Eastern Hillsborough County homeowners with wells should be prepared for freezing temperatures Friday morning

News Release

According to the National Weather Service, parts of the Tampa Bay area may see freezing temperatures during early morning hours on Friday.

This has prompted the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ to advise residents who live near Plant City and Dover to switch off the pumps on their wells Thursday night and leave the pumps off until the temperatures warm up in the morning.

Temperatures are expected to drop below 34 degrees for several hours early Friday morning. During a freeze or near freezing temperatures, water is pumped to protect crops and fish, causing aquifer levels to temporarily drop. Once aquifer levels fall below a well's pump level, the pump can burn out if it is not shut off manually or automatically by a low-pressure shut-off device. An electrical switch located on or near the pump can turn off most pumps.

To report a dry well, contact the District's Tampa Regulation Department at 813-985-7481 or 800-848-0499.