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Parts of Florida, including South and Southwest Florida, are
currently experiencing drought conditions. A drought is a period
of unusually dry weather that persists long enough to cause
serious problems such as crop damage and/or water supply
shortages. The severity of the drought depends upon the degree
of moisture deficiency, the duration and the size of the
affected area.
Bordered by two oceans, Florida has the longest coastline in
the continental United States, the second largest lake in the
nation – Lake Okeechobee and 50,000 miles of rivers, streams and
waterways. Our waters define our state.
Yet, with all of the water that surrounds us, Florida is
still susceptible to drought. From 1998 to 2001, Florida
experienced a destructive drought where farm crops were ruined,
forest fires burned and lake levels reached all time lows.
Florida’s population is expected to increase to nearly 24
million and water use is predicted to increase by 22 percent by
2025. Now is the time to ensure we protect and conserve our
water supply. |
