Northeast and Central Florida face a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage due to severe drought, with restrictions tightening on water use to protect resources.
FLORIDA, USA — The St. Johns River Water Management District has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage declaration as exceptional drought conditions continue to impact northeast and central Florida.
Counties affected include Duval, Nassau, Baker, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, Flagler, and Marion.
District officials said the declaration comes in response to declining groundwater levels, reduced surface water flows and a continued lack of rainfall across the region.
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“The move to Phase III reflects the severity of current drought conditions and the need for immediate action to reduce water demand,” District Director of Water Supply and Assessment Clay Coarsey said in a statement. “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.”
District staff evaluated rainfall totals, aquifer levels, river flows and other drought indicators before recommending the declaration. Officials said earlier conservation measures were not enough to offset worsening dry conditions.
Under Phase III restrictions, landscape irrigation remains limited to one day per week for residential, commercial and institutional properties, including managed landscapes and athletic fields. Restrictions on watering newly planted landscaping and sod also have been tightened.
Additional Phase III measures include expanding the water shortage order into the district’s portion of Lake County. Commercial, industrial and institutional users must suspend certain non-essential water uses, while golf course fairway irrigation is limited to one day per week.
The declaration also prohibits aesthetic water use and places additional restrictions on activities such as street and pressure washing. Landscape irrigation is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
District officials urged residents and businesses to eliminate unnecessary water use and prepare for the possibility of additional restrictions if drought conditions persist.
Officials said outdoor irrigation remains one of the largest demands on potable water supplies, making conservation efforts especially important during prolonged dry weather.
The district’s Water Shortage Plan allows for progressively stronger measures if drought conditions worsen further. Officials said conserving water now could help reduce strain on water resources and lessen the need for stricter future restrictions.
Residents who have not already adjusted irrigation timers are being urged to limit watering to one day per week between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Officials also encouraged residents to inspect irrigation systems for leaks` and ensure sprinklers are not watering streets, sidewalks or driveways.
More information, including the complete water shortage order and conservation guidance, is available at sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions.