Southwest Florida Water Management District Executive Director David L. Moore Wednesday issued emergency orders for Punta Gorda and North Port related to Hurricane Charley impacts.
The emergency order for Punta Gorda allows the city’s water utility system to use as much water as is necessary to maintain system pressure and complete the required line flushing, chlorine residuals testing, and bacteriological sampling in order to open the water service distribution system for normal public use. Water use is authorized as necessary during the emergency to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Punta Gorda.
The emergency order for North Port authorizes the city to pump as much water as is needed from its permitted sources to continue to assist the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority. Water use is authorized as necessary during the emergency to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Charlotte and DeSoto counties.
The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority’s regional water storage and distribution system was damaged by the hurricane. Public and private water supply systems within DeSoto and Charlotte counties have also been damaged. Due to the damage, the Authority’s supply is being supplemented by the city of North Port to maintain adequate pressure within the public supply system to provide water to Charlotte County. Damage to other public and private water supply systems has left large segments of the population in Charlotte and DeSoto counties without a water supply.
Both orders require the cities to indicate the starting and ending dates of emergency operations and continue to meter their water use. If metering is not possible due to damaged equipment, the cities may provide estimated quantities. This data must be reported to the District.
The District’s Governing Board will review the orders on Tuesday.