‘Drought has worsened the past few months with more than two-thirds of the Sunshine State designated with extreme drought.’
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Growing drought conditions have state officials issuing a severe water shortage declaration and “Phase II” for most of North Florida and other areas.
The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) issued the declaration for Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties. The move is an indicator of the increasingly dry conditions following a cold Winter and frosts that damaged vegetation with little rain.
The Phase II declaration from the SJRWMD means residential landscape irrigation remains limited to one day per week until further notice. It’s designed to reduce demand and help stabilize water resources in the region during the drought.
“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.”
An “exceptional drought” condition has been declared for every county in North Florida except for a few in the Panhandle, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Those conditions stretch well into southern Georgia. Areas from the Treasure Coast stretching across the state into the Southwest Florida region are also under the same conditions.
“Consistent with a La Nina Winter, drought has worsened the past few months with more than two-thirds of the Sunshine State designated with extreme drought,” stated the Drought Monitor report, adding wildfires remain a serious threat.
“According to the National Interagency Fire Center, a wildfire at Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve has grown to over 35,000 acres burned at the beginning of March.”
Officials are urging Florida residents to visit the University of Florida landscaping program advisories to brush up on further water conservation measures until the District lifts the drought declaration.
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