Why do drought and wildfires affect our springs? The hotter and dryer it is, the more we pump from our aquifer, which in turn reduces the flow from our springs. To help reduce the demand on our aquifer, we can prioritize landscape irrigation. Many plants and lawns can go dormant during droughts. Choosing drought resistant landscapes are one way we can help our springs. The Suwannee River Water Management District has a decent Water Conservation page.
To check on current drought conditions, there are many good charts and maps at the drought report by the National Integrated Drought Information System.
Another thing to keep watch on are current fires. Florida Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service page shows an interactive map of all current fires and their status.
In the meantime, consider increasing your fire preparedness starting with the 5′ perimeter of your structure; removing flammable materials and hardening your home with added measures as noted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Be safe and water wisely,
Fire Map, Current Wildfire Information, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, https://ffs.firesponse.com/public/, accessed online 5/27/25.
Florida Forest Service – Current County-Enacted Burn Bans
https://ffsfm.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/1f6572c92f8d41ec860f461ea433819b, accessed online 5/27/25.
The National Interagency Fire Center, https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/fire-prevention-education-mitigation/wildfire-mitigation/home, accessed online 5/27/25.
Preparing homes for wildfire, National Fire Protection Association®, 2025, https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/preparing-homes-for-wildfire accessed online 5/27/25.
Water Conservation, Suwannee River Management District, https://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/294/Water-Conservation, accessed online 5/27/25.
OSFR Director, Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
