The South Florida Water Management District issued a Water Shortage Warning for Collier and Lee counties …
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The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) today (Nov. 22) issued a Water Shortage Warning for Collier and Lee counties amid continuing dry conditions and increasing water supply concerns on the Southwest Coast.
Read the Declaration of Water Shortage Warning SFWMD 2023-062.
The U.S. Drought Monitor indicates that the Southwest Coast is in an Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought. The Southwest Coast received 42 inches of rain so far this year, about 13 inches below normal. This shortage caused water levels in underground aquifers that supply water to most of the region to decline. Without significant rainfall, further decline in groundwater levels is anticipated over the dry season (November – May).
SFWMD is encouraging residents, visitors, and businesses to conserve water and limit irrigation. Residents can use these simple tips to save water both inside and outside their home:
SFWMD staff will continue to monitor water usage and groundwater levels to assess the effectiveness of voluntary water conservation measures. If the voluntary conservation efforts are not enough, the SFWMD may declare a water shortage and invoke mandatory water use restrictions. Water use restrictions would be implemented to protect the public water supply and prevent serious harm to the water resources.
Conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting South Florida’s water supplies today and for future generations. The SFWMD proactively develops long-term water supply plans to monitor, evaluate and identify water sources and projects to meet the future water needs throughout its 16-county region.