The situation for the Upper Peace River (UPR) has become critical. As of today, April 23, 2026, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has officially announced it is closing the P-11 water control structure at Lake Hancock.
Here is the breakdown of why this is happening and what to expect:
Why the releases are halting
Due to an ongoing extreme drought and a regional rainfall deficit of nearly 13 inches, water levels in Lake Hancock have dropped to their minimum required levels. To protect the lake’s own ecology and prevent it from falling further, the District must stop discharging water into the river.
Local Impact: Bartow to Fort Meade
- Dry Riverbed: Portions of the river between Lake Hancock and Fort Meade are expected to go dry and become completely non-navigable within the next few days.
- Duration: The river is expected to remain in this state until the summer rainy season begins, typically in June.
- Wildlife: The District has warned that fish kills are likely as water recedes into isolated, low-oxygen pools.
Regional Water Restrictions
This move follows the District’s recent declaration of a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage. For those in the Lakeland and Polk County area, this means:
- One-day-per-week watering: Strictly enforced based on the last digit of your address.
- Stricter Hours: Outdoor irrigation is generally limited to before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
Historically, the Lake Hancock level modification project (completed in 2015) has prevented the river from going dry during most winters, but the severity of the 2025-2026 drought has finally exhausted that storage capacity.