Corps to make further cut to Lake O flows

Published: Updated:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Less water will be coming into the Caloosahatchee River from Lake Okeechobee.

The U.S. Army Corps of engineers said Thursday it would make its third reduction to flows in the past two weeks. The new target will be 3,000 cubic feet per second, down from 4,000. The measurement point is also changing from the Moore Haven Dam to the W.P. Franklin Lock & Dam in east Lee County.

“The lake is down more than a quarter of a foot from its high following Hurricane Matthew,” Corps spokesperson Candida Bronson said.  “However, with a few weeks remaining in what’s been an active hurricane season, we want to ensure we create a little storage for any additional rain that may develop.  At the same time, we want to ensure we retain enough water in the lake to get us through the upcoming dry season.”

Flows go up and down based on the amount of water in the lake as the Corps manages the aging Hoover Dike. Water from Lake O is often cited for environmental issues downstream.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.