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MAY 2007 NEWS RELEASES

LAKE OKEECHOBEE HITS RECORD 8.94-FOOT LOW
1-in-100-year drought drops Southeast U.S.'s largest lake to historic levels

West Palm Beach, FL - Water levels in Lake Okeechobee today reached an all-time record low of 8.94 feet, surpassing the mark of 8.97 feet set during the 2001 drought and tied yesterday. Water managers have been watching the water level slowly drop as months of low rainfall in the region took their toll on the 730-square-mile lake, a primary backup water supply to 5 million South Floridians.

"There is no joy over this record-breaking event," said Carol Ann Wehle, Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District. "As these extreme weather conditions continue, we are focused on the challenges ahead to best protect drinking water supplies, meet agricultural needs and safeguard our natural resources."

Rainfall directly over the lake has been low enough to qualify this drought as a 1-in-100-year event. Just north of the lake, along the tributary Kissimmee River and Upper Chain of Lakes, low rainfall has produced a 1-in-50-year drought. Only 40 inches of rain have fallen on the region in the past 18 months, about one-half the average. More than 200 days have passed since water flowed in the Kissimmee River and into Lake Okeechobee.

Historically, extreme water levels in Lake Okeechobee have fluctuated by almost 10 feet, according to recordkeeping that began in 1931. The all-time high-water mark was recorded on November 2, 1947 at 18.77 feet. Today's record-breaking low is almost a 10-foot difference. Extremely low levels were recorded during droughts in 1956, 1971 and 1981; high levels were recorded in 1982, 1995 and 1997.

Water levels in the lake are measured in NGVD units, or National Geodetic Vertical Datum units. NGVD is a nationally established coordinate system used to determine elevation, especially in areas close to sea level. At a typical water level of about 15 feet NGVD, Lake Okeechobee averages only about 9 feet deep, with the deepest locations no more than 15 feet deep.

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Lake Okeechobee MATCHES 2001 record low
Phase III water restrictions expanded to
all Lake Okeechobee Service Area Sub-Basins effective May 30

West Palm Beach, FL - With persistent dry, windy conditions and high evaporation rates, Lake Okeechobee water levels this morning hit 8.97 feet, matching the historic low set in May 2001. At the same time, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) declared an extreme water shortage order expanding Phase III water restrictions to all Lake Okeechobee Service Area Sub-Basins. The order, signed by SFWMD Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle, applies to the Lakeshore Perimeter Water Use Basin, the Caloosahatchee River Water Use Basin, and portions of the Indian Prairie and St. Lucie River Water Use Basins. The Everglades Agricultural Area Water Use Basin remains under Phase III restrictions, which were imposed on April 12, 2007. These basins are within all or parts of Okeechobee, Glades, Palm Beach, Lee, Hendry, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

As the primary back-up water supply for most South Florida residents, the lake is so low this year that its waters cannot be used to replenish the regional supply. District-wide rainfall since January 1, 2007, is 7.46 inches or 55 percent of average.

"In response to the rapid drop in Lake Okeechobee's water level, we are continuing to make the necessary decisions to help stretch water supplies," said Carol Ann Wehle, SFWMD Executive Director. "Tighter restrictions on the use of lake-connected surface water is one way to help us better manage the regional system."

The following new restrictions become effective at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, May 30.

• Lake Okeechobee Service Area Phase III mandatory water use restrictions predominantly impact agricultural, industrial and commercial water users in parts of Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Lee, Martin, St. Lucie and western Palm Beach counties. They also apply to residential users whose water source is Lake Okeechobee - or any of the surface water canals recharged by the lake - and includes utility customers in South Bay, Belle Glade, Pahokee, Okeechobee and Clewiston. North Lee County Utility service area customers are also affected by this order because they rely on the Olga Treatment Plant which draws water from Lake Okeechobee via the Caloosahatchee River.
  
  
  • Agricultural water users in these areas are required to reduce surface water consumption by 45 percent. Residential users must limit lawn watering, boat and car washing to one day per week: Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for odd numbered addresses; Sundays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for even-numbered addresses.
    
