The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) rainfall average in May was 2.50 inches. This is about 25 percent less than the long-term average May rainfall of 3.27 inches.

The highest rainfall amounts during the month fell along the Suwannee River corridor. The highest monthly reading gauge was at Cooks Hammock in Southwest Lafayette County which recorded a total of 4.70 inches. The lowest gauged monthly total was captured at 0.70 inches at the Wacissa Tower in Jefferson County. The Santa Fe and Coastal Rivers basins are each approaching a nine inch shortfall over a 12 month period.

River basins reflect the lack of rain District-wide but generally remained in the normal range for this of the year. 

Eleven springs or spring groups were measured in May. With river levels declining across the District, back water conditions were lessened and springs began flowing strongly. For example, White Sulphur Spring flow was measured at 20 million gallons per day.

Levels in all upper Floridan Aquifer monitor wells declined during May, and the District ended the month at the 67th percentile aquifer level. Throughout most of the District water levels are now in the normal range.

Water conservation is necessary to sustain healthy flows in springs and rivers. All users are encouraged to eliminate unnecessary uses. Landscape irrigation is limited to twice per week during Daylight Savings Time (between March 9 and October 31, 2015) based on a water conservation rule that applies to residential landscaping, public or commercial recreation areas, and public and commercial businesses that aren’t regulated by a District-issued permit.

For more information about hydrologic conditions, contact Tom Mirti at  THM@srwmd.org, 386-362-1001 or visit http://www.mysuwanneeriver.org/realtime/river-levels.php