Lack of storage areas is a key problem in the current system. Most of the excess drainage and flood control water is discharged to tide, leaving little carry-over storage for subsequent dry periods.

(click on map above for full-sized version.)

Ponding Depth and Hydroperiod Patterns

The map above on the left illustrates the current system's average simulated surface water ponding depths and overland flows. The hydroperiod map above on the right shows the average number of days per year that the region was inundated.

The current system is characterized by a significantly reduced spatial extent of surface water relative to the predrained condition. As compared to the pre-drained system, the current system exhibits shallower water depths and shorter hydroperiods in northern portions of the WCAs, and deeper water in the southern parts of the WCAs. The degree to which water flowed continuously through the Everglades has also been reduced due, in part, to the WCA impoundments. This is particularly true in northeastern Everglades National Park.

Water Shortages and Water Use Restrictions

The charts above illustrate the simulated water supply performance of the current system. The pie chart shows the overall irrigation supplies and shortages for the Lake Okeechobee Service Area; and the bar graphs illustrate the percent of time that the LEC Service Areas were under water restrictions.

¹Source: SFWMD Hydrologic Systems Modeling Division. South Florida Water Management Model (SFWMM), Version 3.5 [1995 Baseline].

The SFWMM simulates the response of the existing or a proposed system (structures, operations, land use, demands, etc) to historical (1965-95) meteorologic data.

Where will the water go in 2050 without the Restudy?