Cape Coral officials are asking residents to conserve well water as Southwest Florida faces a moderate drought affecting a part of every Gulf Coast county, with 89% of Lee County impacted, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.Northeast Cape Coral is experiencing the biggest impact. People living or working within the affected areas who use well water are asked to refrain from using sprinklers. This has been ongoing since May, and the city wants to remind residents that these water restrictions are still in effect.The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer levels are at record lows, sitting 3 feet below where they need to be. The city said it will continue to accelerate the utilities extension project in response to the drought, aiming to put more homes on city water to take stress off the aquifer.Kate Szatmari, who lives in northeast Cape Coral, says that many of the new houses on the street do not even have sprinklers. “The grass has been put down, but they’re pretty much dried out. They’re not allowed to use any sprinklers. They were not allowed to install sprinkler systems.”For those on city water, there are no serious restrictions yet, but that could change as the stretch without rain continues.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

Cape Coral officials are asking residents to conserve well water as Southwest Florida faces a moderate drought affecting a part of every Gulf Coast county, with 89% of Lee County impacted, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Northeast Cape Coral is experiencing the biggest impact. People living or working within the affected areas who use well water are asked to refrain from using sprinklers. This has been ongoing since May, and the city wants to remind residents that these water restrictions are still in effect.

The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer levels are at record lows, sitting 3 feet below where they need to be. The city said it will continue to accelerate the utilities extension project in response to the drought, aiming to put more homes on city water to take stress off the aquifer.

Kate Szatmari, who lives in northeast Cape Coral, says that many of the new houses on the street do not even have sprinklers. “The grass has been put down, but they’re pretty much dried out. They’re not allowed to use any sprinklers. They were not allowed to install sprinkler systems.”

For those on city water, there are no serious restrictions yet, but that could change as the stretch without rain continues.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.