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Swiftmud extends watering restrictions

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By HERNANDO TODAY STAFF

Published: November 27, 2007

Updated: 11/27/2007 09:21 am

Once-a-week watering restrictions will be around at least through June 30.

The governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, known as Swiftmud, voted Monday to extend the restrictions that have been in effect since Jan. 16.

The board chose to extend the water shortage order after a presentation by staff about the dry conditions in the area.

The board also factored in the forecast for a drier-than-normal fall, winter and spring because of La Nina, a phenomenon characterized by unusually cold water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean that affects weather in other parts of the country.

All 16 counties within the District are experiencing below-normal groundwater conditions, according to Swiftmud. In general, the district characterizes current groundwater conditions as severely abnormal.

The board expressed particular concern about conditions in Manatee and Sarasota counties and passed a resolution urging the two county governments to declare a water emergency there.

The district-wide water shortage order and the ensuing restrictions have been extended twice and were most recently set to expire Nov. 30.

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