Water rules tightened as drought worsens

Reacting to a continuing lack of rainfall in the region, the Southwest Florida Water Management District announced “Modified Phase III” extreme water shortage restrictions Wednesday.

The 16-county district — including Charlotte, Sarasota and DeSoto counties — has a 14-inch rain deficit compared to average annual rainfall, Government Affairs Regional Manager Bruno Kapacinskas said at Tuesday’s Venice City Council meeting after accepting a proclamation designating April as “Water Conservation Month” in the city.

“There are a lot of straws in the aquifer,” he said, and it’s not being refilled fast enough…

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