Dry conditions persist across District for third consecutive month

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

April marked the third consecutive month of below-average rainfall across the District, with all 18 counties in the District receiving less than their monthly averages. Rainfall totals were minimal, with much of the District seeing less than half an inch for the month. With the rainy season still a few weeks away, the District is encouraging residents to use water efficiently, such as following water restrictions and using smart irrigation practices.

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

Rainfall

  • Districtwide rainfall averaged 0.61 inches, which is 1.99 inches below the monthly norm.
  • Rainfall totals varied across the region, ranging from 1.21 inches in Marion County to just 0.29 inches in Okeechobee County.
  • Annual rainfall across the District was 50.68 inches, below the long-term average by 0.33 inches.
  • Northern and central counties continue to receive the most rainfall throughout the year, while areas along the southern coast and western portions of the District have received less.
  • Eight counties have recorded above normal annual rainfall including Nassau, Duval, Volusia and Seminole counties. Ten counties are below their 12-month average, two of which are more than 5 inches below normal.

Groundwater

  • High aquifer levels persist in small portions of counties in the north and northwest, while coastal areas in the central and southern regions experienced expanded low and very low conditions compared to last month.
  • Despite more than 75% of well sites showing declines greater than 10% in April, most aquifer levels remain within the normal range, reflecting continued resiliency from the record rainfall received during the most recent tropical season.
  • Districtwide groundwater levels, expressed as a single index, were in the 46th percentile, which is in the normal range for this time of year.

Spring flows

  • Silver Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 648 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 419 million gallons per day (mgd), a 49 cfs decrease from last month and is near the middle of the normal range for this time of year.
  • In Volusia County, the Blue Spring station reported a decrease of 15 cfs in April with a mean monthly flow of 162 cfs (105 mgd).
  • Mean monthly flow at Rock Springs was 61 cfs (40 mgd), just within the high range.
  • Wekiwa Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 65 cfs (42 mgd) falling in the normal range.

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

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