St. Johns River Water Management District Implements Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions Across Northeast Florida

The City of Palm Coast is informing residents that the St. Johns River Water Management District has issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order affecting Flagler County and multiple counties across Northeast Florida due to ongoing drought conditions across the region.

The St. Johns River Water Management District has stated that below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows continue to place significant stress on regional water resources. The District has implemented temporary restrictions to help protect water supplies during this extended dry period.

As part of the Phase III Water Shortage Order, landscape irrigation is now limited to one day per week based on address numbering for all water users, including private well users. 

The updated irrigation schedule issued by the St. Johns River Water Management District is as follows:

• Odd-numbered addresses: Saturday
• Even-numbered addresses: Sunday
• Non-residential properties: Tuesday

In addition, landscape irrigation is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Residents should note that this restriction expands the previously prohibited irrigation hours and may require adjustments to automatic sprinkler system settings.

Please note that residents with a retail reclaimed meter are not impacted by the restricted irrigation schedule. Additionally, residents may occasionally see irrigation systems operating in public spaces such as parks, medians and common areas during the water shortage. These systems use reclaimed water, which is a highly treated recycled water source that helps reduce demand on potable groundwater supplies. 

The Phase III restrictions are designed to promote the efficient use of water while still allowing enough irrigation to help maintain healthy landscapes year-round. The restrictions establish when irrigation may occur, how often watering is permitted, and how water resources are managed during drought conditions.

In addition to irrigation restrictions, the St. Johns River Water Management District has also implemented limitations on certain aesthetic water uses, including activities such as pressure washing and washing vehicles, boats, and mobile equipment. Residents are encouraged to review the District’s official guidance for additional details regarding these restrictions.

The St. Johns River Water Management District will continue monitoring conditions throughout the region and has indicated that additional restrictions could be implemented if drought conditions worsen.

Residents can learn more about the Phase III Water Shortage Order, regional drought conditions, irrigation schedules, and water conservation by visiting the St. Johns River Water Management District Watering Restrictions webpage: https://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/

Read the District’s official news release: https://www.sjrwmd.com/2026/05/district-declares-phase-iii-extreme-water-shortage/

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