Rainfall below average for second consecutive month

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A map illustrates rainfall conditions in March across the St. Johns River Water Management District.

 

March brought below-average rainfall to the District for the second consecutive month, with 13 counties receiving less rain than normal. While northern counties saw higher rainfall totals, much of the District remained relatively dry.

With limited rainfall expected in the coming months, as Florida enters its driest season, residents are encouraged to use water efficiently, such as following water restrictions and using smart irrigation practices.

A full report outlining March’s hydrologic conditions was presented at the District’s Governing Board meeting. Highlights include:

Rainfall

  • Districtwide rainfall averaged 2.43 inches, which is 1.04 inches below the monthly norm.
  • Rainfall totals varied across the region, ranging from 5.45 inches in Baker County to just 1.43 inches in Orange County.
  • Annual rainfall across the District was 52.21 inches, exceeding the long-term average by 1.20 inches.
  • Northern and central counties continue to receive the most rainfall throughout the year, with Nassau County exceeding 60 inches of total annual precipitation.
  • Ten counties have recorded above normal annual rainfall, with Nassau, Duval and Volusia counties more than 5 inches above their averages.

Groundwater

  • Upper Floridan Aquifer levels continue to be healthy overall for this time of year, with water levels primarily in the normal range across the District.
  • Districtwide groundwater levels, expressed as a single index, were in the 68th percentile, which is in the normal range for this time of year.
  • Higher groundwater levels support and recharge the aquifer as we approach our driest months, but they don’t lessen the importance of encouraging continued water conservation practices.

Spring flows

  • Silver Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 697 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 451 million gallons per day (mgd), a 32 cfs decrease from last month and is near the top of the normal range for this time of year.
  • In Volusia County, the Blue Spring station reported a decrease of 13 cfs in March with a mean monthly flow of 177 cfs (115 mgd).
  • Mean monthly flow at Rock Springs was 65 cfs (42 mgd), in the high range.
  • Wekiwa Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 71 cfs (46 mgd) falling just within the high range.

For further insights into rainfall totals and other hydrologic data, visit www.sjrwmd.com.

Visit WaterLessFlorida.com for tips to help landscapes thrive while saving water and money. Follow the water conservation conversation at #sjrwmd #waterconservation #savewater.