  • Groundwater sources (wells) are not restricted by this order. The SFWMD is monitoring conditions weekly to assess the need for any further restrictions.
    
    
  • The use of water for health, fire, safety and other essential purposes also is not restricted.

See new Water Shortage Map [PDF]

Water restrictions in other areas of the South Florida Water Management District remain unchanged at this time. For additional information, residents can call the SFWMD's toll-free Water Shortage Hotline at 1-800-662-8876 or contact their regional SFWMD Service Center. Helpful water conservation tips, TV and radio public service announcements, and specific information on current water use restrictions are available at www.sfwmd.gov/conserve.

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LAKE OKEECHOBEE TIES HISTORIC LOW
1-in-100-year drought sends Florida's 'liquid heart' to 8.97 feet

West Palm Beach, FL - With severe drought conditions continuing to hamper South Florida, water levels in Lake Okeechobee - the second largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States -- today matched historic lows. Florida's ‘liquid heart' measured at 8.97 feet this morning, hitting the previous record low set during the 2001 drought.

"While the record low level of Lake Okeechobee means that drought conditions are continuing, seizing this opportunity to clean the bottom of the lake now will ensure a healthier lake when the rains return," said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole. "We will continue to work with our partners in South Florida to conserve water, implement restrictions where necessary and develop long-term solutions to prepare for future drought conditions."

Just 7 inches of rain fell across South Florida over the last 5 months, only about one-half the average. Above-average rainfall is needed to replenish the system and return regional supplies to normal conditions.

"Water managers anticipated for many months that scarce rainfall across South Florida would bring new records lows," said Carol Ann Wehle, Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District. "We are preparing for continued dry conditions and using all available emergency measures to protect drinking water supplies, meet the needs of our farmers and safeguard the environment but the regional impacts of a drought are extreme and far-reaching."

The District partially activated its emergency operations center in November 2006 to begin addressing the water shortage. It was fully activated March 30 of this year. Since then, thousands of staff hours and $12.3 million have been invested in drought-response and emergency activities, including:

• Removing muck to improve the environmental health of Lake Okeechobee. The drought has allowed the District to begin clearing 500,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment from the southwest area of the 730 square-mile lake to return the lake bottom to a more sandy base, improve water quality and restore wildlife habitat. To date, approximately 7,000 truckloads of muck have been hauled away.
  
  
• Initiating and enforcing water restrictions in 13 counties throughout South Florida, including the most stringent regional water restrictions ever imposed;
  
  
• Temporarily prohibiting activation of new water-use permits;
  
  
• Closely monitoring coastal wellfields to protect the long-term viability of drinking water supplies. Four local water utilities were required to reduce pumping from key coastal wellfields to prevent saltwater from encroaching inland.
  
  
• Staffing the District's water shortage hotline. The District has handled more than 15,000 calls from the public since activating its Citizen Information Line.
  
  
• Monitoring the District's more than 2,000 water control structures around the clock and operating the system to best manage water supplies. During a brief period of rainfall in Palm Beach County in mid-May, District engineers working together with local water managers captured, moved and stored excess stormwater, preventing almost 1.2 billion gallons of water from flowing unused into the Atlantic Ocean.
  
  
• Cutting off water supply deliveries from the Water Conservation Areas to protect the Everglades.

Lake Okeechobee serves as the primary backup water supply to millions of residents in South Florida. When the lake drops below a certain level, however, its waters cannot be used to replenish the regional supply. The lower the level drops, the less likely that summer rains can sufficiently refill the lake to meet water demands during next year's dry season. These include water supply deliveries for urban users in the Lower East Coast, for agricultural needs in regions around the lake and for environmental needs in the estuaries and Everglades treatment wetlands.

"The greater Everglades system has always experienced weather extremes," said Susan Sylvester, Operations Control & Vegetation Management Department Director. "We have periodic droughts, tropical storms and back-to-back hurricanes, often impacting the water level in Lake Okeechobee, which has varied almost 10 feet in elevation since recordkeeping began in the 1930s. Our challenge is to manage our way through those extremes."

