Once-a-Week Irrigation Schedule Continues Amid Water Shortage

2026-03-13

Jacksonville, FL - The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has issued a Phase II Water Shortage Declaration for portions of North Florida, including Duval County, due to continued dry conditions, below-average rainfall and declining groundwater levels. 

Under Phase II restrictions, all JEA water customers — including potable and reuse customers — are limited to watering lawns one day per week. The one-day-per-week watering restriction also applies to reclaimed water customers.  

“We appreciate our customers stepping up and doing their part to conserve water during this time,” said Hai Vu, JEA senior vice president of water / wastewater operations. “Limiting irrigation to one day per week is one of the most effective steps our community can take right now to stabilize aquifer levels and preserve water for essential needs.” 

Why This Matters

JEA relies on groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer to supply drinking water to homes and businesses across Northeast Florida. Sustained dry conditions increase demand on this shared resource.  

Reducing nonessential water use helps:  

• Protect groundwater levels  
• Maintain river and spring flows  
• Preserve drinking water supplies  
• Ensure long-term reliability for fire protection, public health, and economic stability  

HOA Enforcement Clarification

Under SJRWMD water shortage order (2026-006), no person or entity, like homeowner’s association or property manager, shall enforce any deed restrictions or other community standards that would cause a violation of this Order.  

Ways Customers Can Save Water

JEA encourages customers to take simple steps indoors and outdoors to conserve water and reduce utility bills. 

Outdoor Conservation

• Water only on your designated day and only when necessary.  
• Install a WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller.  
• Ensure rain and moisture sensors are working properly. 
• Inspect and repair sprinkler heads; one broken head can waste up to 25,000 gallons in six months. 
• Aim sprinklers at landscaping — not sidewalks or driveways.  
• Choose Florida-friendly, drought-tolerant landscaping.  
• Use a shutoff nozzle when watering by hose.  

Indoor Conservation

• Use cold water, run full loads of laundry, and select the small load setting when appropriate. 
• Only run the dishwasher when full and use the air-dry option.  
• Fix running toilets — the leading cause of high-water use.  
• Repair leaky faucets promptly.  
• Install high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators.  
• Turn off water while brushing teeth or shaving.  
• Take shorter showers instead of baths.  

Customers can request a free JEA Water Conservation Kit, which includes high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators.   To order your kit, email jeawaterkit@franklinenergy.com or call (888) 893-8218.  

Customers can also take advantage of JEA’s free Irrigation Assessment Program, where water conservation specialists evaluate residential irrigation systems and provide personalized recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary outdoor water use. Assessments can identify issues such as leaks, misaligned sprinkler heads, or outdated watering schedules that may waste water and increase utility costs. 

JEA remains in close coordination with SJRWMD and will continue monitoring conditions. For water conservation resources, visit jea.com/save.  

# # #

About JEA

JEA is a municipal utility providing safe, reliable and affordable services to more than one million residents across four Northeast Florida counties. JEA is not owned by investors and does not earn a profit. It was created by the City of Jacksonville to meet the electricity and water needs of those who live in Jacksonville and surrounding communities. JEA’s 2,300-plus workforce is dedicated to meeting customer needs, both today and for generations to come, while protecting our precious natural resources and supporting our region’s growth and economic development. Learn more at jea.com.

Media Contact

Myers Vasquez
media@jea.com | 904-665-5500

Category:

• conservation
• customer
• environment
• water
• ways to save