District sees unusually dry November

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, drought remains limited in the District’s eastern region. Still, areas along the western boundary were classified as abnormally dry, and northwest counties were classified as having higher levels of drought. As the dry season continues and NOAA projects that mild La Niña conditions will persist, the District will continue to monitor evolving conditions. Near-term forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate normal rainfall, while the three-month outlook shows an increased chance of below-average precipitation.

With limited rainfall expected in the coming months, residents are encouraged to use water efficiently by following water restrictions and adopting smart irrigation practices. 

A full report outlining November’s hydrologic conditions was presented at the District’s Governing Board meeting. Highlights include:

Rainfall

• Districtwide rainfall averaged 0.27 inches, 1.79 inches below the monthly average.
• Monthly averages ranged from 1.23 inches in Seminole County to 0.01 inches in both Duval and Clay counties.
• Annual rainfall across the District was 46.07 inches, 4.94 inches below the long-term average.
• Rainfall distribution on an annual scale has been higher in Volusia, northern Brevard and portions of southern counties, while areas to the west and the northwest have received less.
• Fifteen counties have recorded below-average annual rainfall, with six counties more than 10 inches below their annual averages, including Baker County at more than 13 inches below its annual average.

Groundwater 

• Water levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer primarily decreased, with sites showing decreases that track recent rainfall patterns.
• Districtwide groundwater levels, expressed as a single index, were at the 39th percentile in November, within the normal range.   

Spring flows

• Silver Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 522 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 388 million gallons per day (mgd), a decrease of 24 cfs from November. Remaining in the low range for this time of year.
• In Volusia County, the Blue Spring station reported flows within the normal range.
• Rock Springs had a monthly mean flow of 61 cfs (39 mgd), which is in the normal range.
• Wekiwa Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 66 cfs (42 mgd), remaining within the normal range.

For further insights into rainfall totals and other hydrologic data, visit www.sjrwmd.com.  

Key Points:

• Districtwide rainfall averaged only 0.27 inches in November, leaving much of the region well below normal, with Duval and Clay counties recording virtually none.

• Fifteen counties have below-average annual rainfall, and six are more than 10 inches below normal, indicating long-term dryness in western and northwestern areas.

• Groundwater levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer decreased, though districtwide levels remained within the normal range for November.

• Spring flows varied, with Silver Springs remaining in the low range, while Blue Spring, Rock Springs, and Wekiwa Springs reported normal flow levels.

• With La Niña conditions expected to persist, the District urges residents to conserve water by following irrigation rules and adopting smart landscaping practices. 

 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 that manage groundwater and surface water supplies. The District encompasses all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff are also available to serve the public at service centers in Apopka, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.

For more information about the District, please visit www.sjrwmd.com.