The short version
- Clermont posted a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order on May 12, 2026.
- Lake County water rules say the restrictions apply to private wells and pumps.
- Drought can reduce water availability and water quality, so the county and water managers watch groundwater levels closely.
- Lake County DOH handles delegated well permitting for certain wells under 6 inches in the county district area.
What the shortage order means in plain English
The city notice says the shortage order covers Lake County and impacts Clermont residents. The county water page adds that restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, not just public utilities. That matters if your landscaping, irrigation pump, or water setup comes from a private source.
It does not automatically mean your well is broken. It means the area is under a use restriction, and homeowners should check the current rules before they water, pump, or make a hiring decision based on old advice.
City of Clermont
Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order
The city posted that Lake County is under a Phase III order and said the restrictions impact Clermont residents.
Lake County
Water & Irrigation Information
Lake County says irrigation restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, plus ground or surface water and utility water.
What to check before you call a contractor
If the question is whether your well system needs service, keep it simple. Ask for the all-in scope, the trip fee, whether the contractor handles both pumping and well work, and whether the issue is a pressure problem, an irrigation setup, or something else. That keeps you from paying for the wrong visit.
- Ask what is included: a quote that only covers drilling footage is not the same as a quote for a complete installed system.
- Ask how they handle irrigation limits: if your setup is tied to a private well or pump, make sure the contractor understands the current county rules.
- Ask about permitting: Lake County DOH says it has a delegated well permitting program for certain wells in the county district area.
- Ask about drought conditions: a dry spell can change how a well behaves even when nothing is physically broken.
Lake County DOH
Water Services
Lake County DOH says it issues permits for certain small wells and monitors groundwater and contamination in designated areas.
Drought.gov
Florida drought overview
Drought.gov says drought can reduce water availability and water quality, and Florida water managers track groundwater levels and precipitation.
Questions homeowners around Clermont keep asking
Does a shortage order mean my private well is failing?
Not by itself. A shortage order is a water-use restriction for the area. If your pressure changed or the water stopped behaving normally, that is a separate problem that may need a well or pump check.
Can I still water landscaping if I have a private well or pump?
Check the current Lake County rules first. The county page says restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, so the answer depends on how the water is being used and what the current restriction allows.
Who handles well permitting in Lake County?
Lake County DOH says it has a delegated well permitting program with the St. Johns River Water Management District for certain wells under 6 inches in the county district area.
What should I ask a contractor if I need help now?
Ask whether the company handles pump repair, no-water calls, inspection, and any water testing you may need after the restriction changes or after a dry spell.
Why does drought matter for a private well owner?
Drought can change groundwater levels and water quality, which can affect how a well feels at the tap even before any hardware fails.
If you need a local next step
Compare Clermont-area contractors, ask for a written scope, and make sure the provider can explain whether your issue is a well, pump, irrigation, or permitting problem before they send a truck.