ORLANDO, Fla. — March was low on rainfall for most of Central Florida, and officials with the St. John's Water Management District say that if the trend continues, severe drought conditions are on the horizon.

What You Need To Know

  • Officials say March was low on rainfall for most Central Florida

  • Counties like Brevard saw less than an inch of rain

  • Experts with St. John's Water Management District are is monitoring rainfall numbers

  • They urge residents to conserve water by using less irrigation to water the grass on their properties

Spectrum News weather experts say the official reading from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport is a little more than an inch of rain for the month, which is one-and-a-half inches below average.

District staff say they are monitoring rainfall and groundwater levels to make sure area residents have the water they need.

St. John's Water Management District hydrological data collection specialist Clayton Rider says he deals with water every day.

His task now is measuring water levels in the river.

"Even the last couple days with some rain didn't do a whole lot, we need a good bit more," he said.

St. John's Water Management District education and outreach coordinator Laura La Beurs says that more than 50% of water in the district is used for irrigation.

"If we want to conserve water and make sure we have water in a drought condition time, that's a really easy way to start," she said.

Experts say that Brevard, and seven other Florida counties, saw less than an inch of rain in March.

Officials encourage residents to conserve water by doing things like running their washing machines or dishwashers only when they are full, and only use water as needed for their irrigation systems.

Clayton said he hopes his work will make a difference and help people learn how to conserve water, especially in times of drought.

"The protection part is the biggest thing, I think," he said.