Homeowners Advised To Shut Off Well Pumps During Freeze

By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune
Published: February 04, 2009

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PLANT CITY --

Homeowners who use wells for their water should take extra precautions tonight on what is expected to be the coldest night of the winter so far.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is advising homeowners near Plant City and Dover to switch off the pumps on their wells tonight and Thursday night. A hard freeze is expected both nights.

During a freeze, strawberry farmers and others pump additional water from their wells to protect their crops, causing underground aquifer levels to drop.

If the aquifer falls below the well's pump level, the pump can burn out if not shut off. Pumps should remain off until noon after a freeze.

The district also urges homeowners to store water in case their pumps are out of operation for several days.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 657-4532 or yhammett@tampatrib.com.