• Landmark rule prevents new taps into the River of Grass
WEST PALM BEACH, FL, April 3, 2007 -- The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) today formalized a groundbreaking rule that further guarantees water to protect and restore America's Everglades. Known as the Regional Water Availability Rule, this first-of-its kind requirement prevents water users from tapping the famed River of Grass for new or additional supplies of water. Setting aside the water in the Everglades for environmental restoration, permitted users like urban water utilities along Florida's southeast coast will now have to find alternative sources to supply regional growth.
"The South Florida Water Management District has taken another significant step for protecting and restoring America's Everglades," said Michael Sole, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. "This visionary rule safeguards Florida's investments, ensures that our communities manage growth responsibly and provides additional guarantees for making water available for the environment first."
In South Florida, water suppliers in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties currently depend on an estimated 500 million gallons of water per day from the Everglades to recharge and sustain the Biscayne Aquifer -- their primary drinking water source. Recognizing the need for more protective limits for the River of Grass, the District last year began developing the Regional Water Availability Rule to limit increased reliance on the Everglades system and Everglades-dependent groundwater, formally identifying them as "sources of limited availability."
"This rule is a big win for the environment," said Kevin McCarty, Governing Board Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District. "South Florida is a different place than it was just 30 years ago, and our water resources are not unlimited. This rule boldly addresses regional growth and the need to protect the natural system for future generations."
Cities needing additional water supplies will now be required to seek sources that are not dependent on the Everglades for recharge. These alternative water supply solutions may include recycling water, using reclaimed water to recharge the Biscayne Aquifer or drawing water from the deeper Floridan Aquifer, which requires treatment to remove saltwater content.
"This legally binding rule is essential for protecting the water in the Everglades, because water is the key to restoration success," added SFWMD Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle. "Our Regional Water Availability Rule represents a strong and very clear policy statement that the South Florida Water Management District will protect water for the environment."
Existing water supply permits are not being revoked. The rule affects new applicants seeking a permit and existing permittees seeking permit renewal. The rule specifically prevents permitted water supply allocations from being greater than levels that existed prior to April 2006. To prevent shortfalls in meeting current public drinking water needs, the rule provides a grace period for renewal applicants, provided they are actively developing alternative supplies.
The District sought extensive public input on the rule, holding five rounds of workshops and issuing five draft rules in response to comments from stakeholders before developing and publishing the final draft.
The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state -- 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.
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Also see:
-- "South Florida Water Management District adopts regional water availability rule"
-- "Florida completes treatment wetlands ahead of schedule"
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