Water Shortage in Northeastern Cape Coral
The South Florida Water Management District (District) eased stringent water restrictions from a Modified Phase IV Water Shortage Order to a Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order in a designated area of northeastern Cape Coral in Lee County. These restrictions apply to residents and businesses that use private wells accessing the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer for irrigation.
Read the Order Rescinding Phase IV Restrictions and Imposing Modified Phase II Restrictions.
The Phase IV restrictions were put in place in May 2025 when the water level at the USGS Monitoring Well L-4820 in the water shortage area reached -93.61 feet NAVD. This was done in an effort to prevent long-term or permanent damage to the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer. As of May 3, 2026, the current groundwater level at well L-4820 is -80.43 feet NAVD. This is more than 2.58 feet above the maximum development limit (MDL) and 22.58 feet above the minimum flow and minimum water level (MFL) established for the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer.
