A dry pond in Gainesville reflects the drought on Feb. 15, 2026. | Aiden Wacksman, WUFT News
Published on February 23, 2026 at 4:03 pm
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As cold, dry weather continues to feed the local drought, a water shortage warning has been expanded to more counties with a plea that everyone conserve.
The St. Johns River Water Management District announced Monday that its Moderate Water Shortage declaration now includes Clay, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
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Parts of Baker, Bradford and Duval counties received the same notice last week.
District staff evaluated rainfall and groundwater levels, river flows and drought conditions before recommending the expansion. That includes countywide rain totals low enough that the entire region is classified as being in extreme drought.
“The order encourages voluntary reductions across all water use sectors, including public supply, commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, landscape, recreation and aesthetic uses,” district spokesperson Ashley Evitt said in a news release. “Property owners and managers are encouraged to prepare for possible worsening conditions.”
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The St. Johns River Water Management District encompasses all or parts of 18 counties in Northeast and East-Central Florida that are along the river. The district is one of five in the state responsible for managing water resources. All of Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties are included in the St. Johns district.
Water shortage precautions
Currently, under normal seasonal restrictions, homes with odd-numbered or no addresses can water only on Saturdays. People with even-numbered addresses can water only on Sundays.
Watering can only be done between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and irrigation is limited to no more than three-quarters of an inch of water per zone, district officials said. The restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities.
The district’s water shortage plan allows for additional restrictions if conditions continue to deteriorate.
For more information on water conservation and current conditions, go to sjrwmd.com.
