JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dry conditions are prompting burn bans and water restrictions across several counties in Georgia and North Florida, with officials urging residents to take conservation seriously.
Burn bans in effect
Several counties across both states are currently under burn bans due to dry, dangerous conditions.
In Georgia, burn bans are in effect in Ware, Brantley, Glynn, Camden, Charlton and Clinch counties.
In Florida, restrictions stretch across Nassau, Baker, Columbia, Duval, Union, Bradford, Clay, St. Johns, Alachua, Putnam and Marion counties.
Two Florida counties — Flagler and Volusia — are not currently under a burn ban, but officials warn that could change.
Water restrictions tighten in North Florida
Beyond the fire danger, water shortages are also becoming a growing concern.
The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has issued a Phase II Water Shortage Declaration for portions of North Florida, including Duval County. The declaration comes amid continued dry conditions, below-average rainfall and declining groundwater levels.
Under Phase II restrictions, all JEA water customers — including potable, reuse and reclaimed water customers — are limited to watering lawns one day per week.
“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 and 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.”
JEA draws its water supply from the Floridan Aquifer, a shared groundwater resource serving homes and businesses across Northeast Florida. Sustained dry conditions drive up demand on the aquifer, threatening both short- and long-term water availability.
Reducing nonessential water use helps protect groundwater levels, maintain river and spring flows, preserve drinking water supplies and ensure long-term reliability for fire protection, public health and economic stability.
HOA enforcement clarification
Homeowners under burn bans or water restrictions won’t have to worry about conflicts with their HOA.
Under SJRWMD water shortage order 2026-006, no person or entity — including homeowner’s associations or property managers — may enforce deed restrictions or community standards that would cause a violation of the order.
How to save water indoors, outdoors
JEA is encouraging customers to take steps both inside and outside the home to conserve water and lower utility bills.
Outdoors, residents should water only on their designated day and only when necessary. Installing a WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller, checking that rain and moisture sensors are working, and fixing broken sprinkler heads can make a significant difference. Officials note that one broken sprinkler head can waste up to 25,000 gallons of water over six months.
Indoors, customers are urged to run full loads of laundry and dishes, fix running toilets — the leading cause of high water use — repair leaky faucets and take shorter showers.
Customers can request a free JEA Water Conservation Kit, which includes high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators, by emailing jeawaterkit@franklinenergy.com or calling (888) 893-8218.
JEA also offers a 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.
JEA says it remains in close coordination with SJRWMD and will continue monitoring conditions. For more water conservation resources, visit jea.com/save.
For more information on water management districts in Florida, visit floridadep.gov. Georgia residents can find water use schedules at epd.georgia.gov and waterplanning.georgia.gov.