Why are there proposals to take limited quantities of water from the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers to supply central Florida’s growth?
The District is committed to protecting water resources within its boundaries and in Florida. As a result, the District’s regional water supply plan has established that additional groundwater withdrawals must be limited so that lakes, wetlands and springs are protected and continue to remain healthy. Some areas of the District will reach their sustainable groundwater limits very soon. About 200 million gallons of water per day of alternative water supplies will likely be needed by 2025 and, in some areas, as early as 2013. District studies indicate that limited quantities of water can be withdrawn from the St. Johns and Lower Ocklawaha rivers without causing harm to the water resources of these areas.
