The St. Johns River Water Management District has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration affecting St. Johns County and several other counties across Northeast Florida following prolonged dry conditions and declining groundwater levels.
“The move to Phase III reflects the severity of current drought conditions and the need for immediate action to reduce water demand,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Director of Water Supply and Assessment Clay Coarsey. “Protecting our water resources requires a collective effort. Residents, businesses, agricultural operations and large water users all play an important role in helping conserve supplies during these prolonged dry conditions.”
The declaration, issued Monday, May 11, applies to Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties, along with portions of several additional counties within the district’s jurisdiction.
The action reflects the regional drought conditions of below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels and reduced river flows placing significant stress on water resources.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all counties within the region are currently classified as experiencing Extreme Drought (D3) conditions. This marks the highest area of Extreme Drought (D3) coverage in Florida since the drought monitor began in 2000.
Monitoring data shows groundwater levels and river flows throughout the region have fallen well below normal levels for this time of year.
As part of the Phase III declaration, residential landscape irrigation remains limited to one day per week and is prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Also, irrigation for golf course fairways is limited to one day per week.
If you have not already reset your irrigation timer so that irrigation only occurs one day per week and only between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., this should be done immediately. Residents are also encouraged to inspect irrigation systems for leaks and ensure sprinklers are only watering landscaped areas, not streets, sidewalks or driveways, to help prevent unnecessary water waste during ongoing drought conditions.
Additional restrictions also apply to new plantings, including sod installation, as well as certain non-essential commercial, industrial and institutional water uses.
Aesthetic water uses and activities such as street and pressure washing are also restricted.
These restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water supplied by public and private utilities.
Please note, residents may occasionally see irrigation systems operating in public spaces such as parks, medians and common areas during the water shortage. In many cases, these systems use reclaimed water, which is a highly treated recycled water source that helps reduce demand on potable groundwater supplies. While conservation remains important across all water sources, some reclaimed water systems must continue operating to maintain system function or manage storage capacity.
Reclaimed water is not included in the one-day-per-week irrigation schedule.
The measure is intended to reduce demand and help stabilize regional water resources during the ongoing drought.
Outdoor irrigation typically represents the largest share of residential water use. Following the once-per-week irrigation schedule and limiting unnecessary watering are among the most effective ways residents can help conserve water during dry conditions.
“Water conservation plays an important role in protecting our aquifer and maintaining reliable service for our community,” said Neal Shinkre, director of the St. Johns County Utilities Department. “Small actions like adjusting irrigation schedules, checking irrigation systems for leaks and watering only when necessary can make a meaningful difference during dry periods.”
Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited under the district’s water shortage order.
Residents, businesses, agricultural operations and property managers are encouraged to proactively reduce water use and prepare for the possibility of additional restrictions should dry conditions persist.
The St. Johns County Utilities Department continues to support long-term water supply planning through investments in reclaimed water infrastructure, which provides a sustainable alternative for irrigation and reduces demand on the potable water system.
Residents can also reduce water use by incorporating Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices that emphasize drought-tolerant plants, improved soil health and efficient irrigation methods.
Regional water managers will continue monitoring rainfall, groundwater levels and river flows to determine whether additional conservation measures may be needed if dry conditions persist.
For more information about irrigation schedules, conservation tips and reclaimed water, go to sjcfl.us/utilities.
To view the complete water shortage order, including detailed requirements for each water use category and water conservation tips, go to sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions.
To learn more about reclaimed water and its beneficial uses, go to https://floridadep.gov/water/domestic-wastewater/content/floridas-reuse-program.
