The Southwest Florida Water Management District is seeking public input about the assessment of minimum levels for the Intermediate Aquifer System.
A minimum flow or level is the limit at which further water withdrawals will cause significant harm to the water resources and/or environment. The District Governing Board sets these limits as part of achieving a balance between meeting human water needs and those of Florida’s natural systems.
A public meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 17, at the District’s Sarasota Service Office, 6750 Fruitville Road. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the boardroom. The meeting will cover District staff’s evaluation that setting minimum levels for the Intermediate Aquifer System is not appropriate.
This meeting will afford an important opportunity for local governments, citizens and others to be part of the development of minimum flows and levels. An overview of the Sarasota County Health Department’s study of well water quality in the North Port area will also be presented.
Public comment gathered at the meeting will be summarized and presented to the Governing Board when staff presents the recommended MFL at the District’s Nov. 30 Governing Board meeting. Governing Board meetings are open to the public where brief oral comments are permitted on meeting agenda items.
Written comments are also welcome and can be submitted via mail or email to Ron Basso, senior professional geologist by Nov. 29. The addresses are 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899 or Ron.Basso@swfwmd.state.fl.us.
A draft report containing information on the assessment of minimum levels for the Intermediate Aquifer System is available under the Minimum Flows and Levels heading on the Documents and Publications page of the District’s web site, WaterMatters.org. For more information, please contact Ron Basso at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4291, or 1-800-423-1476, ext 4291.