The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board on Thursday issued a Water Shortage Warning and called for voluntary reductions in water use across the district.

• While water supplies are currently meeting demand, the warning is intended to encourage conservation, reduce drought impacts and protect water resources. Users are encouraged to conserve water where practicable and to limit landscape irrigation to early morning or evening hours when possible.

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

The NOAA 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.

• Although water supplies within the district are currently able to meet demands and no losses of supply or capacity have been reported, the warning is aimed at increasing public awareness and enhancing water resource protection.

The warning encourages all users to reduce water use and conserve to the maximum extent possible. Landscape irrigation users are encouraged to limit irrigation to the low evaporation periods of the evening and early morning hours. Activities necessary for fire protection are not affected, and any existing local mandatory water restrictions remain in effect.

The Water Shortage Warning Order will remain in place until rescinded by the Governing Board.

In response to drought conditions across the entire state, each of Florida’s five water management districts have issued Water Shortage Warning orders. This is the third time the Northwest Florida Water Management District has issued such an order. Previous orders were issued in 2000 and 2007.

Okaloosa County Public Safety Director Patrick Maddox said residents should not panic over the warning.

• “Before you freak out with a scary sounding order like that, let’s look at a few factors,” Maddox said.

Maddox noted the order requests voluntary reduction in nonessential water use, including nonessential irrigation. He said surface and groundwater levels are below average for this time of year, evidenced by lower rainfall totals, lower streamflow conditions and a general deficit over the prior 120 days.

Maddox pointed out that Okaloosa County is in relatively good shape compared to other areas within the district, noting that counties such as Franklin, Gulf and Leon are much drier. He also said 2 to 3 inches of rain are expected Sunday, which he said will not eliminate drought conditions but will “make a dent region-wide and help our area greatly.”

Maddox said there is no local state of emergency, burn ban or mandatory action at this time.

“Just make good decisions with your irrigation use,” he said.