The St. Johns River Water Management District is asking residents in these counties to voluntarily reduce water consumption and adhere to irrigation rules.
DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a “Phase I Moderate Water Shortage” for Duval and Baker counties due to ongoing drought conditions.
The district said below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels and reduced river flows are contributing to water resource stress.
Here is what’s encouraged and prohibited under a Phase I Moderate Water Shortage, according to the district:
All water users, including domestic, utility and commercial, are encouraged to voluntarily reduce their water use.Residents, businesses and property managers are encouraged to proactively plan for extended dry conditions and the potential for additional restrictions.Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.
Currently, the district said the watering schedule for the entire district remains as follows:
Houses with an odd numbered address (one that ends in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) or houses with no addresses should water on Saturday.Houses with an even numbered address (one that ends in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) should water on Sunday.Non-residential properties should water on Tuesday.Water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.Irrigation is limited to no more than three-quarters of an inch of water per zone and no more than one hour per zone on your scheduled day.Restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities.
“Dry conditions may persist, and residents and businesses are encouraged to plan ahead,” the district said. “Taking conservation steps now can help reduce the need for more restrictive measures later if the water shortage advances to a more severe phase.”
For more information about the Phase I Moderate Water Shortage and more, click here.