November 6 , 2006

ISSUE 1140

SFWMD DECLARES EMERGENCY WATER SHORTAGE

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issued an Emergency Water Shortage declaration October 19, for the Northern Indian Prairie Basin, which encompasses more than 100,000 Highlands and Glades Counties to the Southeast of Lake Istokpoga.

The water shortage emergency order, which was required due to lower than normal rainfall in the region and correspondingly low lake levels, also affects any users around the entire margin of Lake Istokpoga. Permitted agricultural water users have been asked to cease all pumping and apply for variances to their water use permits. Under a variance approved by the district’s Governing Board, limited withdrawals from the canals will be allowed if they are determined not to be harmful to the resource.

For further information, please contact the SFWMD Okeechobee Service Center at (800) 250-4200 or the FFVA Government Affairs Office at (850) 521-0455.