BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Telegraph Staff Writer
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS— The St. Johns River Water Management District said Lake Brooklyn’s water level remained 106 feet above sea level during March, despite emerging drought conditions in the district’s 18-county jurisdiction.
“Rainfall in the northern counties was average to above average last month, while dry conditions continued in the southern counties with seven counties receiving less than one inch of rain in March,” the district said. “Overall, the district has experienced a relatively low amount of rainfall over the past several months, and groundwater levels have declined.”
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Northeast Florida remains abnormally dry, with the area between Gainesville and Ocala in a moderate drought and the area south of Ocala in a severe drought.
The district said groundwater levels districtwide are well above drought indicator levels, with most of the district falling within the normal to high range.
“District staff will continue to monitor both rainfall amounts and groundwater levels to ensure adequate supply is available to meet public demand,” the agency said.