"Long-time Floridians know that previous droughts occurred in 1981, 1971 and 1956," Sylvester added. "The difference was that, back then, 7 million people were not relying on our regional system. The system's ability to respond to dry and wet seasons, intense storms, periodic drought and population growth has been really remarkable."

Drought-related actions, including residential restrictions on lawn watering and car washing, are expected to continue after the summer rainy season begins so that groundwater supplies can be replenished as much as possible. Current predictions for a busier-than-normal hurricane season, which begins June 1, may also bring much needed rainfall to South Florida.

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LOW, LOWER OR LOWEST
Lake Okeechobee, Largest Lake in Southeastern United States,
is expected to reach record low

*** MEDIA EVENT ***

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Drought Brings Opportunity to Speed-Up Lake Okeechobee Restoration
Low water levels allow muck removal, habitat restoration along shoreline

click here for fact sheet on Muck Removal

West Palm Beach, FL -- Taking advantage of a rare opportunity in the midst of a record drought, South Florida water managers are removing tons of phosphorus-laden muck from Lake Okeechobee to restore critical aquatic habitats. Extremely low water levels have exposed hundreds of shoreline acres of nutrient-rich muck soil, which workers are scraping and hauling away to vastly improve the health of the 730-square mile lake. The South Florida Water Management District's Governing Board this month released $11 million in emergency funds to remove muck from six large sites around the lake.

"Removing the sediment from Lake Okeechobee will provide environmental and economical benefits for this area and the Greater Everglades Ecosystem," said Tim Rach, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Assistant Southeast District Director. “I would like to thank the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board for their leadership and the interagency team for their quick actions to get this important and beneficial work started."

"Drought emergencies usually bring challenges and problems," added Eric Buermann, newly elected Chairman of the Governing Board. “But in this case, the drought has provided an excellent, unexpected opportunity. Lake Okeechobee's exposed shoreline allows us to remove accumulated muck in the lake so that plants and fish can thrive when the rains return."

Muck soils, composed of highly decomposed organic matter, cover most of the lake bed at depths of more than a foot. During storms, the soils are easily stirred up, lowering water clarity and preventing sunlight from reaching plants. After two active hurricane seasons in 2004 and 2005, Lake Okeechobee remained mud-colored for many months, and large areas of submerged aquatic vegetation disappeared. The upcoming hurricane season, which starts June 1, is predicted to be very active, with the likelihood of 13 to 17 named storms, according to experts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Once the muck is removed and lake levels return to normal, native plants such as tape grass, spike rush, bulrush and Kissimmee grass will rapidly grow and thrive along the clear, sandy shoreline. These areas are ideal spawning and nursery grounds for sport fish such as bass and crappie. They also are prime habitat for apple snails, the primary food source of the federally endangered snail kite, a medium-size hawk native to South Florida.

Workers use front-end loaders and dump trucks to scrape and haul the muck from the southeast United States' largest lake. Over the next three months, millions of cubic yards of muck will be hauled away. From just a single site, Fisheating Bay, more than 27,000 truckloads -- or 500,000 cubic yards -- of sediment will be dredged from 800 acres of exposed lake bed. Disposal is being coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and regional landowners, who have expressed interest in applying the rich muck soils to their properties.

"An added benefit is that we are removing some phosphorus with the muck," said Dr. Susan Gray, Lake Okeechobee Program Director at the South Florida Water Management District. “About 280 tons of phosphorus will be removed from the lake in these sediments, equating to more than 11⁄2 year's worth of downstream treatment by our 40,000 acres of constructed treatment wetlands."

The lake's water level, currently at 9.2 feet NGVD, is fast approaching the all-time record low, set during the 2001 drought at 8.97 feet NGVD. (National Geodetic Vertical Datum, or NGVD, is a nationally established coordinate system used to determine elevation, especially in areas close to sea level.) Just 41 inches of rain have fallen across the 16-county region over the last 12 months -- more than 10 inches below the annual average. e

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Truckin' the Muck out of Largest Lake in Southeastern United States Drought Conditions Provide Opportunity to Remove Sediment, Improve Habitat in Lake Okeechobee
	Click on image above for high res version

Directions:
From Palm Beach (East):
Take US-441 North to FL-80 West, continue to follow FL-80 West. Turn right on
US-27 for approximately 32.5 miles. Turn right on FL-78 for about 9.5 miles.
Veer to right onto Herbert Hoover Dike road. Follow district signs to event.

