Two articles I came across recently show once again how our state dissimulates to hoodwink the public into thinking they are on top of our [nonexistant] water protection.
One is this article at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) saying how science plays a part in their activities, and another by the Water First North group of the joint effort of the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) to replenish wetlands with treated wastewater. This project is estimated to cost one billion dollars and take 13 years to complete. These articles are reproduced below for your perusal.
First off, I have no personal experience about the SFWMD’s use of science, but I suspect they do not always use “best” science when it is not convenient for them. State law requires that best science be used when reaching decisions affecting water. But I do have experience with other water management districts and state agencies when I have witnessed deliberate disregard of published data of which they were aware, when it was contrary to what they wanted the result to be.
This is inexcusable cheating to deceive the public.
The second article is about Water First North, where the heading gives quotes by some they call “environmentalists” which most are not. Environmentalists are not leaders of the water management districts, DEP and Jacksonville Electric Authority: these are the ones who are or who protect the users and abusers of water sources, the opposite of environmentalists.
No, environmentalists are people like Bob Knight, Bob Palmer, John Quarterman, Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson, Ryan Smart, Lisa Rinaman, Marian Ryan, Debra Johnson, Linda Young and many, many others who speak up but who are ignored by the water authorities.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
The South Florida Water Management District (District) uses sound science, accurate data and ongoing research to help guide important water management decisions.
DID YOU KNOW: The District’s actions are based on the expertise of scientists, researchers and modelers using the best available techniques and laboratory analyses.
EFFECTIVE WATER MANAGEMENT: Environmental information is essential to effective water resource management and restoration. Data combined with historical information about weather, rainfall and changes in vegetation or land-use help water managers make resource decisions that are based on sound science.
The District’s environmental monitoring program supports restoration projects throughout its 16-county region, including the Everglades, Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee, Big Cypress Basin, water conservation areas and stormwater treatment areas.
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA: As part of routine scientific efforts, the District monitors numerous environmental indicators, such as surface water, ground water, rainfall, fish, birds, invertebrates and sediments.
The District also closely monitors weather conditions throughout the year using an extensive rainfall monitoring network. When rain is scarce, water managers keep levels stable in canals, wetlands and lakes to protect groundwater supplies. In anticipation of heavy rainfall, they open gates and lower water levels in canals.
COMPREHENSIVE MODELING: Computer models are also important and powerful tools used by scientists to monitor, evaluate, study, and protect South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems. Rooted in mathematics, physics and hydrology, these comprehensive models allow scientists to simulate complex systems and test various conditions and scenarios to optimize operations throughout the District’s 16-county region.
Hydrologic models are used for evaluation, planning and simulating water control operations under different climatic and hydrologic conditions. Water quality and ecological models are also used to evaluate other processes vital to the health of our system.
ONGOING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: The District and collaborating agencies conduct ongoing scientific research projects to obtain a better understanding of the influence of regional hydrology and other factors on Everglades plant, landscape, wildlife and ecology systems.
DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS: Accurate and reliable data and research is mandatory for operations, planning and implementing water quality improvements and environmental restoration efforts.
We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Science to learn more about the District’s ongoing research, data and more.
The St. Johns River and Suwannee River water management districts approved Water First North Florida, a collaborative effort to restore river and spring flows and secure long-term water supplies for the region. The initiative will recharge the Floridan Aquifer with high-quality reclaimed water while supporting ecosystem restoration, economic growth, and community water needs.
Here’s what environmental leaders and stakeholders are saying about the project.
“Water First reflects the kind of forward-thinking, science-driven approach we must take to ensure a resilient water supply for North Florida. By investing in practical and innovative solutions now, we are protecting the natural systems that define our region and supporting the needs of the communities that depend on them. This project is a powerful example of what we can achieve when sound science, strong partnerships, and shared commitment come together to secure our water future.” – Mike Register, Executive Director, St. Johns River Water Management District
“Water First North Florida represents over a decade of planning and research. Water First is our most promising path forward to ensure a sustainable water supply, both for today and for future generations. As pressure on our water resources continues to grow, it’s essential that we explore innovative approaches to safeguard this critical resource. We’re proud to collaborate with DEP, SJRWMD, and our local utilities on this important initiative to protect our unique water resources in the Suwannee district and meet the water supply needs for growth in north Florida.” – Hugh Thomas, Executive Director, Suwannee River Water Management District
“Water First North Florida demonstrates the kind of innovation and collaboration that define Florida’s approach to protecting our water resources. By investing in science-based, regional solutions, we are strengthening the long-term health of our aquifer, restoring iconic springs and rivers, and ensuring sustainable water supplies for our communities and economy.” – Adam Blalock, Deputy Secretary of Ecosystem Restoration Programs, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
“JEA fully supports the Water Management District and regional solutions such as the Water First Noth Florida Project” – Robert Zammataro, Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) Chief Water System Officer
“CCUA fully supports the Water First North Florida project as the most effective and cost-efficient way to sustainably protect our region’s environmental resources and also support our growing population and industries.” – Jeremy D. Johnston, Executive Director, Clay County Utility Authority
“Water First North Florida is a monumental step forward in protecting our region’s water resources and providing sustainable water supply for years to come.” – Rick Hutton, Principal Engineer, Gainesville Regional Utilities
“The St. Johns County Utility Department is proud to join our state and local partners in this landmark regional project to protect our springs and rivers, support water supply, and deliver a sustainable solution for generations to come.” – Teri Pinson, Senior Engineer, St. Johns County Utility Department
“Florida Farm Bureau Federation supports the Water First North Florida project as recommended by SJRWMD and SRWMD staff, along with research into alternative water sources throughout the state. This project will be instrumental in ensuring the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers Priority Springs Minimum Flows and Levels are met, along with improving north Florida aquifer levels with surface water that would traditionally be lost to tide. This project will ensure that residents, businesses, agriculture, and other industries will remain sustainable in the area for future generations to come while protecting the environment and Florida’s natural resources. We applaud the SJRWMD and SRWMD Governing Board members and staff for their efforts to get ahead of the growing demand for a clean and abundant source of water for Floridians and encourage the Florida Legislature to appropriate state funds to ensure this project comes to fruition.” – Jeb Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation
“The Water First North Florida project represents an ambitious step toward addressing one of the region’s most serious water challenges. With broad collaboration among agencies, utilities, and conservation partners, this effort can help sustain the rivers, springs, and wetlands that define North Florida’s landscape. Audubon Florida is excited to move forward with the stakeholder engagement part of this project, bringing strong science and the dedication of the region’s partners to bear on these daunting issues.” – Julie Wraithmell, Executive Director, Audubon Florida
To learn more, visit https://waterfirstnorthfl.com.
