Jacksonville Watering Restrictions in 2026: SJRWMD Phase II and JEA Days

Last updated: July 15, 2026

What days can I water my lawn in Jacksonville right now?

Under the 2026 Phase II shortage, Jacksonville-area lawns may be watered one day per week, set by your address number: odd addresses water Saturday, even addresses water Sunday. On your day, you may not irrigate between 10 a.m.

and 4 p.m., and you may apply no more than three-quarters of an inch per zone. This is stricter than SJRWMD’s normal year-round schedule, which allows up to two days a week during Daylight Saving Time, because Duval County is in a declared shortage. The rule applies to JEA potable and reclaimed customers alike, so reuse-water irrigators are not exempt from the one-day limit.

Address	Watering day	Allowed hours
Odd-numbered	Saturday	Any time except 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (JEA suggests 8 p.m.–4 a.m.)
Even-numbered	Sunday	Any time except 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (JEA suggests 8 p.m.–4 a.m.)
Hand / low-volume	Generally any day	Confirm current terms with JEA during the shortage

Source: SJRWMD Order 2026-006; JEA. Updated 2026-06-16.

What is the SJRWMD Phase II rule for Jacksonville?

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), which governs water use across Duval County, declared a Phase II Water Shortage in early 2026 in response to below-average rainfall, dry conditions, and declining groundwater levels. The core restriction is the move to once-a-week landscape irrigation within the allowed hours, enforced locally by JEA and the City of Jacksonville. Like all SJRWMD shortage orders, it has a defined scope and can be extended, tightened, or lifted as aquifer and rainfall conditions change, so the phase in effect today is worth re-checking before the dry late-spring stretch or after summer rains return.

Source: SJRWMD; JEA. Updated 2026-06-16.

Can I hand-water or use drip during the Jacksonville restrictions?

Generally yes. SJRWMD rules typically allow hand watering with a single hose fitted with an automatic shutoff nozzle, as well as low-volume micro-irrigation and drip, because these apply water efficiently to roots rather than broadcasting it. That makes them the practical, rule-friendly way to keep new plants, vegetable gardens, containers, and stressed spots alive while sprinklers are limited to one day a week. Because the area is under a Phase II shortage, the safest move is to confirm that these allowances still apply — and any time-of-day limits on them — directly with JEA before you rely on them.

Source: SJRWMD; JEA. Updated 2026-06-16.

How do I water new sod or seed under Jacksonville’s restrictions?

SJRWMD normally provides a new-lawn establishment period — commonly daily watering for the first 30 days, then reduced frequency for the next 30 — so newly installed sod or seed can root. During the current Phase II shortage, however, that allowance may be modified, so do not assume the standard establishment schedule applies without checking.

The reliable approach is to confirm the current new-lawn terms with JEA before installing, lean on hand and low-volume watering during establishment, and, where possible, time a new lawn for after the shortage eases or once the summer rains arrive. Installing a thirsty new lawn at the peak of a shortage is the hardest path.

Source: SJRWMD; City of Jacksonville. Updated 2026-06-16.

How much should I water my Jacksonville lawn?

Apply about one-half to three-quarters of an inch per watering — the per-zone cap under the current order is three-quarters of an inch — delivered deeply on your assigned day so moisture reaches the roots. Jacksonville’s dominant St. Augustine grass is not especially drought-tough, so the keys under a one-day schedule are watering deeply in the allowed window, mowing tall (3.5–4 inches) to shade and protect the roots, and watching the lawn for thirst (folded blades, a bluish-gray cast) rather than watering out of habit. A working rain sensor, required on Florida irrigation systems, should shut the system off after the frequent summer storms so you are not watering on top of the rain.

Source: UF/IFAS; SJRWMD. Updated 2026-06-16.

Frequently asked questions about Jacksonville watering restrictions

What water restrictions is Jacksonville under right now? A SJRWMD Phase II Water Shortage (Order 2026-006, effective March 2, 2026): JEA customers water one day per week, odd addresses Saturday and even addresses Sunday, with no irrigation 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Confirm the current status at jea.com.

How many days a week can I water in Jacksonville? One day per week under the current Phase II order, set by your address number, avoiding the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. window.

What day is my watering day in Jacksonville? Odd-numbered addresses water on Saturday and even-numbered addresses water on Sunday under the current restrictions.

Can I hand-water during the Jacksonville restrictions? Generally yes. Hand watering with a shutoff nozzle and low-volume micro-irrigation are typically allowed, but confirm the current terms with JEA during the shortage.

Does the one-day rule apply to reclaimed water in Jacksonville? Yes. The Phase II order applies to all JEA water customers, including reclaimed and reuse customers, not just potable.

When will Jacksonville’s water restrictions end? The Phase II shortage stays in effect until SJRWMD modifies or lifts it based on rainfall and groundwater recovery, so check jea.com or sjrwmd.com for the current phase.