From West:
Follow FL-80 East to US-27. Go north on US-27 through Moore Haven. Turn right on FL-78 for about 9.5 miles. Veer to right into Herbert Hoover Dike road. Follow district signs to event.

From Miami (South):
I-95 North to Florida's Turnpike (Exit 12A). Merge onto I-595 W via Exit 54.
Merge onto I-75 North towards Naples. Merge onto US 27 N Exit 23 towards
South Bay. Turn right on FL-78 for about 9.5 miles. Veer to right onto Herbert
Hoover Dike road. Follow district signs to event.

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STATEMENT FROM:

Carol Ann Wehle, Executive Director,
South Florida Water Management District

RE: Passage of the Water Resources Development Act
by the U.S. Senate

WEST PALM BEACH - "The South Florida Water Management District is grateful to the U.S. Senate for their near-unanimous vote this week to reauthorize the Water Resources Development Act. Diligent efforts by Florida's delegation and many others in Washington who support environmental restoration have made this important step possible. A sincere thank you to Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez for their leadership and dedication to this effort.

Florida remains unconditionally committed to Everglades restoration and anticipates an ongoing, strong and successful state-federal partnership to make this vision a reality. We are now one step closer to saving a unique habitat and to achieving the ecological goals of this shared, unprecedented and far-reaching restoration plan.

As this bill moves into conference for final, collaborative review by the Senate and House of Representatives, we support our leaders' efforts to finalize and approve their landmark legislation. This agency remains dedicated to working diligently with all our federal, state and local partners so that restoration of America's Everglades never stops moving forward."

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Everglades Restoration Project Continues Despite Wildfires
More than 18,000 acres impacted by blaze

Collier County, FL - Inside the Picayune Strand Everglades Restoration Project and just 12 miles from Naples, Collier County's largest wildfire in recent memory is 95 percent contained after impacting 18,027 acres of parched grassland. Smaller wildfires are also burning in the nearby Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (4,000 acres) and in several locations in Big Cypress National Preserve (totaling 16,000 acres). Severe drought conditions across the Florida peninsula have contributed to the size and rapid spread of these fires, likely caused by lightning. In the past week, only 1⁄4 inch of rainfall or less fell over the already-dry area.

"Although wildfires do occur naturally during the dry season, this drought has allowed the fires to start and spread rapidly," said Carol Ann Wehle, Executive Director of the South Florida Water Management District. "Fortunately, impacts to our restoration project have been minimal so far."

The Picayune Strand fire, dubbed the Balsa Fire by rangers who first spotted the blaze, started with a lightning strike in the Picayune Strand State Forest, outside the Picayune Strand Everglades Restoration Project. The fire quickly spread east into the project area. Maps show the fire currently stopped at the Faka Union Canal, just east of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Fire crews from the Florida Division of Forestry are being assisted by several local fire departments, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and several other agencies in responding to the blaze.

Started in 2003, the Picayune Strand Everglades Restoration Project is demolishing structures and removing roadways built for an extensive but unfinished residential development. Scheduled for completion in 2009, the project will restore sheetflow of water across more than 55,000 acres of land, improving water quality and creating prime habitat for Everglades flora and fauna. To date, workers have removed 1,345 tons of concrete from the site, along with 169 tons of tires and 514 tons of scrap metal. Each of these materials is being recycled. Restoration construction activities, which are currently taking place 4 to 5 miles from the closest flames, were stopped for one day due to heavy smoke from the wildfires.

The Picayune Strand Restoration Project is part of the Acceler8 initiative to step up the pace of funding, design and construction of eight key Everglades restoration projects. Together the projects will restore more than 70,000 acres of wetlands across South Florida, expand water treatment areas by more than 25,000 acres and provide over 425,000 acre-feet of additional water storage for Everglades needs. Since 2000, Florida has invested more that $2 billion of the committed $3.3 billion through the end of the decade to clean up and restore America's Everglades.

