SFWMD Eases Watering Restrictions in Northeastern Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - The South Florida Water Management District (District) eased stringent water restrictions from a Modified Phase IV Water Shortage Order to a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order in a designated area of northeastern Cape Coral in Lee County. These restrictions apply to residents and businesses that use private wells accessing the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer for irrigation.

Read the Order Rescinding Phase IV Restrictions and Imposing Modified Phase II Restrictions.

The Phase IV restrictions were put in place in May 2025 when the water level at the USGS Monitoring Well L-4820 in the water shortage area reached -93.61 feet NAVD. This was done in an effort to prevent long-term or permanent damage to the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer. As of May 3, 2026, the current groundwater level at well L-4820 is -80.43 feet NAVD. This is more than 2.58 feet above the maximum development limit (MDL) and 22.58 feet above the minimum flow and minimum water level (MFL) established for the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer.

The Modified Phase II restrictions allow residents with wells drawing from the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer to use their lawn irrigation systems one day per week based on their address.

Within the designated area in the City of Cape Coral, residents can water their lawn on the following schedule:

Addresses that end in 0 can irrigate on Mondays, 8pm-11:59pm
Addresses that end in 1 can irrigate on Tuesdays, 12am-4am
Addresses that end in 2 can irrigate on Wednesdays, 4am-8am
Addresses that end in 3 can irrigate on Thursdays, 8pm-11:59pm
Addresses that end in 4 can irrigate on Fridays, 12am-4am
Addresses that end in 5 can irrigate on Saturdays, 4am-8am
Addresses that end in 6 can irrigate on Sundays, 8pm-11:59pm
Addresses that end in 7 can irrigate on Mondays, 12am-4am
Addresses that end in 8 can irrigate on Tuesdays, 4am-8am
Addresses that end in 9 can irrigate on Wednesdays, 8pm-11:59pm

For example: if your address is 123 Main Street, your address ends in 3 and can irrigate on Thursdays between the hours of 8pm to 11:59pm.

The restrictions do not apply to homes and businesses on city or reclaimed water.

For residents within the designated area in unincorporated Lee County, the irrigation requirements are:

• Even-numbered addresses, installations with irrigation systems that irrigate both even and odd-numbered addresses within the same zones, such as multi-family units and homeowners' associations, and rights-of-way or other locations with no address, can irrigate only on Sundays.
• Odd-numbered addresses can irrigate only on Saturdays.
• Landscape irrigation users located in unincorporated portions of northeastern Cape Coral, are prohibited from irrigating between the hours of 9am-5pm on their assigned day.
• Low volume irrigation (i.e. drip irrigation and microjet irrigation) and hand watering shall be voluntarily reduced.

These restrictions are in place to continue to protect the aquifer and drinking water supply. District staff will continue to monitor water usage and groundwater levels.

All residents and businesses across the region can use these simple tips to save water:

• Check irrigation timers to ensure settings are correct and rain sensors are working properly. Test and repair broken pipes and damaged sprinkler heads. Turn off irrigation systems when it rains.
• Fix leaks. Finding and fixing leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.
• Landscape the Florida-Friendly Way by planting low maintenance plants using environmentally sustainable practices.
• Read more Simple Steps to Save Water.

The District continues to closely monitor water levels in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer. The City of Cape Coral started providing City water to a portion of the water shortage area. The City utilizes water from a different aquifer, so as residents hook up to City water and abandon their Mid-Hawthorn well, the demand is reduced and aquifer levels typically improve.

As part of the City of Cape Coral's Utilities Extension Project, the City is installing both potable water and irrigation supply lines in neighborhoods in the water shortage area. Residents will be notified by the City when these services are available. Residents are encouraged to connect to these systems as soon as they are available as this will help to alleviate stress on the aquifer and allow water levels to recover. For details, please visit the Cape Coral Utilities Extension Project webpage.

The District will continue to coordinate with the City of Cape Coral and Lee County to take appropriate actions as necessary to protect the water resources in Cape Coral. It is important that residents with wells in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer continue water conservation measures as Cape Coral continues their efforts to expand water service to the residents within the affected area.

Conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting our water supplies today and for future generations.

Please visit SFWMD.gov/News for more information.