St. Johns County Enters Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration
- 13 May 2026
- Category: Community Well-Being SJC News
- Tags: 2026
Key Takeaways:
- Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declared Across Northeast Florida – The St. Johns River Water Management District has issued a Phase III declaration due to prolonged drought, with all affected counties—including St. Johns—now classified in Extreme Drought (D3), the most severe level recorded in Florida since 2000.
- Mandatory Water Restrictions Now in Effect – Residents and businesses must limit landscape irrigation to one day per week and avoid watering between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., with additional restrictions on new plantings, pressure washing, and other non-essential water uses to reduce strain on groundwater and river systems.
- Community Conservation Critical to Protect Water Supply – The St. Johns County Utilities Department urges residents to take immediate conservation actions—such as fixing leaks, adjusting irrigation systems, and using Florida-Friendly Landscaping™—while continuing long-term investments in reclaimed water to sustain the region’s water future.
The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration affecting St. Johns County and several other counties across Northeast Florida following prolonged dry conditions and declining groundwater levels.
The declaration, issued May 11, applies to Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties, along with portions of several additional counties within the District’s jurisdiction. The action reflects the regional drought conditions of below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows placing significant stress on water resources.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all counties within the region are currently classified as experiencing Extreme Drought (D3) conditions. This marks the highest area of Extreme Drought (D3) coverage in Florida since the drought monitor began in 2000. Monitoring data shows groundwater levels and river flows throughout the region have fallen well below normal levels for this time of year.
As part of the Phase III declaration, residential landscape irrigation remains limited to one day per week and is prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Additional restrictions also apply to new plantings, including sod installation, as well as certain non-essential commercial, industrial, and institutional water uses. Aesthetic water uses and activities such as street and pressure washing are also restricted. These restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water supplied by public and private utilities. Reclaimed water is not included in the one-day-per-week irrigation schedule. The measure is intended to reduce demand and help stabilize regional water resources during the ongoing drought.
Outdoor irrigation typically represents the largest share of residential water use. Following the once-per-week irrigation schedule and limiting unnecessary watering are among the most effective ways residents can help conserve water during dry conditions.
“Water conservation plays an important role in protecting our aquifer and maintaining reliable service for our community,” said Neal Shinkre, Director of the St. Johns County Utilities Department. “Small actions like adjusting irrigation schedules, checking irrigation systems for leaks, and watering only when necessary can make a meaningful difference during dry periods.”
Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited under the District’s water shortage order. Residents, businesses, agricultural operations, and property managers are encouraged to proactively reduce water use and prepare for the possibility of additional restrictions should dry conditions persist.
The St. Johns County Utilities Department continues to support long-term water supply planning through investments in reclaimed water infrastructure, which provides a sustainable alternative for irrigation and reduces demand on the potable water system.
Residents can also reduce water use by incorporating Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ practices that emphasize drought-tolerant plants, improved soil health, and efficient irrigation methods.
Regional water managers will continue monitoring rainfall, groundwater levels, and river flows to determine whether additional conservation measures may be needed if dry conditions persist.
For more information about irrigation schedules, conservation tips, and reclaimed water, visit the Utilities Department web page.
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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