Southwest Florida Groundwater And Rivers Drop Below Normal As District Urges Conservation

Water levels across Southwest Florida’s aquifers, lakes, and rivers fell below normal historical ranges at the end of August, prompting regional water managers to call for ongoing, year-round water conservation.

According to the latest monthly update released by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, groundwater levels across all three monitoring regions—North, Central, and South—dropped below the 25th percentile threshold considered normal for this time of year. As of August 31, groundwater levels stood at the 21st percentile in the Northern region, the 23rd percentile in the Central region, and the 14th percentile in the Southern region. In southwest Florida, more than 80 percent of the public water supply comes from aquifers, which are underground layers of rock and sand that store water.

The District highlighted the need for responsible water habits across the region regardless of seasonal weather patterns.

“Water levels may rise and fall, but our water resources remain limited,” the District stated in the release. “The District encourages efficient, non-wasteful uses of water to sustain our high quality of life.”

Rainfall totals for August remained within typical ranges across the district, but total year-to-date precipitation from January through August sits below historic averages. The Northern region recorded 32.97 inches compared to a historic average of 39.68 inches.

The Central region recorded 30.27 inches against an average of 38.20 inches, and the Southern region totaled 29.19 inches compared to an average of 37.97 inches.

Regional surface waters also reflected the deficit. Across the 76 lakes tracked by the District, August water levels remained below their adopted minimum low management marks in the Northern (-3.98 feet), Tampa Bay (-0.90 feet), Polk Uplands (-0.04 feet), and Lake Wales Ridge (-2.24 feet) monitoring areas.

River and streamflow measurements showed similar declines. Streamflow percentiles for the Withlacoochee River near Holder (5th percentile), Withlacoochee River near Trilby (5th percentile), Hillsborough River near Zephyrhills (22nd percentile), Peace River at Arcadia (2nd percentile), and Peace River at Bartow (4th percentile) all registered below the standard 25th to 75th percentile normal range.

Residents seeking details on regional water conditions or conservation methods can call the District at 1-800-423-1476 or visit WaterMatters.org.