Rains help recharge aquifer, area lakes

December, typically a dry month for the area, brought 2.87 inches of rain to the area, which allowed the aquifer to post its second positive reading in two weeks.
But even with that much rain, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, or Swiftmud, has not eased its one-day-per-week watering limits for Hernando County. While improving, lake levels remain below normal.
"The effects of our four-year drought can still be seen in our lakes, rivers and groundwater," said Granville Kinsman, Swiftmud's hydrologic data manager.
Kinsman said forecasters are predicting above-normal rainfall through mid-spring, which could improve conditions.
Hernando County and the other counties encompassing Swiftmud's northern district have already received more rain in the first 16 days of December than they normally do for the entire month.
Historically, December brings 2.66 inches of rain.
The rains have also recharged the aquifer, the underground layers of rock and sand that hold water.
That's good news for local bodies of water because any drop-off in the aquifer level causes a decline in groundwater that charges lakes.
As of Dec. 16, the level was at 0.26 feet, up from a negative 0.05 feet this same period last year, according to Swiftmud.
The normal aquifer range for this area is anywhere between 0 and 4 feet.
In November, rainfall was within the normal range.
Don't look for the rains to go away any time soon.
Jennifer Colson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Ruskin, said there is a 90 percent chance of rain Friday as an area of low pressure over the Gulf of Mexico moves over the state.
This area could receive 1 to 2 inches Friday, she said.
The moisture should move out by Saturday and leave a cold front in its wake. Forecast highs for Saturday are the mid-60s and the mercury probably won't get past 60 on Sunday.
The coldest night should be Sunday night and into Monday morning when the temperatures should be in the mid-30s. Colson said.