Water warnings have been lifted in Florida, but the drought isn’t over
Don’t let the recent rain fool you. South Florida is still in a drought so don’t flood your garden beds quite yet.
Still, the showers brought much-needed relief. The South Florida Water Management District has lifted last month’s water shortage warning after storms dropped roughly three to six inches of rain, helping the Biscayne Aquifer rebound to safe levels.
That matters because when the aquifer is under stress, it becomes vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. As freshwater pressure drops, seawater can push into the region’s porous limestone, threatening the primary drinking water source for millions.
“Sufficient water is expected to be available in Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties to meet anticipated demands through the transition to the wet season without causing harm to water resources,” the district said in its rescission order.
Even with the warning lifted, officials are still urging residents to conserve water and limit lawn irrigation across South Florida.
Airboat captain Tristan Tigertail, who offers tours in the Everglades, said water levels in parts of the Everglades have already risen a few inches, covering sections of the trails.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data predicts that over the next month, drought conditions will persist.
This is the twelfth driest year in the past 132 years, with the groundwater levels 2.59 inches below normal, NOAA reports.
Ashley Miznazi is a climate change reporter for the Miami Herald funded by the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation and MSC Cruises in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
