An array of impressive speakers graced the 2011 Florida Water Forum sponsored by the Associated Industries of Florida and the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association held on June 3rd at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, Florida. The Speakers included elected and appointed officials, legal and environmental experts. With over 180 members of the public in attendance, the second annual Florida Water Forum was a great success.
(View a full recap of the 2011 Florida Water Forum)

2011 SPONSORS

THE WATER CRISIS

Florida is at a water crossroads. The state’s three largest urban-economic regions: Tampa Bay, southeast Florida and the greater Orlando area have effectively run out of available groundwater. The three largest water management districts have determined that increased pumping in these regions will result in unacceptable environmental impacts, such as drawdown’s of wetlands and lakes; reduced flows to springs and rivers; and increased risk of saltwater contamination into fresh groundwater resources.

In Tampa, the water authority has already been required to reduce groundwater pumping by 90 million gallons a day. Utilities in southeast Florida have learned that groundwater connected to the regional canal system will be limited to 2006 pumpages. In central Florida, communities face the fact that no additional groundwater will be available beyond 2013 demands. And this groundwater crisis is not limited to major metropolitan areas. Even tiny Flagler County has been directed to pursue desalination of ocean water for its future water supply.

The growing scarcity of water supplies has already resulted in acrimonious and expensive litigation among local governments; water management district permit challenges; restrictions on new economic development; and in some areas, a continued decline in natural resources. Ultimately, an unstable water future will continue to wreak havoc on Florida’s economy and environment.