St. Johns County residents now face expanded water restrictions and an extended burn ban as officials respond to one of the most severe droughts in Northeast Florida history.
The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration on May 11, affecting St. Johns County and several neighboring counties after prolonged dry weather caused groundwater levels and river flows to drop significantly. At the same time, St. Johns County officials extended a countywide burn ban through Emergency Proclamation No. 2026-4 due to heightened wildfire risks fueled by extreme drought conditions and limited rainfall. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the entire region currently falls under Extreme Drought (D3) conditions, marking the largest D3 drought coverage in Florida since federal monitoring began in 2000.
Water Restrictions Expand Across Northeast Florida
The Phase III declaration applies to St. Johns, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, and Putnam counties, along with portions of additional counties within the SJRWMD service area.
Under the declaration, residents may irrigate landscapes only once per week and cannot water between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. The restrictions also limit certain non-essential commercial and industrial water uses, new sod installation, pressure washing, and aesthetic water activities. The restrictions apply to private wells, surface water, groundwater, and utility-supplied water. However, reclaimed water remains exempt from the once-per-week irrigation schedule.
Officials said outdoor irrigation accounts for the largest share of residential water consumption, making conservation critical during drought conditions. “Water conservation plays an important role in protecting our aquifer and maintaining reliable service for our community,” said Neal Shinkre, director of the St. Johns County Utilities Department. “Small actions like adjusting irrigation schedules, checking irrigation systems for leaks, and watering only when necessary can make a meaningful difference during dry periods.”
County officials urged residents, businesses, agricultural operations, and property managers to reduce unnecessary water use immediately to help stabilize regional water resources.
Burn Ban Remains in Effect Due to Wildfire Threat
In addition to water restrictions, St. Johns County extended its burn ban for another seven days as wildfire concerns continue to grow across Florida.
The county originally declared a State of Local Emergency on April 20 and has since renewed the emergency declaration multiple times due to worsening drought conditions and ongoing wildfire activity in surrounding counties.
The burn ban prohibits:
- Yard debris burning
- Campfires and bonfires, including outdoor fire pits
- Unattended open flames
Emergency officials also urged residents to avoid activities that could accidentally ignite fires, including discarding cigarettes improperly, using fireworks, or parking vehicles on dry grass. County leaders said dry vegetation and continued lack of rainfall create dangerous conditions where fires can ignite quickly and spread rapidly. St. Johns County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management officials continue coordinating with state agencies and regional partners while monitoring weather conditions daily.
Residents Encouraged to Conserve Water and Stay Alert
County officials emphasized that conservation efforts remain essential as drought conditions persist across Northeast Florida.
The St. Johns County Utilities Department continues investing in reclaimed water infrastructure to reduce demand on potable water supplies and support long-term sustainability efforts. Officials also encouraged homeowners to adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices, including drought-resistant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and improved soil management.
Emergency Management leaders asked residents to stay informed through official county communication channels, social media updates, and the Alert St. Johns emergency notification system. Regional water managers said they will continue monitoring groundwater levels, rainfall totals, and river flows to determine whether additional restrictions may become necessary in the coming weeks.
Residents can find additional information about irrigation schedules, water conservation tips, and reclaimed water programs through the St. Johns County Utilities Department website.
