Water Shortage Advisory Order to Utility Customers of Fanning Springs (Levy, Gilchrist, Dixie)
**Date:** February 09, 2026
**From:** City of Fanning Springs
17651 NW 90th Court
Fanning Springs, FL 32693
(352) 463-2855
**Dear Utility Customers of Fanning Springs:**
The City of Fanning Springs has received notification from the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) regarding ongoing drought conditions affecting our region. On January 13, 2026, the District issued a Water Shortage Advisory Order (Advisory Order) due to extended drought conditions. A copy of the Advisory Order is accessible at www.mysuwanneriver.com.
This Advisory Order notifies everyone within the District, including our community, to voluntarily reduce their water use and defer water-intensive activities. By taking these steps now, we can help conserve our shared water resources and potentially avoid more stringent measures.
The purpose of this notice is to inform customers that, if drought conditions do not improve, the District may declare a Phase II water shortage order (Phase II Order). If a Phase II Order is issued, water use restrictions may be implemented to protect our public and natural resources. These could include minimizing use and timing of less-efficient irrigation systems, reducing non-essential uses, and prioritizing alternative water supplies where available. The severity of the drought conditions would dictate the extent to which water uses are affected.
The current Advisory Order allows time to plan for the possibility of further water restrictions. We encourage all customers to:
– Voluntarily reduce water use in daily activities, such as lawn irrigation, car washing, and household consumption.
– Defer water-intensive activities, like filling pools or extensive landscaping.
– Explore ways to improve water use efficiency, such as fixing leaks and using water-saving fixtures.
If a Phase II Order containing water restrictions is deemed necessary by the District, it will be preceded by a public hearing as set forth in Rule 40B-21.275, F.A.C., for public input. The City will keep customers informed of any developments.
For questions about local water use or to learn about District cost-share programs for improving water use efficiency, please contact the Suwannee River Water Management District at 386.362.1001 or email resourcemanagement@srwmd.org. You may also reach the City of Fanning Springs at (352) 463-2855 for additional guidance.
Together, we can help protect our water resources for the benefit of our community and natural environment.
**Sincerely,**
Howell E. “Trip” Lancaster, Mayor of Fanning Springs