Laserfiche WebLink
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 />