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Thirsty Central Florida Threatens St. Johns River

UPDATES: The Riverkeeper filed an appeal on May 11, 2009. 

On April 13, 2009, when the Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) voted  on a permit from Seminole County to withdraw an average of 5.5 million gallons of water a day (MGD) from the St. Johns River. Seminole County's Yankee Lake facility would eventually be able to withdraw up to 55 MGD. This initial permit from Seminole County represents the beginning of an Alternative Water Supply (AWS) program that could eventually result in the withdrawal of over 260 MGD from the St. Johns and Ocklawaha.

The St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River (a major tributary of the St. Johns) are currently being considered for major water withdrawal projects that would provide drinking water for a thirsty and booming Orlando and Central Florida. According to the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), Central Florida has out-stripped the ability of the Floridan Aquifer to provide a sustainable drinking water source beyond 2013. Learn more about the Aquifer (PDF, 1.36 MB).

The District has told communities they will have to seek alternative water supply (AWS) sources, such as surface water and desalinization. As a result of rapid growth and poor planning, these communities are running out of water and are now turning their attention to the St. Johns and the Ocklawaha to solve their problem.

The SJRWMD has stated that 155 million gallons of water per day (MGD) can be removed from the St. Johns River between the headwaters and Deland (State Road 44) to provide water for Orlando and Central Florida without harming the health of the river.

The Sierra Club and the St. Johns Riverkeeper disagree. We believe that more studies are necessary and that water conservation must become a statewide priority before our rivers are even considered as possible sources of water.  

Take Action:

more info at  www.stjohnsriverkeeper.org/thirstthreatens.asp

Write your own letter regarding the proposed withdrawal of water from the St Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers

Conservation committee proposed talking points:

1. Conservation is not being practiced by counties. Conservation should come first.
2. Water is precious resource. Cheap water encourages consumption.
3. If water is withdrawn, the salt water/fresh water balance of the St Johns river ecosystem will be compromised with irreversible consequences.

Mail to:

Governor Charlie Crist
PL-05 The Capitol, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Governing Board Members, St Johns River Water Management District
4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177

Copy to:
Jacksonville Mayor
City Commissioners
St. Johns Riverkeeper

More Information:

For more information and the e-mail addresses for local and state officials, see the St Johns Riverkeeper webpage on this issue.