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Lake "O" Reaches New Record Low

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Feb 12, 2008 11:50 am US/Eastern

Lake "O" Reaches New Record Low

FAST FACTS: Phase III Water Restrictions

WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) ― Lake Okeechobee has again hit a record low.

The lake measured just 9.98 feet Tuesday, a level never before seen at this time of year. Experts say it's an indication that lake levels will likely continue to drop and the lake is currently four feet below its historical average for this time of year.

The lake hit an unprecedented low in July when the level was 8.82 feet, following nearly two years of below average rainfall and persistent drought conditions. Typically drenching summer rains failed to deliver enough boost to bring the lake back to normal.

Water managers have imposed the toughest restrictions ever throughout a 16-county region from Orlando to the Keys, limiting outside water to once a week at least until the rains return and lake levels rise.

(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

© MMIX, CBS Television Stations Inc. All Rights Reserved.