Hydrologic Conditions Report –SRWMD 2026-04-30

In case you thought recent rains had solved the drought, think again.

This is the April 30, 3026 Hydrologic Conditions Report that was presented at the May Governing Board meeting of the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD).

Hydrologic Conditions Report –SRWMD 2026-04-30, Still in drought, Need much more rain

https://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/DocumentCenter/View/19656/04-April-26-Hydro-Reportk

SUWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Governing Board
FROM: Robbie McKinney, Hydrologic Program Manager, Office of Water Resources
THRU: Hugh Thomas, Executive Director
DATE: April 30, 2026
RE: April 2026 Hydrologic Conditions Report
RAINFALL

Districtwide average rainfall for the month was 0.88”, which was about 74 percent lower than the 1932-2025 average of 3.38” (Table 1, Figure 1). The 12-month period ending April 30 reflected a Districtwide rainfall deficit of 20.22”, which was an increase to the 19.98” deficit seen at the end of March. District counties ranged from just over 0.5” to 1.4” of rainfall on average, with parts of Taylor, Suwannee, Columbia, Hamilton, Union, Gilchrist, and Dixie counties receiving more than 2.5 inches of rainfall (Figure 2).
Overall, a 12-month rainfall deficit was present in all river basins, with the Aucilla and Coastal basins increasing in deficit by the end of April (Figure 3). A small area in the southern Waccasassa Basin showed a deficit of less than 8 inches. Portions with deficits greater than 29” were also observed in the Aucilla, Santa Fe, and Suwannee basins. Each river basin increased its 3-month rainfall deficit by the end of April (Figure 4). No surpluses were seen over the past 3 months, and each river basin had areas measuring anywhere from less than 6” to more than 9” of deficit. Sections with greater than 9” of rainfall deficit can be seen in all 5 of the basins.

SURFACE WATER

Rivers: Most of the river gages in Figure 5 finished the month in the extremely low (<10th percentile) flow range, with only the Ichetucknee River showing below normal (10th – 25th percentile) flows. New long-term daily minimum flow records were set in April at gages on the Suwannee (Ellaville and Branford), Santa Fe (Worthington Springs), Econfina (Perry), and Withlacoochee (Pinetta) rivers. Additionally, other river gages throughout the District and South Georgia saw much below normal flows both at the beginning and end of the month (Figure 6). Gages on the Santa Fe (Worthington Springs and Graham), New River, and St. Marys (North Prong) ended April with zero flow.
Lakes: Water levels decreased at each of the monitored District lakes this month (Figure 7). Water levels at Governor Hill, Sneads Smokehouse, Hampton Lake, and Lake Crosby were below the equipment sensor this month due to ongoing drought conditions. The median decrease in stage across measured lakes was about 0.4’, and each of the monitored lakes ended April below their long-term averages.
Springs: Flow measurements were made at 16 springs in April by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), District staff, and contractors. Flows at Manatee Springs ranged from extremely low to normal throughout April (Figure 8). Similarly, Fanning Springs saw below normal to normal flows throughout the month (Figure 9).

GROUNDWATER

Upper Floridan Aquifer (UFA) levels across the District ranged from normal (25th — 75th percentile) to extremely low (<10th percentile) levels this month (Figure 10). Forty-two of the monitored long-term
District wells were listed in the extremely low category at the end of the month. Overall, groundwater levels decreased by a median of about 0.6′ since the end of March and ended April with a Districtwide average around the 12th percentile.

Each of the 12 groundwater index wells was below long-term averages at the end of the month (Figure 11). The well in Hamilton County near Jasper set a new monthly record low for April. Long-term District UFA well levels ended April in either the normal, low, or very low categories (Figure 12a). The monitored long-term wells with records that extend back to at least 1964 showed decreasing water levels this month relative to last month (Figure 12b).

CLIMATE AND DROUGHT OUTLOOK

ENSO-neutral conditions are currently present and favored through April to June 2026 with an 80% chance. From May to July 2026, El Niño is favored to emerge with a 61% chance and will persist through at least the end of 2026.

The NOAA three-month seasonal outlook suggests above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation within the District from May through July 2026.

The U.S. Drought Monitor report released on Thursday, May 7th shows the majority of the District covered by Exceptional Drought (D4) with smaller areas to the east and south with Extreme Drought (D3).

CONSERVATION

A Modified Phase II Water Shortage containing both voluntary and mandatory reductions in water use is currently in effect for the entire District. The Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order was approved at the April 14, 2026, Suwanee River Water Management District Governing Board meeting. This water shortage order includes updated rules regarding landscape and other irrigation. Therefore, the District website (http://www.mysuwanneeriver.com) should be consulted for current guidance on water use while the water shortage is in effect.

Images of each page are below.

-jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

RE: April 2026 Hydrologic Conditions Report: SURFACE WATER, 2026-04-30 –SRWMD Hydrologic Conditions Report
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