Watering Restrictions Extended Through September

BROOKSVILLE - No need to change the timer on that irrigation system just yet.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board on Tuesday extended once-per-week watering restrictions through Sept. 30.

The board followed the recommendation of district staff members who said low lake, river and groundwater levels warranted the extension of the restrictions that have been in place since January of last year.

David Moore said the district, known as Swiftmud, appreciates the public's "effort to conserve through the dry season."

"We need people to continue to be vigilant," Moore said.

"Now is the time to try and help our water resources recover."

The district's 16-county region is in a 17-inch rainfall deficit for the 24-month period from June 2006 to May 2008, according to Swiftmud.

All 16 counties have below-normal groundwater levels.

The Withlacoochee River is "substantially below normal" and lakes throughout the district are two to five feet below normal.

Swiftmud officials encouraged residents to consider skipping their watering day now that the almost-daily afternoon storms are back.