Drought Conditions Persist Across St. Johns County Despite Recent Rainfall
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s (SJRWMD) Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order remains in effect despite recent rainfall across St. Johns County. Drought conditions continue to affect water resources across a large portion of Northeast and North-Central Florida.
The order, issued on May 11, 2026, applies throughout much of the SJRWMD service area, including all of Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties, as well as portions of several neighboring counties. Water shortage decisions are based on hydrologic conditions across the entire affected region, including rainfall totals, groundwater levels, river flows, and other water resource indicators.
Although St. Johns County has experienced periodic afternoon thunderstorms and localized rainfall, many neighboring areas within the water management district continue to face significant rainfall deficits. At the end of July, St. Johns County’s rainfall was approximately 8.3 inches below its 12-month average, while some neighboring counties, including Baker County, recorded deficits of more than 22 inches.
According to the latest drought monitoring data, conditions across St. Johns County range from D1 (Moderate Drought) to D2 (Severe Drought). Although drought severity varies by location, impacts continue to be felt throughout much of the county.
The magnitude of the current drought is reflected in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) latest drought recovery analysis released Aug. 3, 2026. According to NOAA, Northeast Florida would need approximately 32.42 inches of rainfall over the next three months to eliminate existing drought conditions. Drought recovery is a gradual process that requires consistent rainfall over an extended period. While recent rain has provided short-term relief, it has not been sufficient to fully replenish groundwater supplies or reverse the broader regional drought conditions that continue to affect the SJRWMD service area.
St. Johns County thanks residents and businesses for their continued commitment to water conservation. By following current watering restrictions and using water wisely, the community can help protect local water resources during this ongoing drought.
For more information about the water shortage order, watering restrictions, and water-saving tips, visit the St. Johns County Water Conservation webpage.
Water Conservation FAQs
Why are irrigation restrictions a major focus during a drought?
Outdoor water use, primarily lawn and landscape irrigation, can account for approximately 50–60% of a typical household’s water use. Reducing lawn watering during drought conditions is one of the most effective ways to lower overall demand on public water supplies, helping ensure water remains available for essential needs while reducing strain on water systems.
Residents can also conserve water by making sure their irrigation systems are operating efficiently. Regular maintenance such as repairing leaks, replacing damaged sprinkler heads, verifying timer settings, and ensuring rain sensors or soil moisture sensors are working properly can help to reduce water waste.
Do the watering restrictions apply to reclaimed water?
Properties irrigating with 100% reclaimed water are exempt from the Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order. However, if reclaimed water is supplemented or blended with a water source that is limited under the water shortage order the restrictions do apply.
Although customers using 100% reclaimed water are exempt from the order, St. Johns County Utility Department customers are encouraged to follow their subdivision-specific reclaimed water irrigation schedules. These schedules help manage system demand and maintain adequate reclaimed water pressure throughout the community.
Are golf courses required to follow the same watering restrictions as residents and businesses?
Golf courses are subject to water conservation requirements under the Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order, although the specific measures differ from those that apply to residential properties.
Golf course operators are required to reduce irrigation where possible, including limiting irrigation of fairways and driving ranges to no more than once per week, reducing watering of tees and greens to no more than 3 times per week, minimizing irrigation of rough areas, and suspending equipment washing activities when feasible. Golf courses that irrigate using 100% reclaimed water may be exempt from certain irrigation reductions outlined in the order.
If it has been raining regularly in my neighborhood, why do restrictions remain in effect?
Water shortage decisions are based on hydrologic conditions across the entire area covered by the St. Johns River Water Management District, not solely on rainfall in a particular neighborhood or county. While some areas of St. Johns County have received beneficial rainfall, other parts of the SJRWMD continue to experience significant rainfall deficits.
In addition to rainfall totals, the St. Johns River Water Management District evaluates groundwater (aquifer) levels, river and stream flows, lake levels, and other water resource indicators when determining whether restrictions are necessary. Drought recovery requires sustained rainfall over an extended period and improvements across the broader region before restrictions can be lifted.
Why is there a difference between drought conditions (D1 Moderate and D2 Severe) and a Water Shortage Order (Phase III Extreme Water Shortage)?
Drought conditions and Water Shortage Orders are related, but they are not the same.
Drought designations, such as those shown on the U.S. Drought Monitor, are based primarily on environmental conditions including rainfall deficits, temperature and evaporation rates, soil moisture, streamflows, and other indicators used to measure the severity of drought.
A Water Shortage Order is issued by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) to protect regional water resources and is based on a broader evaluation of hydrologic conditions across the entire affected area. When determining whether restrictions are necessary, the SJRWMD considers multiple factors, including districtwide rainfall totals, groundwater (aquifer) levels, river and stream flows, lake levels, weather forecasts, water demand, and drought indicators.
Because the Water Shortage Order is based on regional conditions rather than rainfall in any single community, restrictions may remain in place even when some areas, including portions of St. Johns County, have recently received significant rainfall. The order remains in effect until water resource conditions improve across the broader region and the SJRWMD determines that restrictions are no longer necessary.
In short, drought maps help describe current conditions, while Water Shortage Orders are management tools used to protect water supplies and ensure sustainable water resources throughout the region.
Where can I find the current watering restrictions?
Current watering restrictions, conservation tips, and information about the Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order are available on the St. Johns County Water Conservation webpage.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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