The Peace River Manasota reservoir is running low, and that’s raising alarms.
Drought conditions won’t let up, and now the reservoir, crucial for Sarasota, DeSoto, and Charlotte counties including North Port, is only half full. That’s a big drop from the usual 70 to 80 percent capacity seen this time of year.
Every day, these communities draw about 30 million gallons from the reservoir. But with water levels sinking, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority are getting serious about conservation.
Richard Anderson, executive director of the water supply authority, doesn’t sugarcoat the problem. “Right now we’re at 50% capacity. That might sound like a lot, but with three months left in the dry season, that’s really not that much water on hand.” He’s urging everyone to be careful with how they use water until the rains return.
When full, the reservoir holds about 6 billion gallons and reaches 35 feet deep. Anderson puts it in perspective: if the reservoir were full, you’d be standing in 15 feet of water at the current spot.
But that’s not the situation now. The region is facing a 13-inch water deficit, and the steady, soaking rain needed to refill the system rarely arrives until June. Until then, the rivers, lakes, and aquifers remain dry.
This drought is not solely a local problem. The U.S. Drought Monitor reports these dry conditions affect 18 million people in Florida. The warning is clear: water isn’t endless, and this year, it’s running short.
