- The Suwannee River Water Management District received 3.87 inches of rain in September, 29% below average, and 5.7 inches in early October, exceeding the average.
- Groundwater levels in the District ended September near the 24th percentile, with the Upper Floridan Aquifer ranging from below the 10th to above the 90th percentile.
- A Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order remains in effect through the year-end due to ongoing drought conditions despite recent rainfall improvements.
Groundwater conditions improved across the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) by the end of September, despite below-average rainfall during the month, and additional rainfall in early October has provided a further boost.
According to an SRWMD release sent Wednesday, the District received approximately 3.87 inches of rain in September, 29% below the 1932-2025 average, according to its latest Hydrologic Conditions Report. During the first 11 days of October, the District received 5.7 inches of rain, exceeding the long-term monthly average of approximately 2.8 inches.
Despite the recent rainfall, drought conditions persist. The District continues to urge residents, visitors and businesses to conserve water until conditions improve. A Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order remains in effect through the end of the year.
The monthly report tracks rainfall, surface water and groundwater levels, along with climate and drought outlooks.
Highlights from the September report include:
- Rainfall deficit: The 12-month period ending Sept. 30 showed a Districtwide rainfall deficit of 15.11 inches, an improvement from the 16.85-inch deficit recorded at the end of August.
- County rainfall: Average rainfall across District counties ranged from just under 3 inches to more than 5 inches. Parts of 10 counties received more than 6 inches.
- River flows: River gauges across the District ended September with flows ranging from extremely low, below the 10th percentile, to normal, between the 25th and 75th percentiles. The Aucilla River at Lamont gauge recorded all-time historic daily flow levels near the end of the month.
- Groundwater levels: Upper Floridan Aquifer levels ranged from extremely low, below the 10th percentile, to extremely high, above the 90th percentile. Levels across the District ended the month near the 24th percentile.
- Seasonal outlook: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s three-month outlook calls for above-normal temperatures and precipitation from October through December.
- Drought conditions: The U.S. Drought Monitor report released Oct. 8 identified four drought categories across the District: abnormally dry, moderate drought, severe drought and extreme drought. Parts of Columbia, Lafayette, Madison and Taylor counties showed no drought conditions.
The District typically updates its Hydrologic Conditions Report during the second week of each month. Reports from the previous five years are also available.