OKEECHOBEE COUNTY, Fla. — South Florida Water Management District officials are calling it a drier than average dry season and are preparing for water shortages.
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However, dry conditions may be good for our water quality.
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Monday proved to be a good news, bad news kind of day around Lake Okeechobee. On the downside, low lake levels made it tough for boaters
"People that don’t know the lake are very reluctant to get around in their boat," said angler Brock Stanaland.
At Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters, Mike Krause agreed.
"Kinda spooky about running out on the lake," said Krause.
However, there is good news when it comes to the drought's impact on the water level at Lake Okeechobee.
"In the long run it will be a huge benefit to those folks," said Stanaland.
Scientists said the lake needs low levels for sunlight to reach the bottom to help vegetation grow back.
"Personally, I hope the lake does go down, stays below, and lets the lake clean up a little bit more," said Krause.
A low lake heading into the rainy season may also help prolong those controversial discharges to the east and west.
Water managers said they will continue to monitor the drought, and if our dry conditions persist, water restrictions may be implemented.
