ORLANDO, Fla. — South Florida Water Management District officials have issued a water shortage warning, and they warn mandatory water restrictions could be considered if residents' voluntary efforts prove insufficient.
Officials said the district's board meets weekly to discuss weather conditions.
Central Florida residents are well aware of the lack of rain and what it's doing to lakes, trees, grass and retention ponds.
"It is concerning for all of the wildlife and the vegetation," Farnaz Azar said.
The water level has even lowered at Lake Eola, Orlando's most iconic lake.
"I think we are going through a dry spell," resident Dana Declerk said. "The waterline is recessed quite into the shoreline, and you see a lot of sand on the beach."
District officials urge residents to obey irrigation rules already in place, which limits homeowners to watering their lawns once or twice weekly.
"Be conscious of watering your lawn," district spokeswoman Danielle Spears said. "Follow mandatory watering restrictions, and if you don't need to water, don't water."
Declerk said she would favor stricter rules on water usage.
"I think they are being very generous; I think it should be mandatory," she said. "Why wait until we are really hurting? Let's start conserving now."