Conservation and enforcement of watering restrictions needed
The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board recently gave its executive director authority to declare a water shortage prior to the January 2007 Board meeting if hydrologic conditions continue to worsen.
The Board acted because of current dry conditions and the time span between the Nov. 30-Dec. 1 meetings and the next planned meeting on January 30.
“We may need to act before the next Board meeting depending on rainfall and the state of our water resources,” said David L. Moore, executive director. “We will continue to monitor water levels and respond accordingly.”
Rainfall for the calendar year through November is down from nine to 15 inches throughout the District. Flow in the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee and Peace rivers has been below normal since May. Although many hydrologic indicators are below normal, meteorological forecasts predict a wetter than normal winter and spring, which would provide much needed relief.
“Were hoping that prediction is right, but we cant depend on it,” said Moore. “We need to be ready for any possibilities heading into the heart of the dry season.”
The District reminds residents to follow current watering restrictions and not waste water inside or outside the home. Year-round watering restrictions in the District are the strongest in the state, and some cities and counties have even stricter local ordinances. The keys are education reminding residents what the rules are and enforcement of the restrictions by local governments.
If the executive director determines that additional District restrictions or other response mechanisms may be necessary, a public hearing will be held to discuss the proposed water shortage declaration. The date, time and location of any public hearing would be promptly posted in the Florida Administrative Weekly and on the Districts web site at WaterMatters.org. If a water shortage declaration occurs, the District will use newspaper advertising, letters to permit holders, and other ways to communicate changes to the general public.
Tips on how to conserve water and information on watering restrictions are available on the Districts web site at WaterMatters.org.