Water Restrictions
May Be On The Way

By DOUG CARMAN

SEBRING — Facing a rain deficit of more than 10 inches in Highlands County and varying shortages throughout the region, the Southwest Florida Water Management District will consider a water shortage order in a public hearing Tuesday.

The order, if approved, may limit lawn watering and other water-intensive activities to as little as once a week, although the extent of action will be determined at the hearing, spokesman Michael Molligan said.

The water district includes Avon Park, Sebring, most of Lake Placid and a section of Venus roughly surrounding U.S. 27.

The district-wide water shortage, resulting from a summer of little rain fall, has been more severe further north.  Deficits as great as 14-inch have been experienced in the northern part.

“There were a few areas that got normal rainfall, but as regions go we definitely experienced a deficit,” Molligan said.

The southern district, including Highlands County, received 42.10 inches of rain in 2006.  The January to December average for the area is 52.83 inches.

To reverse the deficit, Molligan said the area will need a rainfall that is 140 percent of the normal amount for the months leading into the rainy season.

Drought-like conditions exist in all 16 counties covered by the district.

The public hearing will take place 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the district headquarters in Brooksville.