April 26, 2024 By Katie Roundtree

One uncontrollable factor affecting Northern services more than any other is the weather.  Warmer temperatures in the summer months create the potential for increased amounts of rain, flooding and chances of hurricanes.  Cooler temperatures in the winter months typically mean dryer air, less rain and canals and lakes with lower water levels. However, a warmer and drier than normal winter and dry season can lead to water management issues as well as an increased risk of wildfires in the spring.

As the winter months continue, we can anticipate some of the environmental realities associated with dry weather.  The biggest and most visible affect is the lowering of water levels across the county.  Water levels in the waterways within Northern’s jurisdiction, including neighborhood lakes, fluctuate based on rainfall in the area.  When it is raining consistently, water levels are maintained at or near maximum, but when it is not raining, water dissipates and levels fall.

During the rainy season we move water out of the waterways in accordance with SFWMD criteria.  Water is allowed to rise to a certain level and then it is released to maintain that level and prevent area flooding.  In the dry season all rain events are monitored in case lakes and canals reach maximum levels, but it is less likely to happen because of the limited rainfall.  When lake levels drop, Northern receives calls asking staff to pump water back into lakes; unfortunately, we cannot do this.  The simple reason is that Northern was not created to pump water into areas, but to drain the lands within its jurisdiction to make it habitable for development. Our enabling legislation in 1959 even went so far to declare water as a “common enemy.”  Thankfully, public opinion of water has changed over time and we have in turn found ways to conserve it. There are times though when water is scarce, and until the rains begin again, will remain scarce causing lakes and canals to be low.

We can look forward to some more drier and clear days than rainy ones in the month or so.   While we enjoy the cooler temperatures and lower humidity, please remember we are still in the dry season, and that means low water levels all across the county. We have to be patient and let nature take its course.