Yes, They are changing the Rules for us

 -- A water shortage was declared Tuesday for Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties.

The state-declared shortage will restrict lawn watering to one day a week, which will change the rules in Manatee County and Punta Gorda, where residents are currently allowed to water twice a week. For those in areas already on one-day-a-week watering, including Sarasota County and the unincorporated parts of Charlotte County, the watering day remains the same.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, which declared the shortage, says rainfall in the three counties was 42 inches in 2006, about 10 inches below normal.

"It's disturbing to see such low water levels this early in the dry season," said David Moore, Swiftmud executive director. "We need to act now to be prepared for the spring when water levels are at their lowest prior to the rainy season."

The new watering rules, which also restrict watering to before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m., go into effect Tuesday.

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