Below average rainfall reveals dry July

“July’s dry conditions are a reminder that to provide sufficient water for users and the environment, we must continue stressing the need for water conservation year-round,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Making small changes, like using Waterwise landscaping and proper irrigation, can help conserve water during dry months as well as safeguard future water supplies.”

Each county experienced significantly less than average rainfall, with the coastal counties experiencing the greatest deficit. The low rainfall for the month is noteworthy given July is considered part of Florida’s rainy season. However, due to the very high rainfall during the months prior to July, southern Brevard, Indian River, Osceola and Okeechobee counties remain above average for the previous 12 months.

• Brevard and St. Johns each averaged only 1.9 inches, which is around 70 percent less than average rainfall.
• St. Johns County received 1.86 inches, which is 3.84 inches less than average.
• Seminole County received 2.99 inches, which is 4.17 less than average.
• Lake County received 4.59 inches, the greatest monthly total rainfall across the district’s 18-county service area.
• Baker and Flagler counties experienced the greatest deficits with 23 percent and 21 percent lower than average rainfall in the last 12 months, respectively.

The full report was presented at today’s Governing Board meeting. The district’s hydrologic data collection program collects, processes, manages and disseminates hydrologic and meteorological data that are used for consumptive use permitting, water shortage management, establishment of minimum flows and levels, water supply planning and management, environmental protection and restoration projects, and operation of district flood control facilities.

County by county precipitation reports and other data is available online at www.sjrwmd.com/hydroconditionsreport.