Despite the rain, west-central Florida residents are still being told to conserve water, with one-day-a-week outdoor watering restrictions extended through spring.
Here's what to know
The Southwest Florida Water Management District restrictions announced on September 22 apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties, along with portions of other counties, according to WUSF.
Rainfall over the previous year was more than 15 inches below normal. The district said rain still has not restored regional water sources enough to loosen the limits.
At the district board meeting, April Breton, the district's water use permitting bureau chief, said, "All of our drought indicators within our district are below their normal range. The lake levels throughout the district are mostly below their low normal levels. The supply levels in our regional reservoirs have started to increase; however, additional quantities are needed to prepare for the dry season."
Outdoor use accounts for more than half of home water consumption in the region. Residents must continue limiting outdoor watering to once a week and follow the schedule and rules set by their city or county.
More background
Because many drought-stricken rivers and lakes also help provide drinking water, the district said the problem goes beyond lawns and landscaping.
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Tamera McBride, manager of the district's hydrologic data section, said each wet-season month still ended with below-average rainfall.
What's being done?
Under the order, Tampa can send less water through the Hillsborough River dam, keeping more in the reservoir that serves as the city's main drinking water source.
McBride told the board, "However, we are in an El Niño situation, and that El Niño is supposed to have a 90% chance of being very strong into the fall and winter."
Where can I learn more?
Here are more stories on how extreme weather is putting more pressure on Florida.
• In Tampa, hundreds of households faced fines as drought-era water use kept climbing.
• Across Florida, 80% of the state slipped into extreme drought as conditions worsened.
• In Southwest Florida, the main water reserve fell half empty, squeezing supplies for months.
• Before hurricane season, Central Florida braces for drought-busting tropical soaking and possible flash flooding.
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