Dry conditions continue throughout the District in May

PALATKA, Fla., June 12, 2024 — May brought persistent dry conditions to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county region. Rainfall was sparse and unevenly distributed, with all counties receiving less than their monthly average. In some areas, the deficit was nearly two inches, underscoring the importance of continuing water conservation measures.

Despite the dry conditions, groundwater levels districtwide remain above drought indicator levels, with most areas within the normal range. District staff continue to monitor rainfall and groundwater levels to ensure adequate supply for public demand.

While it is always critical to use our water wisely, the District strongly encourages the public to be mindful of their water usage during these dry months until our summer rainfall patterns return.

Below are simple tips for residents and businesses to help save water and money on their water bill.

Indoor

• Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
• Use the shortest washing cycle for lightly soiled clothes.
• Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave, not under running water.
• Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before loading into the dishwasher.
• Install high-efficiency showerheads, faucets and toilets.

Outdoor

• Check and repair leaks in irrigation systems.
• Turn off irrigation systems and water only as needed.
• Use a kitchen timer to avoid overwatering with sprinklers.
• Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing cars.
• Install a rain barrel with a drip irrigation system for landscaping; rainwater is free and better for plants.

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

Rainfall

• Districtwide average rainfall was 2.60 inches, 0.86 inches below the monthly average.
• County-wide monthly rainfall totals ranged from a high of 3.39 inches in Nassau County, to a low of 1.90 inches in Putnam County.
• Cumulative rainfall for the past 12 months was 54.06 inches, 3.05 inches above the long-term average.
• Okeechobee, Orange and Osceola counties are now below their annual average.
• Coastal and northern counties had the highest 12-month rainfall totals, with Volusia County receiving over 8 inches above average.

Groundwater

• Upper Floridan aquifer conditions generally fell within the normal range by the end of May.
• Groundwater levels districtwide, expressed as a single index, were in the 61st percentile, normal for this time of year, though decreasing into June.
• Aquifer conditions in portions of Baker and Nassau counties remained high, but conditions were drier and shifted into the low range for northern coastal locations and throughout the southernmost part of the District compared to last month. This includes the Upper St. Johns River Basin, which was consistently in the low range (10-25 percentile). These changes align with lower rainfall, rising evapotranspiration, and typical seasonal temperatures.

Spring flows

• Silver Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 649 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 419 million gallons per day (mgd), a 35 cfs decrease from April, which remains in the normal range for this time of year.
• Blue Spring station in Volusia County reported a mean monthly flow of 152 cfs, or 98 mgd, within the normal range.
• Rock Springs experienced a slight decrease in mean monthly flow and remains in the normal range at 56 cfs (36 mgd).
• Wekiwa Springs exhibited a slight decrease, recording a mean monthly flow of 63 cfs (41 mgd), and is also in the normal 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.