Despite Rain, Drought Continues In South Florida
WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) – South Floridians may not like all the recent rain but it's helping the state's drought. Water managers say while South Florida does remain in drought conditions, the rainy summer has boosted water levels in Lake Okeechobee.
South Florida Water Management District spokeswoman Terrie Bates says the lake's level hit 10 feet on Thursday, which is a positive milestone.
Officials say plant life is of particular concern. There is a possibility of serious harm to the plants needed to clean the lake's water if it remains in the "water shortage zone" when the dry season begins in November. Bates says it took up to four years for the plants to re-establish the habitat after the 2007 draft.
The rainy season is helping to ease drought conditions. Officials say Northern Palm Beach County received 3 to 5 inches of rain during the past week.
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