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Polk County Agreement Establishes Lake Kissimmee Recreation Area

Plans to turn over 136 acres of lakefront property to Polk County and dedicate up to $1 million for boat ramps and park facilities took a step forward today when the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board approved a partnership to build the lakefront park.

The agreement states that the South Florida Water Management District will give Polk County the 136-acre parcel in the southwest corner of Lake Kissimmee, and in the new fiscal year set aside $1 million to construct of boat ramps for airboats, canoes and conventional power boats. The funds would also be used to construct restrooms and picnic pavilions. Once the park construction is complete, Polk County would take ownership and operate the park.

The Polk County Board of County Commissioners approved the agreement at its May 9 board meeting.

"This joint venture between the Board of County Commissioners and the SFWMD is another example of governmental entities working together for the benefit of its residents and visitors," said Polk County Commissioner Bob English. "With an airboat ramp, conventional boat ramp and kayak/canoe launch area on its southwest shoreline the new ramp will provide the most convenient public access directly to Lake Kissimmee. The board is pleased that this important project is moving along on schedule."

"This is great news for the sport angler, airboater and recreational kayaker who are looking for a place to launch a boat on one of Florida grandest lakes," said Harkley Thornton who represents Central Florida on the SFWMD Governing Board.

"The phenomenal work of the South Florida Water Management District's land acquisition team and the expertise of Polk County Parks and Recreation came together to provide this additional recreational benefit in Central Florida," he said.

Design work for the public-use facilities and boat ramps are underway and expected to be completed this summer. Construction of the facilities is expected to begin immediately after the October 1 beginning of the new fiscal year.

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Continued Drought Conditions Force New Water Restrictions
Extreme Water Shortage Declared for Palm Beach and Broward Counties;
Severe Water Shortage Expanded to Martin & St. Lucie Counties

West Palm Beach, FL - With recent rains doing little to alleviate drought-related conditions across South Florida, the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) Governing Board today declared an extreme water shortage for eastern Broward and Palm Beach counties. The two southeast coastal counties are the first primarily residential areas to be placed in modified Phase III water use restrictions since the agency adopted a phased water shortage plan more than two decades ago.

"During the past two months, the District has called upon local businesses, residents and our government partners to practice aggressive water conservation to stretch our municipal water supplies, and these efforts have made a difference," said SFWMD Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle. "Unfortunately, South Florida is facing one of the worst droughts on record. Four of our coastal wellfields are at risk of saltwater intrusion, and we simply need to do more to protect our regional water resources."

The following new restrictions will become effective at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, May 16:

• Eastern Palm Beach and Broward counties (defined as all lands east of the Water Conservation Areas), and a small portion of Martin County are required to follow Phase III restrictions, limiting outdoor water use to one day a week.

• Agricultural users in the Indian Prairie Basin will transition to Phase III restrictions.

• As part of a severe water shortage declaration in the District's Upper East Coast Service Area, Martin and St. Lucie counties will be required to follow modified Phase II restrictions, limiting outdoor water use to two days a week.

• In response to concerns over elevated chloride levels in coastal wellfields along eastern Broward and Palm Beach counties, water utilities in Lake Worth, Lantana, Hallandale and Dania Beach are required to cease or shift pumpage from certain coastal wells.

~ See New Orders

At 9.37 feet above sea level, the current water level in Lake Okeechobee is within five inches of its record low of 8.97 feet, recorded in 2001. The primary back-up water supply for most South Florida residents, the lake is so low this year that its waters cannot be used to replenish the regional supply. If drought conditions persist, water managers expect the lake level to reach a new record low elevation within weeks.

Over the past several weeks, the District has documented more than 200 water restriction violations by consumptive use permit holders such as homeowners associations, golf courses and other water users. Under Florida State Statutes, the District is authorized to seek civil penalties of up to $10,000 per offense per day for water use violations. In addition, local municipalities have reported issuing more than 9,400 warnings and citations for violations of the current residential and commercial water use restrictions.

