Severe drought leaves Lee County residents hoping for rain

LEE COUNTY, Fla. —

Residents in Lee County are experiencing a severe drought that has left lawns dry and brown, prompting concerns about water shortages and the reliability of wells.

Tina Griffith, a resident of Lehigh Acres, expressed her concerns, saying, "I'm praying for rain. You know, we need rain really bad."

Griffith's home relies on well water, and she is taking measures to conserve it.

"Very conservative, trying to get a full load of laundry. You know, normally I do a small load. Now I'm doing big loads. You know, just trying to do what I can," she said.

The drought is affecting the reliability of wells, which should be a dependable source of water year-round. With little rain and dry grass, the drought is depleting the water below ground. Experts warn that this is just the beginning of the dry season, and by March, wells could be at risk of running dry, especially in older homes.

Michael Mele from Lee County Plumbing and Welling Service said, "Some of the earlier wells that were drilled, you know, earlier on, like an older house. They're not as deep as the newer ones."

Griffith remains hopeful despite the situation.

"I think the guy told me I was down 150 feet, so I'm pretty safe, I think, unless we keep getting this drought, which I'm praying for," she said.

Residents are advised to be cautious with water usage and to monitor their wells for signs of trouble. If water begins to smell or shows spotty air, it may be time to call a professional to check on the well.

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