SFWMD Modifies Ag, Commercial Water Restrictions

Because the region has averaged 22.5 inches of rain in the past three months, the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District on Thursday relaxed emergency water restrictions for agricultural, commercial and recreational use.

"Today's modifications take into account heavy rainfall that has helped replenish the District's 16-county system, which received an average of 22.53 inches of rainfall so far between July and September," said a press release.

Due to a 25-inch rainfall deficit and water shortage that began in 2006, SFWMD implemented one-day-a-week watering limits region-wide for the first time in the agency's history. Later, the restrictions were modified for two-days-a-week watering.

The modified restrictions allow additional water to farmers, golf courses, plant nurseries and related operations already have water conservation plans in place.

After Tropical Storm Fay, Lake Okeechobee rose more than two feet in a single week for the first time in recorded history, based on records dating back to 1931, SFWMD said.

According to the latest U.S. Geological Survey water use report:

•South Florida residents average 179 gallons per person per day.

•Up to one-half of water is used for outdoor irrigation.

•More than 50 percent of the water applied to lawns is lost to evaporation or run-off.

The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state - 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys.

- GARY PINNELL