of voluntary water conservation measures and will keep the public informed if water shortage conditions continue to worsen. Water supply utilities with alternative water supply sources should use these sources to the maximum extent practicable.

If the voluntary conservation efforts are not enough, the SFWMD may declare a water shortage and invoke mandatory water use restrictions in critical areas. Water use restrictions would be implemented to protect the public water supply and prevent serious harm to water resources.

Conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting South Florida's water supplies today and for future generations. The SFWMD proactively develops long-term water supply plans to monitor, evaluate and identify water sources and projects to meet the future water needs throughout its 16-county region.

Learn more about the importance of water conservation.