The Aquifer Report: Feb. 13

If you’re wondering how much the recent rains have helped water levels in the area, this is the place to find out.

In its Feb. 11 Aquifer Resource Weekly Update, the Southwest Florida Water Management District reported that water levels in the central area – Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties – are in the normal range at the moment and have even climbed a slight amount since the previous week.

Here’s what the numbers look like:

• Current aquifer levels as of Feb. 11, 1.90 feet.
• The previous week’s levels, 1.62.
• Same date last year, 3.47 feet.
• Normal range, 0 to 5.5 feet.

The district report said we had 0.73 inches of rain between Feb. 1 and Feb. 9. The historic average is 2.88 inches.

Keep in mind that recent rainfall has been enough in most areas for many residents to skip a week on their lawn watering. In the winter, lawns only need about a 1/2 to 3/4 inches of water once every 10 to 14 days, according to the University of Florida.

Pasco County also enforces once a week watering restrictions. So, make sure you know you day if you do decide to water.

To learn more about water conservation, visit watermatters.org. To find out more about restrictions in Pasco, visit pascocountyfl.net.