For additional information, residents can call the SFWMD's toll-free Water Shortage Hotline at 1-800-662-8876 or contact their regional SFWMD Service Center. Helpful water conservation tips, TV and radio public service announcements, and specific information on current water use restrictions are available at www.sfwmd.gov/conserve .

SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

Eastern Palm Beach, Broward, and a small portion of Martin County served by Tequesta Water Utilities - Phase III Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Phase III water restrictions target outdoor water use, limiting lawn watering and car washing to one day a week: Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for odd-numbered addresses; Sundays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for even-numbered addresses.

These limitations and other actions and are intended to produce a 45 percent water use reduction by the combined conservation efforts of all users, including agricultural, industrial, commercial, golf course, landscaping and residential water users. The Phase III restrictions in this region apply to users who get their water from public utilities, private wells, canals, ponds and lakes.

Lake Okeechobee Service Area - Everglades Agricultural Basins - Phase III Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Phase III mandatory water use restrictions remain in place for the Everglades Agricultural Area. Agricultural water users are required to reduce their consumption of Lake Okeechobee-connected surface water by 45 percent.

Lake Istokpoga Area/Upper Indian Prairie Basin (portions of Highlands and Glades counties) - Phase III Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Effective May 11, permitted agricultural and other area users who withdraw water directly from surface water sources connected to Lake Istokpoga will transition to Phase III water restrictions in incremental stages as the water level of Lake Istokpoga continues to drop below specified thresholds. Users were notified of the specific tiers representing 35 and 45 percent cutbacks and are encouraged to voluntarily exercise additional water conservation measures as practicable.

Martin and St. Lucie Counties - Phase II Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Phase II water restrictions target outdoor water use, limiting lawn watering and car washing to two days a week: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for odd numbered addresses; Thursdays and Sundays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for even-numbered addresses.
These limitations and other actions and are intended to produce a 30 percent water use reduction by the combined conservation efforts of all users, including agricultural, industrial, commercial, golf course, landscaping and residential water users. The Phase II restrictions in this region apply to users who draw their water from public utilities, private wells, canals, ponds and lakes.

Lake Okeechobee Service Area - Phase II Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Phase II mandatory water use restrictions remain in place for areas surrounding Lake Okeechobee, predominantly impacting agricultural, industrial and commercial water users in parts of Hendry, Glades, Okeechobee, Lee, Martin and western Palm Beach counties. They also apply to a small number of residential users whose water source is Lake Okeechobee - or any of the surface water canals recharged by the lake - and utility customers in South Bay, Belle Glade, Pahokee and Clewiston. Agricultural water users in these areas are required to reduce their surface water consumption by 30 percent. Residential users irrigating from surface water canals should continue limiting lawn watering, boat and car washing to two days per week: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for odd numbered addresses; Thursdays and Sundays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for even-numbered addresses.

The Phase II restrictions in the Lake Okeechobee Service Area apply to users who draw their water from Lake Okeechobee, public utilities, canals, ponds and lakes. Groundwater sources (wells) are not restricted. The SFWMD is monitoring conditions weekly to assess the need for any further restrictions.

Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties - Phase II Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Phase II restrictions remain in place for Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, limiting lawn watering and car washing to two days a week: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for odd-numbered addresses; Thursdays and Sundays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for even-numbered addresses.

These limitations and other actions and are intended to produce a 30 percent water use reduction by agricultural, industrial, commercial, golf course, landscaping and residential water users. The Phase II restrictions in this region apply to users who draw their water from public utilities, private wells, canals, ponds and lakes.

Lee, Collier, Hendry, and Glades Counties; portion of Charlotte County - Phase II Mandatory Water Use Restrictions
Phase II restrictions remain in place in Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades counties, along with a portion of Charlotte County, limiting lawn watering and car washing to two days a week: Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for odd-numbered addresses; Thursdays and Sundays from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for even-numbered addresses.

These limitations and other actions and are intended to produce a 30 percent water use reduction by agricultural, industrial, commercial, golf course, landscaping and residential water users. The Phase II restrictions in this region apply to users who get their water from public utilities, private wells, canals, ponds and lakes.

