|
|
|
> Home > Northeast Florida Action Alerts > Thirsty Central Florida Threatens St. Johns River Thirsty Central Florida Threatens St. Johns River
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:Write your own letter regarding the proposed withdrawal of water from the St Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, or, download a sample letter in Microsoft Word (.doc) format. Conservation committee proposed talking points:
Mail to: Governor Charlie Crist Governing Board Members, St Johns River Water Management District Copy to: More Information:For more information and the e-mail addresses for local and state officials, see the St Johns Riverkeeper webpage on this issue. |
||
| Copyright Sierra Club Northeast Florida Group |
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