GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Almost simultaneously, the St. Johns River Water Management District placed counties under a water shortage warning while Clay County officials proclaimed April as Water Conservation Month.

The management district governing board approved a water shortage warning as rainfall trends reflect below-average rainfall amounts across parts of the district, which includes Clay County. Over the past 12 months, rainfall remained below average, with a districtwide deficit of 9.1 inches.

The water district urges residents of Clay County to use less water.

Less than a week prior, the Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District approved a proclamation that April be named Water Conservation Month. The Soil and Water District helps coordinate with nearby water management districts and other stakeholders.

“It is very important this year because we’re in our drought,” said Richard Darby, chairman of the Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District. “When we’re in a drought, this makes it a very dangerous time for wild land fires. They burn hotter, quicker and endanger more lives in this type of weather.”

The conservation district, required by Florida law, ensures public health, safety and welfare as well as conservation practices in the districts they serve.

Typically, controlled burns make wildfires less common, but in times of drought, when plants often die, become brittle and can quickly become kindling, the danger magnifies. Local agencies perform scheduled burns to reduce the wildfire risk to wildlife and people.

Rainfall in Baker, Clay, Nassau, Putnam and Flagler counties is all near 10 inches below last year.

Both the water management district and the district urge everyone in their management areas to use water conservatively.

Conditions have not yet reached a point where there is an expectation of insufficient water to meet anticipated demand and protect water resources. However, now is the time to increase awareness in anticipation of potential prolonged drought.

The objective of a water shortage warning is to reduce water use and ensure enough water is available to meet demand.

“The district regularly pursues water conservation as a preventive tool,” said Ann Shortelle, executive director of the St. Johns River Water Management District. “This order is necessary during periods of low rainfall to help raise awareness that we need to not only value water but also help make our communities and environment more resilient by engaging in water conservation and protecting our water supply.”