District: January brought above-average rainfall to some areas

From the St. John's River Water Management District

January brought above-average rainfall to the north and east-central Florida counties, and Silver Springs in Marion County and Volusia Blue Spring continue to experience flow increases corresponding with greater rainfall received over the past several months. A full report outlining hydrological conditions was presented Tuesday at the St. Johns River Water Management District’s February Governing Board meeting.

“Protecting our Outstanding Florida Springs is among the district’s highest priorities,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Rainfall is the most significant influencer on spring flows in our region. Because of improved rainfall trends in recent months, Silver Springs’ flow levels have recovered more than 300 cubic feet per second (CFS) from its lowest levels recorded during drought conditions.”

• Daily mean flow at Silver Springs rose above 700 CFS on Jan. 17 and remained higher than 700 CFS until Feb. 10. During this period, the peak daily means flow of 719 CFS was on Jan. 23.
• Volusia Blue Spring flow rose into the high range in January, ending the month at 175 CFS or 113 MGD.
• Flagler County had the highest rainfall for the month, with 5.1 inches.
• Orange and Seminole counties received 2.2 inches and 2.3 inches, respectively, for the month.
• While rainfall was above average in the northern and central portions of the district, rainfall in the southern portion of the district was slightly below average for January.
• Indian River County had less than 1.7 inches of rainfall in January.
• When looking at annual rainfall totals, 12-month rainfall totals are above average throughout the district. Counties with the highest 12-month totals are Putnam, with 67.8 inches, and Flagler, with 66.2 inches.
• While recent rainfall has been above normal, the 36-month rainfall total is below average districtwide.

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.