June rainfall below average for fifth straight month

Published by Communications at July 10, 2024

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

PALATKA, Fla., July 10, 2024 — Rainfall in June was below average for the fifth consecutive month across the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 18-county region. Invest 90L brought much-needed rainfall mid-month, followed by increased thunderstorm precipitation during the last week of June, especially benefiting the southern region of the District. Even with the extra rainfall at the end of the month, most of the District is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Rainfall continued to be scarce and unevenly distributed in June, with 14 counties receiving less than their monthly average. In some areas, the deficit was more than two inches, with Baker County receiving 4.5 inches below normal.

District staff continue to monitor rainfall and groundwater levels to ensure adequate supply for public demand but emphasize the importance of using water wisely. The District strongly encourages the public to be mindful of their water usage during these dry months until our summer rainfall patterns return.

Below are simple tips for residents and businesses to help save water and money on their water bill.

Indoor

Only run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads.
Use the shortest washing cycle for lightly soiled clothes.
Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave, not under running water.
Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before loading into the dishwasher.
Install high-efficiency showerheads, faucets and toilets.

Outdoor

Check and repair leaks in irrigation systems.
Turn off irrigation systems and water only as needed.
Use a kitchen timer to avoid overwatering with sprinklers.
Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing cars.
Install a rain barrel with a drip irrigation system for landscaping; rainwater is free and better for plants.

A full report outlining June’s hydrologic conditions was presented at the District’s Governing Board meeting on July 9. Highlights include:

Rainfall

Districtwide average rainfall was 5.23 inches, 1.51 inches below the monthly average.
County-wide monthly rainfall totals ranged from a high of 10.50 inches in Okeechobee County to a low of 2.15 inches in Baker County.
Cumulative rainfall for the past 12 months was 51.10 inches, .09 inches above the long-term average.
Ten counties are now below their annual average, with Alachua County nearing 7 inches below its average.
Coastal and northern counties had the highest 12-month rainfall totals, with Volusia County receiving over 5 inches above average.

Groundwater

Upper Floridan aquifer conditions generally fell within the normal range by the end of June.
Groundwater levels districtwide, expressed as a single index, were in the 41st percentile, normal for this time of year, but trending lower in the central and northern region of the District.

Spring flows

Silver Springs recorded a mean monthly flow of 564 cubic feet per second (cfs), or 365 million gallons per day (mgd), a 51 cfs decrease from May, which remains just within normal range for this time of year.
Blue Spring station in Volusia County reported a mean monthly flow of 152 cfs, or 98 mgd, within the normal range.
Rock Springs experienced a slight decrease in mean monthly flow and remains in the normal range at 56 cfs (36 mgd).
Wekiwa Springs exhibited a slight decrease, recording a mean monthly flow of 61 cfs (39 mgd), and is also in the normal range for this time of year.

For further insights into rainfall totals and other hydrologic data, visit www.sjrwmd.com.

Visit WaterLessFlorida.com for tips to help landscapes thrive while saving water and money. Follow the water conservation conversation at #sjrwmd #waterconservation #savewater.