Water Shortage Restrictions, Irrigation Ban Remain in Effect for NE Cape Coral
November 20, 2025
The City of Cape Coral reminds residents and businesses that the Water Shortage Order—issued by the South Florida Water Management District on May 2, 2025—remains in full effect. Lawn irrigation using private wells in the affected area is still banned. These restrictions are necessary to help protect low water levels in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer.
Although aquifer levels have slightly improved, we have entered the dry season and expect them to decline over the winter months. The water level in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer remains 3.02 feet below the maximum developable limit (MDL), which is a permitting criterion that defines the maximum allowed drawdown for an aquifer to prevent harm to the water resource. Its purpose is to ensure that water levels remain sufficiently high during a drought.
What You Need to Know:
- Who’s Affected: Only residents and businesses using private wells in the designated area (pictured to the right). Customers on City water are not impacted.
- Restrictions: All automatic or potable sprinkler systems must remain off. Only hand watering (with a self-canceling nozzle, allowed on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday) and drip irrigation are permitted.
- Why: The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer is at record low levels and faces further declines. These measures are critical to avoid long-term harm.
- Enforcement: Code Compliance officers continue to monitor for violations and help inform residents of requirements.
The City continues to accelerate the Utilities Extension Project (UEP), bringing city water and irrigation to more homes in the coming years, which will help relieve pressure on the aquifer. The North 1 UEP is expected to be completed by 2027, covering approximately 75% of the impacted area. This includes both North 1 West (completion in 2025) and North 1 East (completion in 2027). Residents are encouraged to actively conserve water, both indoors and outdoors, to help ensure a sustainable future for our community.
For more information on current water restrictions, the Utilities Extension Project, and water conservation tips, visit CapeCoral.gov/WaterConservation or SFWMD.gov/WaterShortage.