ALACHUA COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Both the St. Johns River Water Management District and Suwannee River Management District–each of which oversees portions of Alachua County, as well as surrounding regions–have updated their outlook on our current drought conditions, and that outlook is not good.
Due to both drought conditions and declining aquifer levels, the districts have enacted new restrictions and/or tightened existing ones.
Current required water conservation efforts include:
- Landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week, between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) cannot require additional watering of landscapes
- Nonessential water uses are prohibited, including fountains and washing of streets, sidewalks and driveways
- Pressure or soft washing for aesthetic reasons is prohibited
Residents are also encouraged to postpone any nonessential or landscape planting until the summer rains come.
“While we have experienced some rainfall in recent weeks, it will take considerably more to replenish our aquifer,” said Stacie Greco, water resources manager for Alachua County Environmental Protection Department. “Conserving water helps protect our regional water supply and local spring and river flows.”
Drought conditions on the north end of the 352 and just to our east are being called the worst in a quarter of a century.
For more information, contact Alachua County Senior Planner Eliana Bardi at 352-264-6810 or ebardi@alachuacounty.us.