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Latest District News

Four months of below-normal rainfall contribute to dry conditions across District

The District’s latest hydrologic conditions report shows continued dry conditions across much of the region, following four consecutive months of below-average rainfall.

A map graphic announcing a Phase II Severe Water Shortage Advisory issued by the water management district, showing the affected area highlighted in blue covering Alachua and Bradford counties, with cities Gainesville, Micanopy, and Hawthorne marked, surrounded by the yellow-shaded counties of Nassau, Baker, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Putnam, and Flagler within the district boundary

District declares Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage for portions of northeast and central Florida

The District has issued a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage for portions of northeast and central Florida due to continued limited rainfall and declining water levels.

Two cypress trees standing in the calm, open waters of a Florida lake, their reflections visible on the still surface, under a partly cloudy blue sky

District seeks public input on draft 2026 Indian River Lagoon, Upper St. Johns River basin plan

The District has opened the public comment period for the draft 2026 Indian River Lagoon and Upper St. Johns River Basin Plan.

A map graphic announcing the district's extension of a Phase I Moderate Water Shortage to additional North Florida counties, with the affected areas highlighted in green covering Volusia, Seminole, Lake, and Orange counties, and purple covering Osceola county, along with partial views of Brevard, Okeechobee, and surrounding counties within the district boundary.

District extends Phase I Moderate Water Shortage to additional North Florida counties

The District has extended its existing Phase I Moderate Water Shortage to include additional areas, including Nassau, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler and Putnam counties, due to continued limited rainfall and declining water levels.

A St. Johns River Water Management District map showing monthly rainfall totals for January 2026, with most of the district receiving less than 1 inch (tan) and small areas in the north receiving more than 2 inches (dark green); the district monthly total of 0.98 inches was 1.63 inches below the historical average of 2.61 inches.

Sparse rainfall prolongs dry conditions, prompting localized water shortage

January brought little relief from the dry conditions across the District, with rainfall totals remaining sparse during what is typically one of the region’s drier times of year. Nearly all the area received below-average precipitation, and the entire District is experiencing some level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. A water shortage has been declared for portions of the District, including Duval County and parts of Alachua, Baker, Bradford and Marion counties.

Prescribed fire at J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area helps reduce wildfire risk amid dry conditions

The District is conducting a 100-acre prescribed burn today south of the field station at J.P. Hall Bayard Point Conservation Area in Clay County to reduce hazardous fuel loads, lower the risk of wildfire and maintain fire-dependent natural communities.

Media inquiries

Ashley Evitt

Media Outreach Manager

Office: 386-312-2317
Mobile: 407-276-2400
EmailAEvitt@sjrwmd.com

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