FLORIDA RESERVOIR REPORT

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

The latest observations of the nation's dams and reservoirs present a mixed picture of water storage levels, with some areas experiencing surpluses due to recent inflows, while others face drought conditions with below-average water levels. Notably, major reservoirs such as Lake Powell in Arizona and Lake Mead in Nevada reveal a concerning trend, with storage levels falling significantly short of their historical averages, reflecting extended periods of drought and increased water demand in the Southwest. Conversely, California's Lake San Antonio has seen a surge in water levels, exceeding its average and demonstrating the variability of water supplies across different regions.

For water management researchers and hydrologists, the data underscores the importance of monitoring and adaptive management strategies to address the challenges posed by climate variability and human impact on water resources. Reservoirs like Lake Powell, currently at only 44% of average storage, and Lake Mead with less than half its average, are stark reminders of the long-term water scarcity issues facing the Colorado River Basin. Meanwhile, reservoirs such as California's Lake San Antonio, which now holds over twice its average storage, showcase the benefits of effective catchment during periods of heavy precipitation. The contrasting conditions highlight the need for dynamic management approaches that consider both the immediate and future water needs, in addition to the environmental and economic impacts of fluctuating water levels.

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.