SJRWMD report: 9% decrease in water use over last decade

PALATKA — Annual water use reporting conducted by the St. Johns River Water Management District shows that 2019 total water use was 9 percent below the 10-year average, even while total population continued to increase by 11 percent over the last decade. The district’s 2019 Survey of Annual Water Use was presented at the district’s July Governing Board meeting on Tuesday [July 14th].

“The study results remind all of us to keep doing our part to conserve water in our homes and businesses,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures, following our Water Less advice and letting Mother Nature water your lawn are just a few examples of what each of us can contribute.”

Within the St. Johns District, the largest water use is public supply, which represents 55 percent of the total water use, followed by agricultural irrigation at 20 percent and commercial/industrial/institutional and mining/dewatering uses at 9 percent of water use.