Miami-Dade residents asked to conserve water as Florida drought deepens
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A drought has taken hold across Florida, with some areas experiencing extreme conditions.
Why it matters: Drought and water usage are burdening the underground Biscayne Aquifer, which increases the risk of saltwater intrusion for Miami-Dade County's primary water source.
State of play: The South Florida Water Management District issued water shortage warnings were issued across South Florida, including in Miami-Dade, as officials ask residents to limit non-essential water use.
Miami-Dade County is asking residents to consider helping in the following ways:
- Skip scheduled lawn irrigation days until the warning is lifted.
- Avoid washing cars or boats, or filling pools, during this period.
- Use water during off-peak hours. (Peak usage occurs early in the morning and in the evening.)
- Wait to run your dishwasher or washing machine until you have a full load.
What they're saying: "Water is life, and conservation today helps safeguard our water resources for the future," the county wrote in a press release.
The big picture: 95% of Florida is experiencing some level of drought conditions with the remaining 5% considered "abnormally dry," per last week's U.S. Drought Monitor update.
- That puts the Sunshine State under its most severe and widespread drought since 2012, meteorologists said.
By the numbers: Between Nov. 1 and Feb. 4, Miami International Airport received about 4 inches of rain, about 3 inches less than normal, per the National Weather Service.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport received about 6 inches during that period, about 3.7 inches less than normal, per the NWS.
- Palm Beach International Airport received just 1.6 inches, a whopping 9 inches less than normal.
- Current water levels in several monitor wells of the Biscayne Aquifer are in the lower 10th percentile of historic levels, according to the South Florida Water Management District.
What's next: Without significant rainfall, further depletion of the groundwater is expected through the end of the dry season in May, the district said.
- Mandatory water restrictions may be imposed if the voluntary conservation efforts don't help.