Water Management District Changes Tune

The following is from a press release that we sent out this week regarding the recent actions of the St. Johns River Water Management District:

On Tuesday, July 14th, Governing Board members and staff of the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) announced a renewed commitment to water conservation and a freeze on funding for future surface water withdrawal projects from the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers until the 3-year study that is currently underway is completed.

Susan Hughes, Chairwoman of the SJRWMD Governing Board and a JEA utility executive, said, “the Board and staff have received the message from the public that increased water conservation efforts need to occur as we further explore the development of alternative water supply sources. We also feel it is prudent to complete the various environmental studies that are under way on the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers, as well as the preliminary design studies on proposed projects before additional construction funding is allocated.”

St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon responded, "We are please that the District is finally beginning to listen to what St. Johns Riverkeeper and concerned citizens have been saying all along. For over two years, we have called for more prudent and responsible solutions to our water supply problem that emphasize water conservation. We have also called for more studies and an end to future withdrawal projects until more research is conducted and more sustainable options have been exhausted. Hopefully, this means that our hard work is starting to pay off.”

At the July 14th SJRWMD Governing Board meeting in Palatka, staff and Board members announced proposed funding for water conservation projects, a hold on funding for water withdrawal projects, and a plan to develop a comprehensive water conservation program that could result in more aggressive conservation goals and requirements.

"I am pleased that the legitimate concerns that we have consistently voiced and the sensible solutions that we have advocated for are beginning to be taken seriously by the District,” continues Armingeon. “While this is by no means the end to the District’s withdrawal plans, it is a sign of progress. Now we just have to remain diligent and make sure that they follow through on their commitment.”