- Alachua County's extreme water shortage orders remain in effect despite recent rainfall not restoring groundwater levels.
- Landscape irrigation is restricted to one day per week based on address and property type to conserve water.
- Outdoor washing is prohibited for nonessential purposes unless necessary for health, safety, or maintenance reasons.
Alachua County is reminding residents that the Water Management District’s extreme water shortage orders remain in effect throughout the county despite recent rainfall.
Recent rain has provided relief across North Florida but has not immediately restored groundwater levels following extended periods of below-average rainfall, according to an Alachua County release sent on Tuesday.
The Suwannee River Water Management District received 9.43 inches of rain in August, about 23 percent above the 1932-2025 long-term average of 7.65 inches, according to its August hydrologic conditions report released Sept. 9. Despite the above-average rain, the district remains 16.85 inches below normal for rainfall over the past 12 months.
The St. Johns River Water Management District also released its August report on Sept. 10 and reported that the district averaged 6.84 inches of rainfall, just below the long-term average of 7 inches. Annual rainfall across the district is 9.60 inches below the 12-month average.
Water shortage restrictions apply to landscape irrigation regardless of the water source, including municipal water, private wells and surface water. Landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week:
- Saturday: Odd-numbered addresses.
- Sunday: Even-numbered addresses.
- Tuesday: Nonresidential properties.
Residents should continue following the watering restrictions and other water conservation measures currently in effect.
The restrictions also apply to outdoor washing of streets, driveways, sidewalks, structures and other impervious surfaces for aesthetic or other nonessential purposes. Such washing is prohibited unless it is necessary for health, safety, maintenance, construction or another essential purpose.
Residents should use water-efficient methods when washing vehicles, machinery or other mobile equipment. These restrictions apply whether the activity is described as pressure washing, soft washing or another type of exterior cleaning.
Although recent rainfall has improved conditions in some areas, groundwater levels remain affected by prolonged dry conditions. Residents are encouraged to check irrigation timers, repair leaks, avoid unnecessary outdoor water use and postpone discretionary water-intensive activities when possible.
“Rain is welcome, but a few significant rainfall events do not immediately reverse the effects of a prolonged rainfall deficit,” said Senior Environmental Specialist Luke Sekula in the release. “Residents may notice our traffic signs reminding everyone to conserve water.”
For information about current watering restrictions and water conservation in Alachua County, visit www.AlachuaCountyWater.org or contact Sekula at 352-264-6822 or lsekula@alachuacounty.gov.