Water, water everywhere — everywhere in the news, that is. With water becoming a hot topic in Lakeland and beyond this month, these are the updates to know.
Burn ban
Polk County issued a countywide burn ban in late November after a drier-than-usual summer and fall. Until the burn ban is repealed, campfires, bonfires, yard burns, and fireworks are prohibited. We’ll see how this impacts New Year’s Eve plans.
Water shortage
As of Dec. 1, the Southwest Florida Water Management District placed Polk and surrounding counties under Phase I water shortage restrictions through July 1, 2026. That means only watering your lawn twice per week, according to the county’s schedule.
Alternative water supply projects
Newly funded projects could help alleviate future shortages. The Polk Regional Water Cooperative received $9.2 million in state grants for the Southeast Wellfield Implementation Project, which will draw from the Lower Floridan Aquifer to increase Polk’s water supply.
