September 22, 2008

ISSUE 1237

Abundant rainfall throughout South Florida, much of which was associated with Tropical Storm Fay, brought an abrupt end to the two-year drought that has plagued the region. The level of Lake Okeechobee, now at 15.11 feet, has risen approximately four feet during the past month and is more than five feet higher than it was a year ago. On Sept.11, the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board removed emergency water use restrictions on agricultural water users allowing them to continue to use water within the limits of their permits. Restrictions that limit landscape irrigation to two days per week were not lifted.

While this is great news from a water supply standpoint, the dramatic increase in lake level has forced the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to initiate pulse releases to prevent further increases in the lake level. The pulse releases, in addition to excessive basin discharges, have already had a significant damaging effect on the estuaries on both coasts. Coastal residents and local leaders are voicing strong concerns related to the damage and the need to complete additional water storage projects on both coasts.

Meanwhile, agricultural interests are assessing damage to crops related to the excessive flooding and encouraging the ACOE to lower the lake only enough to meet flood control needs. Producer members with questions about water-related issues may call alan Peirce at (850) 521-0455.