MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns River Water Management District has declared a phase one moderate water shortage for Marion County, urging residents and water users to voluntarily conserve water amid ongoing drought conditions.
The declaration, which also includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, and Duval counties, encourages conservation efforts.
According to the district, groundwater levels in parts of Marion and Duval counties have dropped below the 15th percentile, meeting the district’s criteria for a shortage.
The district’s governing board will review its water conservation plan and the water shortage order will remain in effect until the governing board rescinds it.
The last water shortage declaration in the district was in 2016. Officials warn that rainfall outlooks for the coming months remain unfavorable, making conservation efforts critical to managing water resources during this period.