Water Restrictions Stay in Effect

BROOKSVILLE | Tropical Storm Fay didn't add enough water to lakes, rivers and aquifers in this part of the state to justify lifting emergency water restrictions, according to regional water officials.

"We're seeing improvements overall in hydrologic conditions, but we are approaching the end of the rainy season in September," said Granville Kinsman, the Southwest Florida Water Management District's hydrologic data manager, told members of the district's governing board in his monthly report.

"We still have much more room for the water resources to recover," he said.

Kinsman said this year's normal rainfall following a two-year drought has improved groundwater levels to within normal ranges.

But he said lake levels throughout the 16-county district that includes most of Polk are 1 to 4 feet below normal.

River levels have improved, but the Withlacoochee and Hillsborough rivers still remain at the bottom of normal seasonal levels, he said.

According to the most recent U.S. Geologic Survey data, the Peace River's flow at Bartow is still below average for this time of year.

Areas within Swiftmud's jurisdiction remain on one-day-per-week watering restrictions, which are scheduled to expire Sept. 30.

The Governing Board will vote on whether to rescind or to extend the restrictions at its Sept. 30 meeting.

[ Tom Palmer can be reached at 863-802-7535 or tom.palmer@theledger.com ]