In the Ocklawaha River Basin, why are withdrawals being considered before MFLs are set?
The District anticipates that the establishment of MFLs for the Ocklawaha River will occur in 2009, well in advance of issuance of consumptive use permits for withdrawals from the lower Ocklawaha River. Statutorily, there is no requirement that MFLs must be adopted for a water body before a water management district can allocate withdrawals from that source. Work performed through November 2007 by the District indicates that significant quantities of water are likely available without causing harm. Interested public supply utilities have been made aware that the current availability estimates are likely to change somewhat as a result of establishment of MFLs. In the absence of MFLs, the districts rely primarily on a demonstration with sound scientific information that harm will not occur as a result of proposed withdrawals, prior to issuance of a permit. This scientific information is reviewed by District staff and is subject to review by those interested during the administrative revi
