Duval County is under a Phase 1 water shortage due to dry conditions. Here’s what it means

Northeast Florida is facing increasingly dry conditions, prompting the St. Johns River Water Management District to declare a Phase 1 Moderate Water Shortage on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The declaration impacts Duval, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, and Marion counties, signaling a need for heightened water conservation efforts across the region.

Understanding the Water Shortage

The decision to implement the Phase 1 shortage stems from months of below-average rainfall, leading to declining groundwater levels and reduced river flows. Countywide rainfall totals across the affected counties have fallen at or below 40 inches over the past year. Groundwater monitoring in Marion and Duval counties indicates levels are at or below the 15th percentile, further illustrating the severity of the situation.

Did You Know? The St. Johns River Water Management District compares water resources to a bank account, with rainfall as income and groundwater usage as spending, and currently, the region is operating at a deficit.

According to Clay Coarsey, director of water supply planning and assessment, the current situation represents a “period of deficit rainfall.” The U.S. Drought Monitor classifies portions of the region as experiencing severe or extreme drought conditions.

What Phase 1 Means for Residents and Businesses

Phase 1 is the initial level of water shortage declaration, focusing on voluntary conservation. All water users – including residents, businesses, and utilities – are encouraged to reduce water consumption to the greatest extent possible. Wasteful or unnecessary water use is prohibited. The district is urging preparation for potentially extended dry conditions and the possibility of more stringent, mandatory restrictions if the situation deteriorates.

Expert Insight: The declaration of a Phase 1 water shortage underscores the vulnerability of regional water resources to climatic fluctuations and the importance of proactive water management strategies. The emphasis on voluntary conservation now aims to mitigate the need for more disruptive mandatory restrictions in the future.

The district is encouraging reductions across all sectors, including public supply, commercial, industrial, agricultural, landscape, recreational, and aesthetic uses. Public water utilities are being asked to review and implement existing conservation plans, explore additional demand-management measures, and increase communication with customers about reducing water use.

Current Watering Restrictions

The current watering schedule remains in effect: odd-numbered homes may water on Saturdays, while even-numbered homes may water on Sundays. Businesses are permitted to water on Tuesdays. Irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. And 4 p.m. Irrigation should be limited to 3/4 inch per zone and no more than one hour per zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counties are affected by the water shortage declaration?

The declaration applies to portions of Baker, Bradford, and Duval counties within the district, portions of Alachua County (excluding areas overseen by the Suwannee River Water Management District), and portions of Marion County, including the city of Ocala and unincorporated areas (excluding those overseen by the Southwest Florida Water Management District).

What happens if conditions worsen?

The district’s Water Shortage Plan allows for the implementation of additional restrictions if dry conditions persist. The executive director is also authorized to expand water shortage declarations if necessary.

Where can I find more information about water conservation?

More information on water conservation and current conditions is available at sjrwmd.com.

As Northeast Florida navigates these dry conditions, what steps will individuals and businesses take to prioritize water conservation and ensure the long-term sustainability of this vital resource?