Above average rainfall continues across the district

~Stormwater systems can help manage local flooding~

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

PALATKA, Fla., Aug. 14, 2018 — Despite July’s patchy rainfall, 12-month rainfall totals remain above average across the St. Johns River Water Management District. A report outlining hydrologic conditions was presented today to the district’s Governing Board.

Through most of July and in the beginning of August, the central Florida portion of the St. Johns River experienced flooding that was categorized as minor but lasted throughout the month, affecting residents and businesses in the Lake Harney area. Water levels have since dropped below flood stage, but residents may continue to see stormwater ponds that appear full.

Often, these local stormwater systems are in place to help manage the runoff from rainfall. Because retention and detention systems were designed to imitate natural processes, individuals may have stormwater systems on or near their property without realizing it. What appears to be a natural indentation in the backyard may have been designed as a stormwater swale.

The wet weather may continue, as forecasts state a 70 percent chance of El Niño conditions developing during the winter, potentially increasing the chances of a wet winter. Individuals who irrigate their lawns are encouraged to take advantage of the summer rains and “watch the weather, wait to water.” When a lawn has received enough water from rainfall, the district encourages turning off irrigation systems and then turning it back on only when needed.

Homeowners can find more information about stormwater systems, irrigation and water conservation online at www.sjrwmd.com/hoa-resources.