FLORIDA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 22, 2025

Across the nation, dams and reservoirs play a vital role in water supply, flood control, and ecosystem management. However, these critical resources are subject to the whims of weather, climate change, and human demand. The latest observations reveal a mixed picture, with some reservoirs experiencing surpluses due to above-average precipitation, while others face drought conditions, reflecting irregularities in snowpack melting and river flows.

For instance, Lake Powell in Arizona, the second-largest man-made reservoir in the country by maximum water capacity, is currently facing significantly low water levels with only about 44% of its average storage reported, a stark illustration of the prolonged drought impacting the Colorado River Basin. Contrastingly, Lake San Antonio in California is experiencing a surplus, holding nearly double the average storage, likely due to recent heavy rains. Similarly, New Melones Reservoir in California has a storage level well above its average, which could be beneficial in addressing the state's water needs amidst variable climatic conditions. Strategic management of these water resources is more crucial than ever, as water management authorities strive to balance environmental sustainability with the demands of urban development, agriculture, and recreation. The data underscores the importance of continued monitoring and adaptive reservoir management in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Florida has a number of reservoirs and dams, but their importance for water storage is limited due to the state’s flat terrain and abundant rainfall. Major reservoirs include Lake Okeechobee, the Apalachicola River Basin, and the St. Johns River Basin. These reservoirs are primarily fed by rainfall, with snowpack and mountains being irrelevant in this area. The hydrology of Florida is heavily influenced by its subtropical climate, with wet summers and dry winters. Drought conditions are common, and record low levels have been observed in lakes and rivers during prolonged dry spells. Seasonal trends show that water levels tend to be lowest in the dry season (November to April) and highest in the wet season (May to October). Overall, while reservoirs and dams play a limited role in water management in Florida, they are still important for flood control and maintaining water levels during dry periods.

Florida has a number of reservoirs and dams, but their importance for water storage is limited due to the state’s flat terrain and abundant rainfall. Major reservoirs include Lake Okeechobee, the Apalachicola River Basin, and the St. Johns River Basin. These reservoirs are primarily fed by rainfall, with snowpack and mountains being irrelevant in this area. The hydrology of Florida is heavily influenced by its subtropical climate, with wet summers and dry winters. Drought conditions are common, and record low levels have been observed in lakes and rivers during prolonged dry spells. Seasonal trends show that water levels tend to be lowest in the dry season (November to April) and highest in the wet season (May to October). Overall, while reservoirs and dams play a limited role in water management in Florida, they are still important for flood control and maintaining water levels during dry periods.