CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Cape Coral is implementing strict water usage restrictions in a 10-square-mile area of the northeast part of the city. The restrictions target residents with private wells connected to the mid-Hawthorn aquifer, which is experiencing low water levels.
City leaders are prioritizing education, but enforcement is also a daily occurrence. Todd Hoagland, the City of Cape Coral’s Code Compliance Manager, explained the situation.
“The reason is, the mid-Hawthorne aquifer is running low, and there is a draw on the system from residents,” said Hoagland. “So, consuming water for personal use and drinking is the most important.”
The city is increasing its efforts to save water. Hoagland said they have staff monitoring compliance.
“We have staff that go out in the daytime, evenings, weekends, and enforce the watering ban,” said Hoagland. “So if we do see someone that’s watering right now, anytime they see watering, they can, you know, take action, either through enforcement or education of the property owner.”
Since the emergency order was declared, code compliance has investigated 1,922 cases related to watering violations. Hoagland emphasized the severity of the situation.
“This is the only one in my history, in the 10 years that I’ve been here, that has actually been this extreme to where it’s a, you know, no watering allowed at all,” said Hoagland.
Longtime resident James Gilligan noted the changes in water availability over time.
“Well, originally, everybody’s on a well. There weren’t many people out here. And of course, the water table was high,” said Gilligan. “The city started building so fast. The wells are going dry, and the water table is dropping.”
Although Gilligan is now on city water, he stressed the importance of conservation.
“Everybody has to have water. You have to be reasonable, you know, just don’t leave your faucets on all the time. You have to be a little responsible,” said Gilligan.
City leaders have stated the restrictions will remain in place until water levels improve. Automatic sprinkler systems are not allowed, and code compliance officers patrol day and night, issuing warnings and educational notices for first-time violations.
For more information on whether your home is affected, visit Cape Coral’s official water conservation page.