Water Shortage Warning Order rescinded as groundwater levels recover

From the St. John's River Water Management District

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Governing Board voted to rescind the districtwide Water Shortage Warning Order following an extended period of increased rainfall.

The Water Shortage Warning Order was originally issued in March 2017 due to below-average rainfall and declining hydrogeologic conditions. The purpose of the order was to increase awareness for the need to conserve water during drought conditions and ensure sufficient water was available to meet the needs of people and the environment.

A brief report outlining August’s hydrological conditions was also presented, which included limited data related to Hurricane Irma, as storm-related information is still being collected and assessed.

• Counties with above-average monthly rainfall include Flagler with 8.49 inches, Lake with 8.25 inches, Volusia with 7.76 inches, Putnam with 7.61 inches, Marion with 7.87 inches and Nassau with 6.87 inches.
• Brevard, Indian River, Okeechobee and Osceola counties received below-average monthly rainfall, resulting in a deficit of two or more inches for each county.

More information about the district’s hydrological conditions can be found online at www.sjrwmd.com.

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.