South Florida Irrigation Restrictions Ramp Up

In response to persistent drought conditions and a rapid decline in Lake Okeechobee’s water level, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board approved a water shortage order that continues to protect South Florida’s limited water supply. The order is Modified Phase III restrictions for permitted users in the Lake Okeechobee Service Area, which includes portions of Okeechobee, Glades,Palm Beach, Lee, Hendry, Martin, and St. Lucie counties. The restrictions require a 45% reduction in irrigation water for agriculture, nursery and other users drawn from Lake Okeechobee—or surface waters hydraulically connected to the lake.

The reduction would take effect when Lake Okeechobee falls below 10.5 feet National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD). As of May 12, Lake Okeechobee was at 10.65 feet NGVD—more than 2.7 feet below its historic average for the date and more than four feet below last year’s level. The lake level often drops rapidly in May due to warm temperatures and dry-season evapotranspiration.

The U.S. Drought Monitor shows a large area of South Florida from northern Miami-Dade County to the Treasure Coast is experiencing extreme drought conditions. Persistent rainfall in the upcoming wet season will be needed to make up for a regional rainfall deficit that has grown to 8.58 inches since the beginning of October. Meteorologists are predicting that dry conditions will extend into the beginning of the wet season.

A burn ban remains in place on SFWMD public lands to protect lives, property and the environment from the threat of wildfires. The ban means fires in grills, fireplaces or fire rings are not permitted.

Source: SFWMD news release