SRWMD Board recommends $130 million in Alternative Water Supply funding

LIVE OAK, FLA., MAY 14, 2024 – Five alternative water supply (AWS) projects were recommended for funding this week by the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board. 

The five North Florida projects – three District projects, one local government project, and one water and wastewater cooperative – will total more than $130 million if approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). 

These projects are part of an effort to reduce water use from the Floridan Aquifer or to develop region-specific water sources that offer an alternative to traditional ground and surface water sources. Alternative water sources, such as reclaimed or recycled water, saltwater or brackish water, and storm water, also help make communities less susceptible to drought. These water sources also diversify Florida’s water supply while reducing its dependence on freshwater resources.  

“Maximizing the use of alternative water sources is vital to ensuring smart, sustainable growth in North Florida. We appreciate that our Governor and Legislature help advance projects like these to strengthen Florida’s water resources to continue to meet the demands of our citizens,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District.  

Projects include:  

• Santa Fe Basin Land Acquisition and Recharge – SRWMD – $3 million – This land acquisition project would provide storage and recharge for the MFLs of the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers through the diversion of excess water flows. 
• Groundwater Augmentation through surficial features – SRWMD – $500,000 – This project will provide recharge to the Upper Floridan Aquifer to benefit the MFLs across the District, with priority focus on the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and regional water supply planning areas. This includes, but is not limited to, debris removal from karst features, enhanced capacity of surface water features, and management of stormwater and other high flow events. 
• Public Supply Efficiencies Phase 2 – SRWMD – $2 million – This project would develop infrastructure and conservation improvements to reduce water loss based on water audits information or conservation measures across the District.
• W3C Regional Water and Wastewater System – The Waccasassa Water and Wastewater Cooperative – $120 million – Funding for this project would develop regional potable water and wastewater facilities the meet the needs of Cedar Key, Otter Creek, Bronson, and unserved areas of Levy County.
• Wastewater Reuse, Nutrien Force Main – City of Jasper – $4.5 million – This project would remove Jaspers’ wastewater treatment facility effluent disposal from Baisden Swamp to provide both an alternative water supply for irrigation and supplement water storage in the Nutrien settling ponds.  

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties. 

For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. 

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