The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board Monday approved the renewal and consolidation of five water use permits (WUP) for Hernando County Utilities’ east service area.
The consolidated permit includes an increase of 2,791,817 gallons of water per day (gpd) based on projected population growth in the east service area, which is expected to reach approximately 25,000 residents by the year 2014. The new permitted annual average day quantity for the combined permits is 3,817,600 gpd. This quantity is based on a gross per capita use rate of 150 gallons per person per day.
As part of the permit, the county must submit an Impact Management Plan for District approval that identifies actions to be taken to ensure that no adverse impacts occur to the water resources.
The consolidated permit contains special conditions that require the county to submit monthly pumpage reports, groundwater-level and surface-water-level data monitoring reports and water quality monitoring reports. The county must also cap wells that are not in use, complete a reclaimed water feasibility study, implement an environmental monitoring and water conservation plans and submit a report on the effectiveness of its water conservation rate structure and other conservation activities.
The 6,233-acre service area includes the Ridge Manor development.
This Hernando County permit expires January 26, 2015.