The South Florida Water Management District reports rainfall picked up across South Florida in late July, providing relief to areas that remain in drought conditions but leaving long-term deficits in several locations.
A total of 6.54 inches of rain fell across 16 counties in July, representing 93 percent of average.
While rainfall helped improve water levels along the lower east coast, much of this region continues to be listed by the U.S. Drought Monitor as being in a severe to extreme drought.
Although water levels in these areas remain in their lower ranges for this time of year, water managers have not seen indications of problems such as saltwater intrusion.
Lake Okeechobee stands at 12.28 feet today, which is also low for this time of year.
