The Southwest Florida Water Management District is once again advising homeowners with wells who live near Plant City and Dover to switch off the pumps on their wells tonight and Thursday night. A hard freeze is expected both nights.
During a freeze, farmers pump additional water from their wells to protect their crops, causing aquifer levels to drop temporarily. Once aquifer levels fall below a well’s pump level, the pump can burn out if it is not shut off. An electrical switch located on or near the pump can turn off most pumps. Pumps should remain off until noon after a freeze.
Homeowners in this area who have wells should also store water to use in case they are left without water for several days.