Dry conditions continue through December

While December is historically the second-driest month across the St. Johns River Water Management District, rainfall this past month was below-average and precipitation remained below normal in 17 of 18 counties. The drier conditions contributed to declining aquifer levels and varied surface water flows across the region.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, like the rest of the state, the entire District is currently classified as experiencing some level of drought. Conditions range from abnormally dry in the central portions of the District to moderate and severe drought in the west and north, all of which warrant continued monitoring as the dry season continues.

The National Weather Service short-term precipitation forecast calls for near-normal rainfall, while longer-term and seasonal outlooks indicate a higher probability of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures, though some uncertainty remains.

With limited rainfall expected in the coming months, residents are encouraged to use water efficiently, such as following water restrictions and adopting smart irrigation practices.

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

Rainfall

• Districtwide rainfall averaged 1.63 inches, 0.91 inches below the monthly average.
• Monthly averages ranged from 3.00 inches in Orange County to 0.54 inches in Okeechobee County.
• Annual rainfall across the District was 45.99 inches, 5.02 inches below the long-term average.
• Rainfall distribution on an annual scale has been higher in Volusia, northern Brevard and portions of southern counties, while areas to the west and the northwest have received below 35 inches.
• Thirteen counties have recorded below-average annual rainfall, with five counties more than 11 inches below their annual averages, including Baker, Bradford, Alachua, Marion and Putnam counties.

Groundwater 

• Water levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer primarily recorded decreases, with sites showing decreases that track along with recent rainfall patterns.
• Districtwide groundwater levels, expressed as a single index, were in the 32nd percentile for December, which is in the normal range.

Spring flows

• Silver Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 500 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 323 million gallons per day (mgd), a decrease of 18 cfs from November. Remaining in the low range for this time of year.
• In Volusia County, the Blue Spring station reported flows to be in the normal range.
• Rock Springs had a monthly mean flow of 60 cfs (39 mgd), which is in the normal range.
• Wekiwa Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 65 cfs (42 mgd) continuing to be in the normal range.