Cape Coral aquifers rebound after heavy rains, utility projects ease groundwater demand
CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
The aquifers that supply water to Cape Coral continue to recover from one of Southwest Florida’s worst droughts in decades.
Above-average rainfall and reduced groundwater pumping are helping water levels rebound as outdoor watering restrictions are eased, but conservation efforts remain in place.
Cape Coral city officials said the completion of the North 2 Utilities Expansion Project (UEP) and progress of the North 1 UEP lowered the reliance on groundwater withdrawals in northern Cape Coral.
The city noted that the Lower Tamiami Aquifer and Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer have both shown improvements since the rainy season began. The groundwater levels of the Lower Tamiami Aquifer, which spans between southern Lee County and northern Collier County, have risen approximately three feet. The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer’s water levels have increased 17.92 feet from the record low of -94.27 feet that was recorded on April 28, 2025.
According to the city, the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer is 6.66 feet above the Maximum Developable Limit, a measure established by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) that defines the lowest acceptable water elevation for an aquifer.
In May, SFWMD lifted the Phase IV outdoor watering restrictions, which prohibited irrigation days, and eased restrictions placed over northeast Cape Coral by transitioning to Phase II, which allows one irrigation day per week.
City officials said residents, visitors, and businesses can help conserve water by following local lawn watering restrictions, checking irrigation timers and rain sensors, repairing broken sprinkler heads and leaks, and using Florida-friendly landscaping practices.
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