St. Johns River September Rainfall Below Average

The St. Johns River Water Management District recorded 5.30 inches of rainfall in September, falling short of the monthly average by 1.44 inches.

The District's Governing Board reviewed hydrologic data showing uneven precipitation across its 18 counties. Okeechobee County received the most rain at 7.82 inches, while Bradford County recorded only 3.19 inches. All 18 counties finished the month below their annual averages, with ten counties experiencing deficits exceeding 10 inches. Baker County reported a deficit of more than 17 inches for the year.

Through September, the District had received 42.07 inches of rainfall, an 8.94-inch shortfall compared to the 12-month average. Groundwater levels in the Upper Floridan aquifer dipped below normal ranges at most monitoring stations, though nearly all sites showed improvement. The Districtwide groundwater level index reached the 8th percentile for September.

Spring flows reflected the dry conditions. Silver Springs recorded a monthly mean flow of 400 cubic feet per second, in the very low range for this time of year. Blue Spring in Volusia County reported flows within the high range.