District hydrologists may recommend that the District's Governing Board officially declare a water shortage if, during the next few weeks, it is determined that there is an increased likelihood that there will not be enough water available to meet anticipated demands or to protect the water resources from serious harm. Since January, rainfall in the central Florida area has been between 15 to 25 inches below normal. Lake levels have continued to decline. Groundwater levels, which are typically higher in the fall, are historically low for this time of year. Rainfall deficits, like we have in the central Florida area, typically are only seen once every 100 to 200 years.
Many lakes depend on rainfall as their sole source of water.
It is natural for lake levels to fluctuate. There are benefits to high water levels and low water levels. The low water levels that occur during droughts are good for the overall health of lake habitat and water quality. Our primary concern is the low groundwater levels. Low groundwater levels can increase the potential for sinkholes and cause declines in water quality due to saltwater intrusion at some locations.