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Drought drains Southwest Florida water reserves, but officials say supply is secure

WaterAtlas.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority’s 6-billion gallon reservoir currently holds about 3 billion gallons of water. Between its reservoirs and its underground storage systems, the water supply authority now has about eight months of water in reserve — far less than normal. | Photo by Emily Andersen, Suncoast Searchlight

Standing on the wall of a reservoir the size of about four golf courses, it’s easy to see the impact of Southwest Florida’s extreme water shortage.

Operated by the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, the reservoir is built to hold 6 billion gallons of water. It is now half empty, and the distance between the current waterline and the visible mark where the water normally sits is striking.

The lack of water has become dangerous for local ecosystems, but as far as drinkable water supply is concerned, officials say they’re not panicking yet. Even if the drought continues through this year’s rainy season, officials are confident they can refill the supply before the end of the summer.

Florida's increasing population strains water supply

WaterAtlas.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Florida’s increasing population could strain water supply, according to information shared at the May 14 meeting of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board.

“More than 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in Central and South Florida by 9.4 million residents and millions of visitors,” explained Stacey Payseno of the SFWMD. “In the next 20 years, the population is projected to increase to over 11 million. The corresponding water demand will increase by over 350 million gallons per day.

“Traditional water sources are insufficient to meet the future demands,” she said. Florida needs alternative water supply (AWS), including treated brackish water, reclaimed water and capturing excess water for later use in Aquifer Storage Recovery (ASR) wells and reservoirs, she explained.

Water pipeline to North Central Florida delayed, potentially indefinitely

WaterAtlas.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

A map shows the proposed Water First North Florida project. Lawmakers canceled state funding for it this week. (Courtesy of Suwannee River Water Management District)

With millions of gallons being pumped every day amid record-breaking droughts, North Central Florida has a water problem. Lawmakers are trying to find solutions, but locals and environmentalists say they’re insufficient.

The Water First North Florida project was lawmakers’ $1.1 billion solution to recharging aquifers in the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers by pumping reclaimed water from Jacksonville municipal treatment plants. On Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee,, posted a letter saying the project — in its current state — was being cancelled. It now has to go back to the drawing board.

USACE releases the Environmental Assessment for Anclote River Florida Project for Public Comment

WaterAtlas.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District (USACE), Regulation (32 CFR 651), the Environmental Assessment (EA) and proposed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the proposed Anclote River, Florida Project (EAXX-202-00-K3P-1765294248) is being released for a 30-day public comment period.

The EA, is available for your review on the Jacksonville District’s Environmental planning website under Pinellas County: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-Offices/Planning/Environmental-Branch/Environmental-Documents/.

The purpose of this project is to maintain safe and efficient vessel navigation throughout the Anclote River federal channel and Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) Cut P-41. The Anclote River is located on the west coast of Florida and borders Pinellas and Pasco Counties, approximately 20 miles north of Tampa. The federal channel begins in Tarpon Springs, runs through the St. Joseph Sound, and empties into the Gulf.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to release 2026 roadmap for Everglades restoration projects

WaterAtlas.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District will release the roadmap for the next phase of Everglades restoration - the Final 2026 Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS) - during a virtual session of the Working Group of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (SFER). The IDS serves as the roadmap for the sequencing of planning, design, and construction for major Everglades restoration project, aligning federal and state priorities and providing a clear path forward for continued progress across South Florida. The 2026 IDS reflects sustained federal leadership and investment in Everglades restoration, including actions taken during the Trump Administration to advance project delivery, strengthen intergovernmental coordination, and emphasize timely implementation of restoration priorities.

Hurricane season arrives with new forecast tools, ongoing worries about research cuts

WaterAtlas.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

NOAA

With the Atlantic hurricane center just weeks away, hurricane forecasters are preparing to launch a new suite of tools with a looming budget cut threatening to slash research efforts.

For the upcoming season, the National Hurricane Center will be testing a forecast cone that ups the certainty of track predictions from just under 70% to 90%. A new mobile-friendly forecast page will make it easier to read information on phones. And forecasts, as last year’s lethal Hurricane Melissa demonstrated, continue to dramatically improve, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said Wednesday. These are forecasts that we simply were not able to make more than five or ten years ago,” Brennan said during the Governor’s Hurricane Conference in West Palm Beach.

Florida Cabinet officers give warning as peak wildfire season is only beginning

WaterAtlas.org — Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

With severe drought conditions and more than 2,100 fires in Florida spread across 135,000 acres just since January, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and other top state officials offered warnings to Floridians Tuesday as the peak of the state’s wildfire season approaches.

Those officials noted that most of the fires have been man-made, but with thunderstorms now returning on a more regular basis as summer kicks in, that will bring lighting and likely result in more fires.

CHNEP 2027 Nature Calendar Photo Contest

WaterAtlas.org — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The CHNEP 2027 Nature Calendar Photo Contest is now accepting submissions until May 29th for a chance to be featured in the 2027 CHNEP Nature Calendar.

2027 Nature Calendar Photo Contest Flyer