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definitions, drought originates from a deficiency of precipitation <br />over an extended period of time, usually a season or more <br />(National Drought Mitigation Center, 2010). It produces a <br />complex web of impacts that spans many sectors of the <br />economy and reaches well beyond the area producing physical <br />drought. This complexity exists because water is essential to <br />our ability to produce goods and provide services (National <br />Drought Mitigation Center, 2010). <br />In Indian River County, the primary sources of water are deep <br />wells for utility systems and shallow wells for rural areas. <br />Excess water from an interconnected series of lakes, rivers, <br />canals, and marshes flows either north to the St. Johns River <br />or east to the Indian River Lagoon (Indian River County <br />Department of Emergency Services, 2002). When this cycle is <br />disrupted by periods of drought, one of the most potentially <br />damaging effects is substantial crop loss in the western <br />agricultural areas of the County. In addition to obvious losses <br />in yields in both crop and livestock production, drought in <br />Indian River County is associated with increase in insect <br />infestations, plant disease, and wind erosion. The incidence of <br />forest fires increases substantially during extended droughts, <br />which in turn places both human and wildlife populations at <br />higher levels of risk. <br />The St. Johns Water Management District and County staff <br />manage the County's water resources. Complementing the <br />District's water management efforts during periods of critical <br />water shortage, a countywide, uniform, forceful, contingency <br />plan is in place to effectively restrict the use of water. <br />Historic Events. Florida experienced one of the most severe <br />droughts in 2007 dating back to when records started in the <br />early 1900s. Lake Okeechobee, the region's primary reservoir, <br />was down to less than half a foot above its record low. The <br />$15 billion landscaping and nursery industries, which comprise <br />Florida's largest agricultural sector, may have been the hardest <br />hit. In November 2009 the lack of rainfall during rainy season <br />led to Indian River County being named the driest county in the <br />state and in danger of wildfires. <br />Extent. Due to the low probability of occurrence, this hazard <br />will not be fully profiled. <br />Indian River County Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan Basic Page 47 <br />