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

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.