Suwannee River Water Management District issues water shortage advisory due to drought

LIVE OAK, Fla. (WCJB) — The Suwannee River Water Management District board voted Tuesday to issue a water shortage advisory as drought conditions raise concerns among water level monitors.

Officials say 14 of the 15 counties in the water management district had an average rainfall deficit of approximately 11.5 inches, and rainfall forecasts for the next three months call for below normal precipitation.

The advisory applies to all 15 counties within the District, and the unincorporated portions of Alachua and Levy counties.

District staffers will advise utilities to take further steps to conserve water as they monitor rainfall over the next two months.

“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.”

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