Written by Middleton residents and businesses are limited to once-a-week lawn and landscape irrigation under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Modified Phase III water-shortage order. The restrictions have been extended through Oct. 1, 2026, because of ongoing drought conditions and below-average rainfall.
The order applies throughout Sumter County and includes Middleton in The Villages’ affected service areas.
Middleton watering days
- Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday
- Addresses ending in 2 or 3: Tuesday
- Addresses ending in 4 or 5: Wednesday
- Addresses ending in 6 or 7: Thursday
- Addresses ending in 8 or 9: Friday
Residential and commercial lawn irrigation may occur only from 12:01–4 a.m. or 8–11:59 p.m. on the assigned day. Properties smaller than one acre may use only one of those time windows.
Other restrictions
- Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants other than lawns are allowed any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Car washing at home is limited to once a week on the assigned watering day, using a hose with a shut-off nozzle.
- Fountains and other aesthetic-only water features may operate no more than four hours a day.
- Pressure washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited. Exceptions include preparation for painting, removal of health hazards such as mold or mildew, and work needed to meet health and safety standards.
Read the District Government water-shortage notice and the official residential and commercial fact sheet for complete details and updates.