Phase II and Phase III restrictions allow low-volume, spot-watering using a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the designated landscape watering days. Additional watering days and times also have been allowed for new landscaping over a 30-day establishment period.

The use of 100 percent reclaimed water, an alternative water source, is not subject to restrictions. The use of water for health, fire, safety and other essential purposes also is not restricted.

For more information, call the SFWMD's toll-free
Water Shortage Hotline at 1-800-662-8876 or visit www.sfwmd.gov/conserve.

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* * * *Press Conference* * * *

DROUGHT CONTINUES IN FLORIDA
South Florida Water Management District
to provide Water Shortage Briefing for News Media

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South Florida Water Management District Emergency Management
Hurricane Exercise
Media invited to attend May 9, 2007

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Annual "Hurricane Freddy" Exercise Prepares Water Managers
for Emergency Response and Recovery

West Palm Beach, FL - On May 8-10, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will conduct its annual "Hurricane Freddy" exercise to once again test the agency's emergency operations preparedness and recovery plans in the event of a catastrophic hurricane. The primary purpose of this year's exercise is to demonstrate and evaluate the agency's ability to quickly activate its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and mobilize its field response teams in coordination with various other State agencies.

This will be accomplished by exercising plans, policies, procedures, systems and facilities in response to a simulated catastrophic hurricane event affecting South Florida.

The District's Hurricane Freddy exercise will be held in conjunction with Florida's statewide hurricane exercise, "Hurricane Tolbert." The Florida Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Environmental Protection and various other State agencies also will be involved in the statewide exercise, which will begin on Monday, May 7, with a pre-landfall evaluation.

The SFWMD's exercise will begin on Tuesday, May 8, with a morning briefing at District headquarters in West Palm Beach when the virtual scenario and role of the SFWMD will be shared with all District staff and participating agencies.

"Hurricanes and flooding emergencies still may happen during dry periods, such as the severe drought we are experiencing now," said Carol Ann Wehle, executive director of the SFWMD. "This exercise will help ensure that our agency is prepared to handle both drought and hurricane emergencies - even at the same time - a very real possibility this year."

Participating in annual exercises ensures that when an emergency situation occurs, the SFWMD can continue operations with minimal disruptions, as it meets the critical needs of the communities it serves.

MEDIA INVITE:
The media is invited to observe the District's "Hurricane Freddy" exercise on Wednesday, May 9, beginning with an 8:00 a.m. situation briefing at the SFWMD Emergency Operations Center in West Palm Beach. The exercise will intensify throughout the day as simulated emergency situations unfold and will end following a 3:30 p.m. briefing. The entire day's exercise is open to the press, and members of the media are invited to attend as their schedules permit.

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STATEMENT FROM:

Carol Ann Wehle, Executive Director,
South Florida Water Management District

RE: Passage of Senate Bill 392

"The South Florida Water Management District is grateful for the leadership and vision of Governor Crist, President Pruitt, Senator Saunders, Speaker Rubio, Representative Mayfield, Representative Williams, and the Florida Legislature in recognizing the importance of the northern Everglades to the health of South Florida's environment and economy.

By improving the quality and quantity of water flowing from the Kissimmee Basin into Lake Okeechobee, this new legislation will help preserve and protect Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Estuaries, and Southern Everglades, which are an interconnected watershed that sustains more than seven million Floridians, a thriving economy and an invaluable natural system.

Dedicating another $2 billion through 2020 will allow this State to build reservoirs, water quality treatment projects and creative storage options in addition to the extensive work already underway to restore the Everglades and demonstrates Florida's continued and unwavering commitment to environmental improvement.

Decades from now, our grandchildren will be grateful for this historic step taken today."

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Wal-Mart Aids South Florida Water Management District
in Water Shortage Awareness

Corporate partner joins agency to promote water conservation

The South Florida Water Management District is partnering with Wal-Mart Stores to spread the word on water restrictions during one of the worst recorded droughts in South Florida's history.

Throughout May, Wal-Mart Radio will broadcast hourly public service announcements in English and Spanish, in 61 stores in the South Florida area. Customers and Wal-Mart employees will learn about ongoing water restrictions and receive contact information for the latest drought details.

