Peace River reservoir refills, but water restrictions remain through March 2027

The 6-billion-gallon Peace River reservoir that supplies drinking water to communities across Manatee, Sarasota and surrounding counties is full again after dropping to roughly 40% capacity in July.

The reservoir in Arcadia held about 2.58 billion gallons at its low point, its lowest level since 2017, according to Suncoast Searchlight. Rainfall over the past several months replenished the reservoir, officials with the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority said.

But officials cautioned that the recovery does not mean residents can ease up on conservation.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board voted Sept. 22 to extend its Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage restrictions through March 31, 2027. The restrictions were first enacted April 3 and have since been extended twice.

Watering restrictions remain in effect

Lawn and landscape watering remains limited to once per week on assigned days. Residents may wash cars at home only on their designated watering days and must use a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle. Restaurants may serve drinking water only upon request.

Permitted watering hours are midnight to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties smaller than one acre may use only one of those windows on their assigned watering day. Larger properties may use both windows, subject to applicable restrictions.

The rules apply to water drawn from private wells as well as public water supplies. Local governments may impose additional restrictions.

Richard Anderson, executive director of the water authority, said an unusually dry 2025 rainy season forced the agency to draw from its reserves earlier than normal.

"Last year, we ran out of water. We started pumping off the reservoir and stopped pumping the river," Anderson told Suncoast Searchlight.

Katie Gilmore, the authority's director of operations, said the district extended restrictions despite renewed rainfall because regional water supplies take time to recover. She cautioned that the reservoir's improvement does not justify increased water consumption.

Drought conditions persist across region

Florida was on track for its driest year since 2007, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data cited by Suncoast Searchlight.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's region recorded a 12-month rainfall deficit of 15.4 inches through August.

As of the reporting period, all of Sarasota County remained in some level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, while portions of Manatee and DeSoto counties were experiencing severe drought.

Although the Peace River reservoir has recovered, officials said sustained conservation remains necessary to protect water supplies against future dry periods.

New reservoir planned for 2030

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority plans to build another reservoir with a capacity of 9 billion gallons, with completion expected in 2030.

The project, estimated to cost more than $478 million, is intended to accommodate population growth and strengthen the region's ability to withstand future droughts, according to Suncoast Searchlight.

The authority's existing infrastructure includes the 6-billion-gallon reservoir and an underground storage system capable of holding approximately 6.3 billion gallons.

The authority aims to maintain about a year's worth of water in reserve through its storage facilities to help protect customers during prolonged droughts.

Manatee County fines start at $100

Manatee County Utilities, working with Code Enforcement, enforces the watering restrictions.

Violations can result in fines of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second and $500 for a third, according to Manatee County's watering restrictions guidance.

County officials may issue citations without first providing a warning.

The restrictions remain in effect across Sarasota, Manatee and other affected counties within the Southwest Florida Water Management District through March 31, 2027.