Irrigation Restrictions To Remain In Effect

BROOKSVILLE | One-day-a-week watering restrictions will continue through the end of September, the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board agreed Tuesday.

Despite recent rains, water levels are still depressed, according to water managers.

The restrictions, in place since Jan. 9, 2007, were imposed as a result of the serious drought, the second in this decade, that has strained water supplies, lowered lakes and caused some river and creek beds to dry up.

The lack of rainfall has strained water supplies for regional utilities, such as the Peace River Manasota Water Supply Authority and Tampa Bay Water, which rely on capturing surface water in reservoirs to provide water for their customers.

Swiftmud spokesman Robyn Felix pointed out that now that the rainy season has arrived, there is little need for supplemental lawn irrigation anyway.

The original restrictions were imposed administratively by Executive Director Dave Moore, but are reviewed periodically by the agency's board.

Staff members recommended continuing the restrictions until at least Sept. 30.

In other action Tuesday, board members voted to approve additional purchases in connection with the Lake Hancock lake level project.

One involved the purchase of 122 acres and acceptance of a combination of title interests including perpetual flowage/inundation easements on 27 acres and mineral rights involving approximately 313 acres. The property is owned by Summertimes Ranch Inc. and Southern Resources, Inc. of Lakeland. Total purchase price was $9.5 million. The property is on the southern end of the lake near or along Saddle Creek.

The other purchase involved a home and lot owned by Calvin and Laura Cole in the Waterwood subdivision. The purchase price was $840,000.

The purchases are part of a plan to raise the level of the 4,500-acre lake at the head of the Peace River to create a reservoir to supplement flow in the Peace River during dry periods and comply with minimum flows required by state law.

Homes and other properties are being purchased because the higher lake level increases the size of the lake's flood plain, which puts the properties in danger of flooding.

The land purchases will also help to maintain wetlands habitats around the lake and offer recreational opportunities for the public.

At a recent meeting Polk County commissioners urged Swiftmud officials to expedite the pace of purchases around the lake and along Saddle Creek to reduce the anxiety of homeowners, who have been waiting for years for the project's outcome.

[Tom Palmer can be reached at 863-802-7535 or tom.palmer@theledger.com. Read more views on the environment at http://environment.theledger.com.]