From the St. Johns River Water Management District
In Summary:
October brought unusually sharp rainfall contrasts across the St. Johns River Water Management District, with totals ranging from over 22 inches in parts of Brevard County to under half an inch in Baker County. While most of the district is not currently in drought, the northwest portions remain abnormally dry or in moderate drought due to persistent rainfall deficits. With NOAA forecasting continued La Niña conditions into December—suggesting a cooler and drier season ahead—district officials say they will continue monitoring conditions and urge residents to follow water-use restrictions and adopt smart irrigation practices.
Rainfall in October was highly varied across the St. Johns River Water Management District (District), showing greater differences than typical for this time of year. While higher rainfall is usually expected along the coast, this month brought extreme contrasts, with peak totals exceeding 22 inches in parts of Brevard County and less than half an inch recorded in some of Baker County.
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Against that backdrop, current drought indicators show a mixed picture across the region. Most of the District is not experiencing drought, but portions of the northwest are affected by below-average rainfall, with conditions ranging from moderate drought to abnormally dry. Mild La Niña conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, are expected to persist through at least December, raising the likelihood of a cooler and drier fall and winter. The National Weather Service’s three-month precipitation outlook points to below-normal rainfall, though with some uncertainty, and the District will continue to monitor these conditions.
With limited rainfall expected in the coming months, residents are encouraged to use water efficiently, such as following water restrictions and adopting smart irrigation practices.
A full report outlining October’s hydrologic conditions was presented at the District’s Governing Board meeting. Highlights include:
Rainfall
- Districtwide rainfall averaged 5.82 inches, 1.81 inches above the monthly average.
- Monthly averages ranged from 12.39 inches in Brevard County to 0.78 inches in Baker County.
- Annual rainfall across the District was 46.60 inches, 4.41 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 five 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 were nearly evenly split, with sites showing increases or decreases that generally follow recent rainfall distribution.
- Districtwide groundwater levels, expressed as a single index, were in the 42nd percentile, within the normal range for this time of year.
Spring flows
- Silver Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 546 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 355 million gallons per day (mgd), a decrease of 11 cfs from September. This is near the low end of the range for this time of year.
- In Volusia County, the Blue Spring station reported flows within the normal range based on available data.
- 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 in the normal range.
For further insights into rainfall totals and other hydrologic data, visit www.sjrwmd.com.
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Key Points:
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October rainfall varied widely across the district, averaging 5.82 inches but ranging from 12.39 inches in Brevard County to just 0.78 inches in Baker County.
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Annual rainfall sits 4.41 inches below the long-term average, with 15 counties reporting below-normal totals and five falling more than 10 inches short.
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Mild La Niña conditions are expected to persist into winter, increasing the likelihood of below-normal rainfall and cooler temperatures.
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Groundwater levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer remain within the normal range, though responses vary based on local rainfall patterns.
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Spring flows at Silver, Blue, Rock, and Wekiwa springs are generally within or near normal ranges, though Silver Springs reported a decline from September.
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 District and the people of 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.
