Water Shortage in Northeastern Cape Coral

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - In order to continue to protect groundwater in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, the South Florida Water Management District (District) still has a Water Shortage Order imposing Modified Phase IV Water Shortage restrictions in a designated area of Northeastern Cape Coral in Lee County for residents and businesses that use private wells for irrigation. This restriction does not apply to homes and businesses on city water.

As of October 1, 2025, the water level at the USGS Monitoring Well L-4820 in the water shortage area has increased to -85.14 feet (NAVD) or about 9 feet since record low levels in April. This increase is the result of the restrictions that were put in place. As a reminder, if the water level falls below -103.01 feet NAVD, serious and possibly irreversible harm may be caused to the aquifer.

Throughout the wet season the District has been closely monitoring water levels in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer. The City of Cape Coral started providing City water to the southern portion of the water shortage area. The City utilizes water from a different aquifer, so as people hook up to City water and abandon their Mid-Hawthorn well we typically see aquifer levels improve as the demands are reduced. This is a trend that monitoring has documented when the City has expanded their utility service into an area.

The District will continue to monitor aquifer conditions and coordinate with the City of Cape Coral and Lee County to take appropriate actions as necessary to protect the water resources in Cape Coral. It is important that residents with wells in the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer continue water conservation measures as Cape Coral continues their efforts to expand water service to the residents within the affected area.

For more information visit SFWMD.gov/WaterShortage.