Residents with dry wells caused by farmers pumping billions of gallons of water to protect crops in January will have until March 2 to make claims for damages.
After that, the water management district will no longer pick up the tab for repairs, the Southwest Florida Water Management District's governing board decided today.
Pumping permits issued to berry farmers in the Plant City area require them to fix wells around the farms damaged by freeze pumping. But some of the wells were outside the area covered by the permits.
Last month, the district agreed to set aside $250,000 to fix those wells or for residents who were not getting a fast enough response from the farmer responsible. The district will then seek reimbursement from the farmer.
So far, the district has spent $53,900 repairing wells not covered by any permit. Repair costs ranged from $280 for a minor repair to $10,000 for a new well. The district paid for five new wells.
As of today, the district has received 751 well complaints. A month ago, the district had received 696.
Four wells are still not working but in line to be repaired, Executive Director Dave Moore told the board.
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