The Southwest Florida Water Management District has completed a draft of an updated Regional Water Supply Plan that assesses projected water demands and identifies potential sources of water to meet those demands through the year 2025.
The updated plan also addresses the need to sustain water resources and the related natural systems, and includes estimated costs for potential projects. The current plan was developed in 2001.
The challenge will be meeting growing water supply needs while also protecting the natural resources. The challenge can be met through vigorous planning, regional cooperation among governments, and a commitment to conserve water and develop alternative water resources like reclaimed water, surface water and desalination.
The Regional Water Supply Plan is the tool that points the way to a water supply that can meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
“We have a significant public review process to ensure all involved and interested parties have the opportunity to provide input during this update process,” said District Planning Director Richard Owen.
As part of the review process, three public workshops will be held. The second public workshop will be held at the District’s Sarasota Service Office on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. The Sarasota Service Office is located at 6750 Fruitville Road.
The other workshops are being held at the District’s Tampa Service Office on Aug. 21 at 3 p.m. and at the District’s Bartow Service Office on Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. The Tampa Service Office is located at 7601 Highway 301 North and the Bartow Service Office is located at 170 Century Boulevard.
The workshops allow local governments, citizens and other water users an opportunity to be part of the process.
In addition to the public workshops, District staff will also discuss the regional water supply plan during two upcoming Governing Board meetings.
The Sept. 26 Board meeting will be a status report on public input received and potential changes to the draft. The public will also be able to make comments on the plan to the Governing Board. There is no set time when these discussions will take place. The September Governing Board meeting will be held at the District’s Tampa Service Office.
District staff anticipates on presenting the updated plan to the Governing Board during the Nov. 30 meeting for approval. The November Governing Board meeting will be held at the District’s Sarasota Service Office.
The draft plan is available for downloading from the Districts web site at WaterMatters.org. The public can also request a hard copy or CD of the document by sending an email to Planning@WaterMatters.org or calling 1-800-423-1476. The District’s Planning Department will also accept comments or questions via e-mail or phone through Sept. 22. Please send your email to Planning@WaterMatters.org or call 1-800-423-1476, and you will be directed to the appropriate planner.