The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Phase I Water Shortage for its 16-county area.
That includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Sarasota and Manatee counties.
The Phase I water shortage does not impact current watering schedule, but it does put the public on notice that tougher watering restrictions could be implemented.
Florida's dry season is October through April and experts believe the region will start getting some drought relief by June.