Wells running dry, limiting access to drinking water in Sarasota County

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA)- The lack of rain has left some families who depend on wells with hardly any water to drink.

It happened without warning for many people in the Twin Lakes subdivision. It isn’t a rural area, but many people depend on wells as their main source of water and without it, they’re scrambling.

People in some areas are able to get connected to the county water supply if they’re close enough to water lines.

“In most cases, next day service to get people connected so they don’t have to deal with the issue any longer than necessary,” Public Utility Manager David Cash said.

Installation of the service could cost the homeowner around $5,000, but Cash said there’s a loan service available.

Connecting the community to county lines would require a large-scale project, Cash said. Cash said the county has gotten roughly 60 calls since April concerning well shortages. He said officials are monitoring the situation.

Cash said to call the county at 941-861-5000 to seek help on issues and to learn about the various options.

Some residents in Sarasota County use well water to water their lawns and Cash said there is a water restriction in place. Cash said it limits water use for lawns to one day a week on either Tuesday or Thursday depending on the resident’s address.