LIVE OAK, FLA., JANUARY 13, 2026 – Following a year of below-average rainfall across North Florida that has affected rivers, springs and groundwater levels, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board on Tuesday issued a water shortage advisory, calling on water users to be mindful of their consumption and adopt conservation practices.

As of December 21, 2025, 14 of the 15 District counties had an average rainfall deficit of approximately 11.5 inches based on records dating back to 1932, and rainfall forecasts for the next three months call for below normal precipitation. All counties in the District are also at varying levels of drought conditions. 

The declared advisory encourages all users to:

• Conserve water to the maximum extent possible.
• Reduce overall water use; be mindful of running taps, leaks, and other indoor water uses that can add up.  
• Defer water-intensive activities such as washing cars, pressure washing, landscape plantings, and other discretionary water uses until conditions improve. 
• If you choose to irrigate your landscape, schedule irrigation to no more than one day per week, ensure that the system is free of leaks, and set for the minimum time and volume necessary for the yard. 

All permittees are encouraged to review their operations, ensure permitted conservation measures are fully implemented, and plan for the possibility of extended drought. This advisory allows permit holders time to plan if further water restrictions are necessary, such as eliminating high-pressure irrigation systems, transitioning to night irrigation, and minimizing the use of less efficient irrigation systems. Permittees should contact the District for potential cost-share programs to improve the long-term efficiency of these systems.  

Golf courses are encouraged to delay overseeding until conditions improve. 

“This advisory is a proactive approach to increase awareness of our current conditions and encourage enhanced conservation efforts to protect our water resources,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “This applies to all water users, area residents, businesses, and visitors. While we always need to be mindful of our water resources, in times of drought and low rainfall, conservation is even more important. Water conservation requires all of us to work together.”

The advisory applies to all counties within the District, and the unincorporated portions of Alachua and Levy counties. 

The District, in coordination with Florida’s other water management districts, will continue to monitor hydrologic conditions, keep the public informed, and, if warranted, declare additional water shortage measures. 

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties. 

For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. 

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