Lake County Conservation Council

06/02/2026

Hey Lake County,
We had a nice bit of rain BUT it wasn't a recovery yet.
We recommend that you follow LCWA and SJRWMD for ongoing updates regarding the water shortage

While much of Lake County received rainfall over the weekend, the St. Johns River Water Management District is reminding residents that we remain under a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage. Because outdoor irrigation places a significant demand on potable water supplies, water conservation remains especially important during extended dry periods.

Residents are encouraged to ensure irrigation timers are set correctly so watering occurs only once per week between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Residents should also check irrigation systems for leaks and ensure that sprinklers are watering only landscaped areas, not streets, sidewalks, or driveways. For more information on the current watering rules, visit sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions or call 386-329 4500 to speak with a water conservation coordinator.

To report overwatering, please visit the links below:

Lake County Report From: https://c.lakecountyfl.gov/offices/code_enforcement/file_complaint.aspx
St. John's Report Form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=XzfIsKfauUCgG2kNjTcjuTkfA13oY7hDgcEQ1B2tOF9UN1BRMjJGVU9HMzBZRFZUUDRSNDY4Q01VMCQlQCN0PWcu&sharetoken=fqax7MLS1PJVPUZ4ARH1

05/20/2026

Since 2000, Florida Forever has protected over 1 million acres identified for their natural and cultural significance.

05/20/2026

Explore the impact of Florida wetlands loss and its effect on ecosystems, water quality, and wildlife habitats.

05/13/2026

05/08/2026

From data to local policy to federal law — what does it take to protect Florida's wetlands?
Join 1000 Friends of Florida on Wednesday, May 13 from 12:00–1:30 PM ET for From Swamp to Suburbia: The True Cost of Wetland Loss in Florida — the final webinar in our 2025–2026 John M. DeGrove Webinar Series.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Av-4WfJSpqsxAv_fTu3vLW6O__SXHJBJsTbVZBDWey3wi-17RRoA~AvipEcbrx2M7LkUcsz-LFIX43DsRjVp3hLSGw1zld9YArAbMIiuaAd00Vg

You'll hear from three leading voices:
🌿 Julianne Thomas (Conservancy of Southwest Florida) — unveiling the Conservancy's new wetlands mapping tool, with aerial imagery and time-slider visuals that show how decades of development have reshaped Southwest Florida.
🌿 Mariana Aziz (Miami Waterkeeper) — on Miami-Dade's Urban Development Boundary and the comprehensive planning tools local governments can use to protect remaining wetlands.
🌿 Christina Reichert (Earthjustice) — on Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, the recent D.C. Circuit ruling, and what the evolving WOTUS definition means for Florida's wetlands future.

Continuing education credits approved for:
*1.5 AICP CM for planners
*1.5 General CLEs for Attorneys
*1.5 Contact Hours / 0.15 CEUs for Environmental Health Professionals
*1 CEC for Certified Floodplain Managers
*1.5 Optional CE credits for FL Landscape Architects

04/29/2026

04/29/2026

Overdevelopment, bad landscape management practices such as turf grass, and a bad permitting system are leading Florida to the absolute edge of our water supply. Of course, the drought isn't helping either. Follow the FSC for updates, SCIENCE, and legal information about the state of water in Florida.

04/29/2026

North Florida flat, rural cattle pastures — longtime dumping grounds of South Florida’s sewage sludge — will close their gates to feces-filled trucks by 2028. That’s owing to a provision of Florida’s Farm Bill, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March.

04/29/2026

Go Florida-Friendly!

✔ Choose drought-tolerant plants
✔ Reduce fertilizer use
✔ Water only when needed

Florida law supports water-wise landscaping that protects lakes, springs, and drinking water.
Let your yard work WITH nature, not against it.