City provides fact sheet, advice, for well-water residents impacted by record-low aquifer levels
The city of Cape Coral has issued a fact sheet for property owners in northeast Cape Coral affected the critical declines in the area’s primary source of drinking water.
“The City of Cape Coral has taken decisive steps and continues to develop plans to further address the water shortage in Mid-Hawthorne aquifer in northeastern Cape Coral, where record-low levels have triggered stringent water restrictions and a Joint Action Plan with state and county partners,” the city said in the release issued this afternoon.
About the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer
The Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer supplies drinking and irrigation water to many private wells in northeast Cape Coral. This aquifer is at its shallowest in the are under the irrigation restriction part of the city, making it especially vulnerable to low water levels. The goal of the recent restrictions is to reduce the consumption from the aquifer preventing further decline. Wells for new homes are now drilled much deeper into a different production zone within the aquifer.
Why restrictions are not citywide
Cape Coral’s public drinking water comes from the deeper Floridan Aquifer, located about 1,000 feet underground. The City’s irrigation water is sourced from reclaimed wastewater, supplemented by surface water from local canals. These water sources are separate and not connected to the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, which is why current water restrictions only apply to properties using private wells in the affected area.
What the city has done (Joint Action Plan Highlights)
• Water Use Restrictions:
• The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) issued Phase III restrictions in November 2023, limiting irrigation to one day per week for private well users in northeast Cape Coral.
• As of May 2025, Modified Phase IV restrictions are in effect, banning all irrigation system use for private well users in the affected area. Hand watering with a self-cancelling nozzle and drip irrigation is only allowed on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer wells in the affected area are now limited to potable (drinking) use only; irrigation must use alternative sources.
• Increased Code Enforcement:
• To support compliance with these restrictions, the city has increased presence of code enforcement officers in the affected area and hired additional contract code enforcement staff to monitor water use and issue watering violations as needed during the dry season.
• Accelerated Utilities Extension Projects:
• The city has fast-tracked the Utilities Extension Project to address the water shortage in northeast Cape Coral.
• North 1 UEP is expected to be completed by 2027, covering approximately 75% of the impacted area. This includes both North 1 West (completion in 2025) and North 1 East (completion in 2027).
• North 6 UEP completion is anticipated by 2030, covering the remaining 25% of the affected area. This timeline was moved up by five years in response to the water shortage emergency.
• Together, these projects will significantly expand City water, sewer, and irrigation services, eliminating the water consumption from private wells and helping to stabilize groundwater levels.
• Secured new water source:
• The city purchased land in Charlotte County for a new reservoir to supplement irrigation needs. This project will help replenish canal water levels and support the increased irrigation demand put on the reclaimed water system as future UEP areas come online.
• Mandatory irrigation connection ordinance:
• Properties in the affected area are required to connect to the city’s irrigation system when it becomes available. This will reduce unnecessary use of the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer for irrigation by utilizing reclaimed water instead.
• Well permitting oversight:
• Lee County oversees private well permitting to ensure wells are properly constructed and licensed. Experienced, licensed well-drilling professionals conduct inspections under the supervision of hydrogeologists to protect groundwater resources. County staff maintain ongoing communication with the well drilling industry and monitor aquifer levels to safeguard water supplies for drinking and irrigation.
• Landscaping modifications
• The city has collaborated with the construction industry to update landscaping requirements for new construction in the affected area. Only drought-tolerant Bahia grass can be planted at new homes. Floratam grass may be used once centralized water and irrigation services become available through future Utilities Extension Projects. Additionally, city contracts have been modified to require Bahia grass exclusively on city projects within the affected area.
What’s ahead
The city will continue to enforce restrictions and may implement further measures, including a halt to new well permits if water levels continue to decline. Public education and outreach will continue in partnership with SFWMD and Lee County.
What residents can and should do
• Follow all current water restrictions:
• No automatic irrigation system use for private well users in the affected area.
• Hand watering allowed only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays with a self-cancelling nozzle or drip irrigation.
• Conserve water:
• Reduce outdoor watering, fix leaks, and use water wisely indoors and out.
• Homebuyers: Do your homework:
• Ask about well depth and maintenance history — shallow wells are more likely to run dry.
• Negotiate for a well re-drilling if needed, just as you would for an aging roof or air conditioner.
• Be aware of ordinances that may require connection to city water. Ask your Realtor to confirm any home in the affected area is connected to the irrigation system and whether or not the well has been abandoned.
• Check for existing water restrictions or a history of shortages before buying or building just like you would regarding previous flooding.
• If building, discuss well depth and reliability with your contractor. Make sure your well is drilled deep enough to lower the pump deeper if the aquifer level continues to drop.
“Cape Coral is committed to protecting its water resources, but residents and property owners must also play a part. Know your well’s condition, stay informed on restrictions, and conserve water to help ensure a sustainable future for our community,” city officials said.
For more information on current water restrictions, the Utilities Extension Project, and water conservation tips, visit CapeCoral.gov/WaterConservation or SFWMD.gov/WaterShortage.
Source: City of Cape Coral