Home > All Issues > Preserving Public Lands > Thirsty Central Florida threatens St. Johns River

Thirsty Central Florida threatens St. Johns River

The St. Johns River and Ocklawaha River (a major tributary of the St. Johns) are still 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.

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.

UPDATE: On April 13, 2009, 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.

Learn more about the Aquifer (PDF, 1.36 MB).

Read the position statement (in PDF format) the Sierra Club sent to Governor Crist.

Read the St Johns Riverkeeper Analysis of Hearing and Judge's Ruling  www.mystjohnsriver.com/river_news.php

Take action! Let Governor Crist and the St. Johns River Water Management District know you don't like this idea!