Dry conditions across Northeast Florida have prompted new conservation measures.
The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board on Feb. 10 declared a Phase I Moderate Water Shortage for Duval County and portions of Alachua, Baker, Bradford and Marion counties, citing ongoing drought and declining water levels. Additionally, the National Weather Service has reported Severe (D2) Drought conditions across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.
The decision came after a review of rainfall totals, groundwater levels, river flows and drought data. The findings were concerning, the district said: Over the past year, countywide rainfall totals in the affected areas were at or below 40 inches, and some groundwater monitoring sites in Duval and Marion counties dropped to the 15th percentile or lower.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, parts of the region are now classified as experiencing severe to extreme drought.
Here’s what Jacksonville residents need to know about a Phase I Moderate Water Shortage designation, and how to help keep conditions from getting worse.
What is a Phase I water shortage?
A Phase I Moderate Water Shortage is a precautionary step taken when dry conditions begin to strain water supplies. It does not impose mandatory watering restrictions beyond existing rules, but it does:
The district’s Water Shortage Plan allows additional restrictions if water levels continue to decline. Authority has also been delegated to the executive director to expand the declaration if needed.
Why was a Phase I water shortage reported in North Florida, including the Jacksonville area?
Below-average rainfall has led to falling aquifer levels, reduced river flows and shrinking lake levels. With the dry season continuing, officials expect additional stress on water resources in the coming months.
The goal of a Phase I declaration is to slow the decline now and reduce the need for tougher restrictions later.
Severe drought conditions reported across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia
What counties are affected by the Phase I water shortage?
The declaration applies to:
District declares Phase I Water Shortage due to dry conditions. See map of impacted areas
What utilities are being asked to do regarding the district’s water shortage
Public water utilities are being directed to:
How can you conserve water at home? See tips
Even small changes can make a measurable difference. Here are some practical ways to conserve water at home, according to the St. Johns River Water Management District:
Indoors
Outdoors
Need to water your lawn? Here’s when you can
With the Phase I declaration, the year-round watering schedule remains in place, limiting the days and times residents can water their lawns. According to the St. Johns Water Management District, they include:
On those days, lawns can only be watered before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Irrigation is limited to three-quarters of an inch or less of water per zone and no more than one hour per zone on permitted days.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Duval faces a Phase I water shortage. What is it and what to do?
Reporting by Doris Alvarez Cea, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
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