April 6, 2017

Update: Rain inhibits spread of wildfire at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area

MAITLAND, Fla., April 6, 2017 — On April 5, wildfires were reported on or near two St. Johns River Water Management District properties. Update as of April 6 at 3:20 p.m.: The district responded to wildfire reported on the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area (at the convergence of Orange, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties) and at Silver Springs in Marion County, adjacent to district property. The wildfire at Silver Springs is contained. The wildfire at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area is 4 acres and located south of the marsh area. Recent rain has inhibited the spread of the fire. District staff are […]
April 6, 2017

Wildfire reported on and near district properties

MAITLAND, Fla., April 6, 2017 — On April 5, wildfires were reported on or near two St. Johns River Water Management District properties. The district responded to wildfire reported on the Seminole Ranch Conservation Area (at the convergence of Orange, Brevard, Volusia and Seminole counties) and at Silver Springs in Marion County, adjacent to district property. The wildfire at Silver Springs is contained. District staff and equipment are assisting with mop up operations to reduce smoke and prevent the chance of fire breaking out. The wildfire at Seminole Ranch Conservation Area is south of the marsh area. Work is underway to access […]
April 11, 2017

Aquifer performance test begins the week of April 17 in Ocala

  MAITLAND, Fla., April 11, 2017 – In its work to protect Florida’s water resources, the St. Johns River Water Management District will conduct an aquifer performance test to determine characteristics of the aquifer system. The test, conducted in partnership with the city of Ocala, provides valuable information about long-term reliability of the aquifer system’s ability to yield an adequate water supply in an area. WHAT: Aquifer performance testing WHEN: April 17-24 WHERE: Near S.E. 31st Street near S.E. Lake Weir Avenue This well will be tested at a pumping rate of 3,500 gallons per minute for a duration of […]
May 9, 2017

Water Shortage Warning Order expanded to all counties within the district

As hydrologic trends reflect below-average rainfall across the district, the district Governing Board approved expanding the current Water Shortage Warning Order to include all areas within the district's 18-county jurisdiction.
May 11, 2017

District, partners celebrate improved flows

A good water quality project just got better. District staff and partners on Thursday celebrated the completion of improvements along a mile-long stretch of the C-1 Canal in Palm Bay. Newly contoured banks along a mile stretch of the canal will allow the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District to maximize flows west to the St. Johns River instead of east to the Indian River Lagoon.
May 23, 2017

Florida Water Star awards six participants for water conservation efforts

Florida Water Star SM presented six awards to local organizations and individuals for their work to further water conservation. Developed by the St. Johns River Water Management District and launched in 2007, the Florida Water Star program provides water conservation certification for homes, entire communities and commercial developments.
May 26, 2017

$1.5 million available to farmers to support water-saving technologies

The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting applications through July 28 from farmers interested in participating in cost-share funding for agricultural projects that promote water conservation and improve water quality in area waterways. Up to $1.5 million is available to support the efforts.
May 30, 2017

District’s efforts save 3.5 million gallons of water per day

Between 2014 and 2016 the St. Johns River Water Management District has realized a net decrease in permitted groundwater of approximately 3.5 million gallons of water per day (MGD). The reduction is a result of several factors but primarily changes in demonstrated need by permit holders.
June 1, 2017

CFWI focuses on collaboration with utilities to extend water supply

Built on the concept of collaboration, the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) works with the area’s 83 utilities to scale water conservation efforts and promote alternative water supplies for a growing population.
June 7, 2017

Governor appoints Janet Price to SJRWMD Governing Board

Gov. Rick Scott has appointed Janet Price of Fernandina Beach to the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board, filling a vacant seat that represents the St. Marys River Basin and the adjacent coastal area. The appointment takes effect immediately and runs through March 1, 2018.
June 7, 2017

Districtwide ban on campfires lifted

As a result of recent rainfall, the St. Johns River Water Management District is lifting the districtwide burn ban on campfires. Campfires on district lands are still prohibited by the burn bans issued by the following counties: Putnam, Flagler, Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Indian River.
June 8, 2017

District slashes maintenance costs in St. Johns River

St. Johns River Water Management District maintenance crews are using an innovative technique to slash culvert repairs by as much as 80 percent.
June 13, 2017

Forty-three projects in 12 counties to benefit from cost-share dollars

Forty-three projects will share in approximately $21.3 million from the St. Johns River Water Management District for construction of water supply and water conservation, water quality improvement, flood protection and natural systems restoration projects.
June 13, 2017

Annual report shows recent water use increase as rainfall decreases

Annual reporting conducted by the St. Johns River Water Management District shows that total water use was approximately two percent above the 10-year average, and was 14 percent higher than 2015, while total population increased about two percent. The district's 2016 Survey of Annual Water Use was presented at the district's June Governing Board meeting.
June 22, 2017

Roughly 125,000 cubic yards of muck pumped from Eau Gallie River so far

Only four months after dredging began, approximately 125,000 cubic yards of muck have already been pumped from the Eau Gallie River in Melbourne. The river is a tributary of the Indian River Lagoon.