Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Arid South Florida urged to turn off the water

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published April 13, 2007

WEST PALM BEACH - South Florida residents must cut water use by up to 30 percent under new rules approved Thursday as the state continues to suffer from unprecedented drought conditions.

The board of the South Florida Water Management District approved restrictions that call for a 30 percent reduction in water use in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Lee, Collier, Hendry, Glades and Charlotte counties. Martin and St. Lucie counties will have to reduce use by 15 percent.

Residents around Lake Okeechobee will have to cut back 30 percent, while farmers in that area must cut use by 45 percent.

"If we don't get above average rainfall this summer, we may not come out of drought" until after next year's dry season, said district director Carol Wehle

The new restrictions will be in place until rains return to the region. Despite scattered showers Thursday, officials said South Florida would need at least six weeks of steady rain with several inches a day to return to normal water levels.

The rules mean residents will have to cut back lawn and garden watering to two days a week between 4 and 8 a.m. for the lower east and west coast regions and three days a week in Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Residents around Lake Okeechobee, which is at a record low for the month, can water only twice a week.

Officials estimate that 50 percent of drinking water produced daily in South Florida is used for watering lawns and gardens.

[Last modified April 13, 2007, 01:06:03]