From the St. John's River Water Management District
Rainfall across the St. Johns River Water Management District in January was above average in eight counties, largely due to winter storm Enzo, which delivered significant precipitation to northern areas. This contributed to 11 counties maintaining rainfall totals above their 12-month averages, while the four southernmost counties—Osceola, Brevard, Indian River, and Okeechobee—remained at least four inches below their annual norms. Despite these regional differences, aquifer levels remain healthy.
A full report outlining January’s hydrologic conditions was presented at the District’s Governing Board meeting. Highlights include:
Rainfall
- Districtwide rainfall averaged 3.02 inches, 0.41 inches above the monthly norm.
- Monthly totals varied, ranging from 6.67 inches in Baker County to 1.48 inches in Okeechobee County.
- Annual rainfall across the District reached 53.77 inches, exceeding the long-term average by 2.76 inches.
- Northern and central counties continue to receive the most rainfall, with Nassau County exceeding 60 inches of total annual precipitation.
- 11 counties have recorded above normal rainfall, with Nassau and Volusia counties more than 8 inches above their averages.
Groundwater
- Upper Floridan Aquifer levels continue to be healthy overall for this time of year, with water levels in the normal to high range across the District.
- Districtwide groundwater levels, expressed as a single index, were in the 71st percentile, which is in the normal range for this time of year.
- High groundwater levels support and recharge the aquifer as we approach our driest months, but they don’t lessen the importance of encouraging continued water conservation practices.
Spring flows
- Silver Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 751 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 485 million gallons per day (mgd), a 30 cfs decrease from last month but still within the high range for this time of year.
- In Volusia County, Blue Spring station reported a mean monthly flow of 181 cfs (117 mgd), remaining in the high range.
- Mean monthly flow at Rock Springs was 69 cfs (45 mgd), near the top of the high range.
- Wekiwa Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 72 cfs (46 mgd), also in the high range for this time of year.
For further insights into rainfall totals and other hydrologic data, visit www.sjrwmd.com.
Visit WaterLessFlorida.com for tips to help landscapes thrive while saving water and money. Follow the water conservation conversation at #sjrwmd #waterconservation #savewater.
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 Apopka, Jacksonville and Palm Bay.
