Heavy rainfall is creating challenges for water management in The Villages.
An estimated 16 inches of rain fell in July in Florida’s Friendliest Hometown. That’s about four more inches than July 2018.
Fifteen of the 36 District-owned executive golf courses have been closed for “water dumping.” The Orange Blossom Hills, Evans Prairie, Hacienda Hills Palms, Cane Garden Hibiscus, Mallory Amelia and Bonifay Ft. Walton championship courses are also closed.
Water is being pumped out of the drainage basins and onto the golf courses in an effort to keep the water in the drainage basis at a manageable level.
That means sprinkler systems have been running almost constantly in an effort to bring down the levels in the drainage basins.
District Manager Richard Baier called it a “public safety issue.” He predicted the water dumping will continue for the next “weeks and months.”
Hurricane Irma in 2017 dumped an enormous amount of water on The Villages. At the time, several of the golf courses flooded, but the drainage system was widely praised for performing as anticipated and preventing flooding in The Villages.
Community Development District 3 Supervisor Gail Lazenby said residents can take steps to ensure their neighborhoods stay safe during periods of heavy rain. He said that when yard waste is placed out for collection, it can sometimes wash onto the covers of the storm drains. He said blocking those drains can result in flooding in neighborhoods.
He encouraged residents to be vigilant and take action if they see blockage of the storm drains.
“If we have a downpour, pay attention,” Lazenby warned.