The weather service also predicted 11 hurricanes this year, which also bring rain, and three are going to be intense storms. The county is working on solutions to water overuse. Currently, watering lawns and flowers is limited to twice a week. Washing cars is limited to once a week. Residents are asked to plant trees, shrubs and flowers that require little watering.
Utilities offer services to teach residents how to better conserve water in their homes.
By April, the county must comply with a state mandate to supply a water plan that will help preserve the water resource and reconcile use with development. That plan has not yet been unveiled, but is being worked on by the county, the Volusian Water Alliance and the St. Johns River Water Management District.