"This is an extraordinary free service Wal-Mart is offering to the residents of South Florida," said Carol Wehle, South Florida Water Management District Executive Director. "With this company's help, we will reach many, many more people who need to be aware of and follow mandatory water restrictions."

The announcements have begun running in stores in Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk and St. Lucie counties. Most of these counties are under Phase II water restrictions authorized by the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board in April, to promote water conservation.

"Water conservation must be more than a short-term solution. It must become a long-term part of our daily environmental ethic," said Wehle.

Even if Florida receives average rainfall this summer, that might not be enough water to break the drought. In the last 18 months, South Florida has received just 49.31 inches of rain, almost 17 inches less than the 30-year average of expected rainfall.

Michelle Azel, Wal-Mart's Senior Manager for Public Affairs, said the company has run in-store broadcasts of other public service announcements in the past, and didn't hesitate to add drought and water restriction notices to the list.

"This is our opportunity to partner on a very important initiative for conservation in our area," Azel said.

Other businesses that would like to partner with the District on educating the public about water restrictions and the drought, can call Julie Huber, Media Relations Specialist, at (561) 682-2115.

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No quick end to drought in sight

Lake Okeechobee keeps dropping
as South Florida Water Management District
works to stretch limited water supply

Mussel shells seem out of place alongside desert-like cracks in a dry landscape, but the mismatched combination is what's found on Lake Okeechobee shores as drought grips South Florida.

"Statewide, Florida is experiencing one of its driest seasons on record since 1895, and it's possible that the summer rainy season won't bring enough water to end the drought," said Ben Nelson, state meteorologist with the Florida Division of Emergency Management.

"Our main concern is that we'll have a La Niña develop this summer in the equatorial Pacific," Nelson said. "La Niña typically means drought in Florida."

Nelson issued the weather warning at a press conference held with South Florida Water Management District officials at Jaycee Park Pier in the Lake Okeechobee Recreation Area on Tuesday.

With the drought already one year old, a La Niña system could prolong it through the end of 2007. A La Niña occurs when cooler than average waters are recorded in equatorial Pacific waters. This shifts the jet stream northward, preventing storm systems and rain from impacting Florida in the fall, winter and spring, said Nelson.

Even if Florida receives average rainfall this summer, that won't be enough to break the drought if the wet months are followed by unseasonably dry weather. In the last 18 months, South Florida has received just 49.31 inches of rain, almost 17 inches less than the 30-year average of expected rainfall.

"It is critical that South Floridians follow the water restrictions so that enough of the limited natural resource is available for drinking water and environmental needs," said Chip Merriam, Deputy Executive Director at the South Florida Water Management District.

Florida last experienced a multi-year drought in 1999-2001. Lake Okeechobee water levels dropped to a record low of 8.97 feet in May 2001. Tuesday, the lake level was 9.66, less than one foot from that record low.

The current drought is hitting South Florida harder than 1999-2001 drought, because rainfall has been scant statewide. During the last drought, rainfall in Central Florida was enough to carry South Florida through the lean times. Water flowing from the Kissimmee River Valley helped to recharge water supplies in Lake Okeechobee.

With statewide rainfall shortages for much of 2006, there isn't enough water in Central Florida to help alleviate drought here. The result is a strain on water supplies from surface sources like Lake Okeechobee, rivers and canals, and South Florida's shallow aquifer.

Lake Okeechobee is low enough that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hasn't ordered major water releases since January 2006. The most recent pulse environmental releases ran from only December 2006 to February 2007.

Effects of the drought are most visible around Lake Okeechobee, from vibrant green grass growing in canals where water once flowed, to channel markers that appear to have sprouted on land. The district has also closed four navigation locks to boaters because the low water levels are a hazard.

"There is a silver lining in the drought for Lake Okeechobee's wildlife and vegetation," said Susan Gray, Deputy Department Director for Watershed Management. "Low lake levels are giving beneficial submerged and emergent plant species a chance to re-grow, and water managers may now have the opportunity to remove some of the phosphorus-laden muck from the lake bed."

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