HAVANA, Fla., Feb. 13, 2026—The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board issued a water shortage warning Wednesday calling for voluntary reductions in water use across the District.

While water supplies are currently meeting demand, the water shortage warning is intended to encourage conservation, reduce drought impacts and protect water resources, according to a news release.

Users are encouraged to conserve water where practicable and to limit landscape irrigation to early morning or evening hours when possible.

Activities necessary for fire protection are not affected.

As of Feb. 5,  drought conditions encompassed the entire district. Streamflow conditions across northwest Florida were considered “below-normal” to “extremely below-normal” and groundwater levels were continuing to decline, according to the release.

The districtwide average rainfall deficit for the previous 120 days was 6.2 inches.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center seasonal forecast for February through April shows above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation are expected.

Drought conditions are expected to persist through April.

Water conservation measures and voluntary reductions in usage will help reduce drought impacts and help extend water resources, according to the release.

The warning order will remain in place until rescinded by the governing board.

All five of Florida’s water management districts have issued water shortage warning orders.

According to the release, this is only the third time the Northwest Florida Water Management District has issued a water shortage warning order. Previous orders were issued in 2000 and 2007.

Campfire ban

Additionally, effective today, the Northwest Florida Water Management District has banned all campfires on district lands.

This ban includes open campfires as well as fires in fire rings or pits.

Fires may only be built in designated, enclosed grills provided by the district at district campgrounds.

This ban will remain in place until drought conditions are lifted.