The year 2000 was the driest calendar year on record for South Florida since 1938. Florida is now experiencing its worst drought since 1961. To make matters worse, the Climate Prediction Center predicts below normal rainfall for early spring.

      The most severe conditions are found in those areas that provide recharge to Lake Okeechobee, which is already at an all-time low and receding at a considerable pace. When Lake Okeechobee's elevations fall below 10.0 feet NGVD, in addition to reducing the water available for agricultural and other uses, the South Florida Water Management District's ability to deliver water supplies to Florida's Lower East Coast Region is significantly impaired.

     The Lower East Coast of Florida depends on water from its aquifers for its primary water supply. The Water Conservation Areas ("WCAs"), which act as storage areas for excess rainfall and surface water, are the initial backup for the aquifers. Lake Okeechobee is the backup water supply for the WCAs and the aquifers, as well as a direct source for communities and businesses located around the lake. 

     On the Lower East Coast of Florida the aquifer levels are currently acceptable, but are quickly declining due to lack of rainfall. Declining aquifer levels increase the danger of salt water intrusion. Once salt water intrusion has occurred, an aquifer may become unusable.

     The WCAs are projected to recede below the minimum levels of their regulation schedules if rainfall conditions are as predicted. At that time, Lake Okeechobee will be the only remaining regional water supply for the Lower East Coast of Florida for the rest of the dry season.

     Sections 373.175 and 373.246 of Florida Statutes authorize water management districts to declare a water shortage within all or part of a water management district, where it is determined that insufficient ground or surface water is or will be available to meet the present and anticipated needs of the users or when conditions are such as to require a reduction in total use within the area to protect water resources from serious harm. Districts may impose restrictions on one or more classes of water uses as may be necessary to protect the water resources of the District from serious harm and to restore them to their previous condition. Section 373.609, F.S. requires all law enforcement authorities and appropriate city and county officials to enforce the District's regulations and orders adopted pursuant to its legal authority by administrative action.

     Under these provisions, the South Florida Water Management District currently has in effect six water shortage orders, affecting areas in the entire District. These orders are for phase II and III water restrictions. Generally, water use restrictions aim to eliminate all wasteful and unnecessary water use. Essential services involving public health and safety, such as fire-fighting, are not restricted. Restrictions apply to water supplied from utilities, and water taken from individual wells and surface water sources such as canals, lakes, ponds, and rivers. These restrictions do not apply to the use of treated wastewater, desalinated water, or water from aquifer storage and recovery wells. They also do not apply to low-volume irrigation using equipment or devices that apply directly to the root area of a plant.

    Phase II restrictions aim for an overall thirty percent reduction in water use, and apply to all uses of water, including urban, agricultural, nursery, and golf course irrigation. These restrictions include limiting lawn watering and car washing to two days per week. Phase II restrictions also require utilities to reduce the pressure at the meter to no greater than forty-five pounds per square inch. Phase III restrictions aim for an overall forty-five percent reduction in water use, and apply to the same uses of water as Phase II restrictions. Phase III restrictions reduce the watering schedule to one day per week. Additionally, agricultural use irrigation is reduced to the hours of 7:00 p.m to 7:00 a.m.

    Further information regarding the water shortage conditions in South Florida may be found on the SFWMD's website at www.sfwmd.gov (under "current weather & water conditions - water shortage). You may also call the Citizen's Information Line at 1-800-662-8876 if you have any questions or concerns.