Rain brings drought relief, yet rainfall deficit persists

From the St. John's River Water Management District

Recent wet weather has brought an end to drought conditions, as well as indications of rebounding aquifer levels, within the St. Johns River Water Management District. A report outlining hydrological conditions was presented at the district’s July Governing Board meeting.

“Summer has arrived, bringing with it the storms that provide much-needed relief from months of dry weather. Despite this recent rainfall, we need to stay committed to our water conservation efforts,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Our team continues to closely monitor hydrologic data within the district as we work to ensure sufficient water for people and the environment.”

The county with the highest rainfall total for June was Putnam, with more than 16 inches of rain, followed by Alachua, with 14.5 inches. Both counties received more than double the average rainfall for June. Orange County received 11.58 inches of rain, about 4 inches above average for the month of June. Brevard County received 8.69 inches of rain, nearly 2 inches above average for June.

While June rainfall was above average throughout the district, due to prolonged rainfall deficits in the preceding months much of the district is still well below average for the past 12 months. As a result of the deficit, the district’s Water Shortage Warning Order remains in place.

The order was issued in March 2017 due to below-average rainfall and encourages all water users to reduce their water use and voluntarily conserve water to the maximum extent possible, as well as adhere to year-round watering restrictions.

More information about the district’s water shortage warning can be found online at www.sjrwmd.com/facts.

About the St. Johns River Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the district and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida managing groundwater and surface water supplies in the state. The district encompasses all or part of 18 northeast and east-central Florida counties. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Maitland, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.