WHY ARE WE UNDER PHASE II OR III WATER SHORTAGE RESTRICTIONS?

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 Florida Water Shortages

It seems like Florida's been getting more rain. But several areas in Florida are still under a Phase II Severe or Phase III Extreme Water Shortage. This means increased restrictions on irrigation and other water uses. Who makes the call about water shortages and what restrictions are in place? Why is it important to follow the restrictions?

Florida's five Water Management Districts determine the Water Shortage Phase for each of their areas. Hydrologists use rainfall data, water flows, groundwater levels and water usage to determine if there is sufficient water to meet the needs of the population. 

Even if there seems to be plenty of rainfall, a lengthy drought can greatly diminish water supplies. Replenishing our aquifers and increasing our stream flows can take a lot of time. 

Also, the rain may not be located in a recharge area. For instance, water supply in the Jacksonville area is from a confined portion of the Floridan Aquifer. Rain falling in Jacksonville does not help, as the recharge area is near Keystone Heights. 

When the supply of public water gets too low, the District will impose mandatory restrictions to make sure we don't run out of water!

You can see the current drought map on the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) website. You can also check the current precipitation, temperature, streamflow and soil moisture conditions on the site.

Additional drought information can be found on Florida State University's Climate Center Drought page and their Drought Outlook page.

What Are the Stages?

Based on data collected and reviewed Water Management District hydrologists, they determine which of the following stages of drought exist:

NORMAL CONDITIONS: Water supplies are adequate and rainfall has been normal.
STAGE I: DROUGHT ALERT (MODERATE): Mild indication that shortage conditions may be impending.
STAGE II: DROUGHT WARNING (SEVERE): Drier-than-normal conditions are present and will create a surface water shortage if dry conditions persist.
STAGE III: REGIONAL SUPPLY SHORTAGE (EXTREME): A surface water shortage is underway brought on by persistent low-flow conditions that will lead to surface water supply exhaustion if low-flow conditions persist.
STAGE IV: WATER SUPPLY CRISIS (CRITICAL): Surface water supply is exhausted.

What Are the Restrictions?

Each Water Management District will have their own set of restrictions tailored to the area's conditions. In addition, your local county or city may have additional or more stringent conditions. Rules and restrictions will be based on the Water Shortage Phase.

HOAs: Note that homeowner's associations (HOAs) are not allowed to enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use. Also, they cannot require you to replace plants or pressure wash driveways during the water shortage.

You can find the list of restrictions on your Water Management District's website. Restrictions should also be published or advertised by your local government. The local water utilities and city/county employees enforce the restrictions, and must issue citations without giving a warning.


Lawn Watering Restrictions

Irrigation of lawns is restricted to specific days and times. For a Stage III drought, this would usually be one day per week, early morning or in the evening. This restriction lessens the amount of water most people will use for lawn watering, and it will be more effective when not used during the hottest part of the day. Exceptions may be made for hand watering, micro-irrigation, or for grow-in of new lawns.

Pressure Washing

Pressure washing may be disallowed, or only allowed for preparation of painting. Pressure washing of driveways or walkways for cleaning would not be allowed.

Vehicle Washing

Washing of cars and trucks may only be allowed on watering days/times, and only with a hose with a shut off nozzle. 

Fountains

Aesthetic fountains may only be operated 4 hours per day.

Restaurants

Restaurants should only serve water on request.

What You Can Do to Help During a Water Shortage

There are steps you can take to help keep the water supply levels from getting worse. 

Of course, follow the watering restrictions issued by the Water Management District and local government. And you can take additional steps to conserve water indoors and out.

Save Water Outdoors

Lawn and landscape irrigation accounts for about half of all residential water use!
  • Use Waterwise landscaping.
  • Install moisture sensors on your irrigation system and ensure they work.
  • Inspect and repair any water leaks and broken sprinkler heads.
  • Route downspouts to water vegetation.
  • Add mulch around landscaping to reduce evaporation.
  • Take your vehicle to a car wash (they recycle).
  • Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater for irrigation.

Save Water Indoors

  • Take the Home Water Use Survey from the St. Johns River WMD
  • Check for water leaks indoors by reading your meter.
  • Make sure you have a full load for dishwashers and washing machines.
  • Use the shortest clothes washing cycle for light loads.
  • Inspect and repair leaking toilets, faucets, piping.
  • Install water conserving showerheads and fixtures
  • When purchasing new appliances, choose water saving models.

Geek Out

Here is more information about Florida's five Water Management Districts, what they do, which counties they serve and contact information. The Districts are a division of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Water Shortage Plans

Each of the Water Management Districts must have a Water Shortage Plan. These Plans are all in the Florida Administrative Code (laws), Division 40. If you follow the link, find your District and click on it, you'll see all of the District's rules. If you want to see your District's Water Shortage Plan, click on Item #21. 

As an example, here is the Water Shortage Plan for the South Florida Water Management District.



 














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