NORTHEAST FLORIDA – Northeast Florida has been dealing with a water shortage since last fall, and despite recent September rain, officials say the region still has a long way to go before its groundwater supply recovers.
Duval and St. Johns counties are both more than 15 inches below their 12-month average rainfall totals — a deficit that is taking a toll on the region’s water supply, including the Floridan Aquifer, which stretches from Georgia and South Carolina through Central and West Florida.
The shortage is already showing visible effects. Clay Coarsey, Director of Water Supply and Assessment for the St. Johns River Water Management District, said some springs are disappearing.
“A number of springs to the west of Duval County over in Alachua County have started drying up due to the low rainfall conditions,” Coarsey said.
Coarsey tracks water shortages for the district. He said the rain North Florida received in September, while helpful, has not been enough to offset nearly a year’s worth of below-average rainfall.
Drought impacts continue across the region (St. Johns River Water Management District)
“That one month hasn’t made up for the 11 months prior deficit in rainfall,” Coarsey said. “It’s been about a year since we started falling below the normal rainfall totals.”
When asked how much more rain is needed to bring aquifer levels back to normal, Coarsey did not sugarcoat the answer.
“A little over 30 inches or so over the next 3 months would be needed above and beyond your everyday rainfall,” he said.
Coarsey said the fall season does offer some hope. With fewer daylight hours, less evaporation, and reduced plant water demand, rainfall during this time of year is more effective at penetrating the ground and replenishing the aquifer.
Residents in Duval and St. Johns counties are currently under Phase 3 water restrictions, which limit outdoor watering to once a day. Officials are urging residents to take additional steps to conserve water:
Water late at night or in the early morning
Check your irrigation system regularly
Replace or repair broken sprinkler heads
Install rain sensors on your irrigation system
Residents in Duval and St. Johns counties should irrigate no more than one day per week
Copyright 2026 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.