Rainfall across the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) in February was slightly below the long-term average of 3.90 inches for the month, with higher amounts in the northwest portion of the district, a pattern seen in recent months. This according to the latest hydrologic conditions report released by the SRWMD. The report shows the district received 3.71 inches in February, slightly below the long-term average of 3.90 inches for the month. Meanwhile, the total rainfall average across the district for the 12-month period ending Feb. 28 was 59.1 inches, compared to the long-term average of 54.6 inches. And the average district rainfall for the three months ending Feb. 28 was about 0.4 inches above the long-term average of 10.7 inches, according to the report. Madison County received 5.70 inches, compared with the February average of 4.36 inches, which is 131 percent of normal for the month. Madison County received 60.99 inches during the last 12 months, or 108 percent of the annual normal. Jefferson County, for its part, received 5.07 inches, compared with the February average of 4.65 inches, which is 109 percent of normal for the month. The county received 61.61 inches of rainfall during the last 12 months, or 102 percent of the annual normal. River levels in the northwest part of the district, including the Aucilla, started the month at high levels, declined slightly during the month, and then rebounded toward the end and remained high. Rivers in other parts of the district ended the month in the average flow range, according to the report. Lake levels across the district generally remained above average during the month. And levels in monitor wells in the upper Floridan aquifer on average ended the month at the 86th percentile, an increase of six percentile points from the end of January, according to the report. The U.S. Drought Monitor report of March 3 showed normal conditions across the district and in the contributing drainage areas of southeastern Georgia. The SRWMD continues to urge the conservation of water. For more Information, visit www.mysuwanneeriver.com. The SRWMD encompasses all or parts of 15 counties in north-central Florida, including Madison and the eastern portion of Jefferson. The monthly report is a compilation of data collected from radar-derived rainfall estimates, groundwater and surface water levels, river flows and other sources.