Eastern Hillsborough County homeowners with wells should be prepared for freezing temperatures this week

News Release

According to the National Weather Service, parts of the Tampa Bay area may see freezing temperatures during Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

This has prompted the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ to advise residents who live near Plant City and Dover who have well pumps without automatic cutoff switches to turn off the pumps each night.

During a freeze or near-freezing temperatures, water is pumped to protect crops and fish farms, 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 well can turn off most pumps.

Residents should wait until the temperatures warm up and water levels begin to recover before turning their pumps back on. Residents should consult their local well contractor for questions about restarting their pumps.

To report a dry well, contact the District's Tampa Regulation Department at 813-985-7481 or 800-848-0499 or visit "WaterMatters.org/.(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/