The record drought and accompanying increased water usage have dropped groundwater levels to record lows in Orange, Seminole, Lake and Marion counties, creating conditions favorable for the formation of additional sinkholes. Twenty sinkholes have been reported in central Florida, and without a reduction in groundwater usage, more are likely to form, especially after normal summer weather patterns begin. Heavy rains after droughts often cause enough pressure on the ground to create sinkholes. Drought conditions can lead to a variety of water resource concerns, such as an increase in outdoor watering, water supply utility capacity and pressure problems during times of peak demand, loss of pressure and flow in private wells, a decline in drinking water quality, sinkhole formation and low lake levels. The St. Johns River and South Florida water management districts prohibit outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Some local governments have more restrictive measures.
The public is also encouraged to limit outdoor watering to two days a week. This issue is critical to slowing the withdrawal of groundwater and helping to prevent the formation of more sinkholes. Dean was joined today by Orlando Mayor Glenda Hood, Orange County Vice Chairman Homer Hartage and representatives from the South Florida Water Management District.