Oct 5, 2007 1:10 pm US/Eastern
Rain Raises Lake 'O' But Restrictions Remain
Water Conservation Hotline: 800-662-8876
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WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) ―
South Florida's recent rains have helped Lake Okeechobee's water level. On Thursday, the lake's water level moved up to the 10-foot mark for the first time since April, however, it still remains far below normal.
The average lake level is 5 feet below the historical average which means our current water shortage could stretch into next year.
A year ago, the lake's water level was 13.35 feet above sea level.
Water managers say Lake Okeechobee water levels have been setting new record daily lows for four months and South Florida may experience back-to-back water shortage years for the first time since the early 1980s.
The lake is a backup drinking source for millions of residents.
What does this mean to you? It means water restrictions are still in effect.
Extreme water shortage conditions persist in the Everglades Agricultural Area and in portions of Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Martin and western Palm Beach counties, which remain in full Phase III water restrictions.
Due to below average rainfall and subsequent low groundwater levels in the District's Lower West Coast, full Phase II restrictions remain in place for Lee and portions of Collier, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties.
Landscape irrigation in St. Lucie, Martin, eastern Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties remains limited to two days per week in most areas.
The SFWMD continues to encourage both residential and agricultural water users throughout the District to voluntarily reduce water consumption and conserve water.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
FAST FACTS: Modified Phase II Water Restrictions
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