The Southwest Florida Water Management District is calling on residents to make water conservation a permanent part of their daily routines as new data shows a significant dip in the region’s primary water sources.
While rainfall fluctuates throughout the year, District officials are reminding the public that local water resources are finite and require careful management to maintain the area’s quality of life.
Recent data from the March 25 Water Resource Weekly Update reveals a concerning trend in the North region, which includes Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, and Sumter counties.
Aquifer levels there have plummeted to the 14th percentile. This is well below the “normal range” of the 25th to 75th percentile and a sharp drop from the 60th percentile recorded on the same date last year. Aquifers are vital to the region, providing more than 80% of the total water supply.
The Central and South regions are currently faring better but still sit on the lower end of the normal spectrum. Central Florida, covering Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk counties, is at the 36th percentile.
READ: Hillsborough County Tightens The Tap As “Extreme” Water Shortage Hits
The South region, including counties like Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte, is at the 37th percentile. Both regions are seeing levels significantly lower than those recorded in March 2025.
Rainfall totals for the start of 2026 help explain the tightening supply. Year-to-date rainfall in the North region stands at 5.66 inches, trailing behind the historical average of 9.41 inches.
Similarly, the Central region has received 4.19 inches compared to its usual 8.54 inches. While the South region saw a brief boost with 3.04 inches of rain this March—slightly above the monthly average—the total for the year remains below the historic norm.
“Water levels may rise and fall, but our water resources remain limited,” the District stated in a recent release. The organization encourages all residents to prioritize efficient, non-wasteful uses of water to ensure sustainability for the future.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
