 |
Florida North-Central-South Water Dispute
US Seasonal Drought Outlook: National Weather Service
North, central Florida fight over water
North and central Florida aren't feeling very neighborly at the moment as they battle over water from the St. Johns and Ocklawaha rivers to meet central Florida's exploding population demands. Central Florida plans to take millions of gallons of water a day out of the rivers, angering north Florida residents and officials who say that could cause grave environmental damage, particularly to the north-flowing St. Johns. The St. Johns River Water Management District, which developed the proposal, said it will consider a new two-year, $1.8 million plan to study its possible effects. The district developed the proposal after determining that areas of central Florida could reach their groundwater limits within five years, and that by 2025 it will need 200 million gallons of water a day from alternative sources. Partly because of the fast growth of central Florida, half a billion gallons of water are being pumped out of the deep underground Floridan aquifer each day. AP/Charlotte Observer_ 1/14/08
December, 2003
Feature: Florida's north vs. south water wars illustrate the political heat that comes with protecting local water supplies. Gainesville Sun 12/4/03
October, 2003
South Florida doesn't want or need "the north's" water, residents and environmentalists tell a panel of state senators. Sun-Sentinel 10/15/03
Water plan splits Florida in two. Proposal by advisors to the governor to let booming south take water from the north creates a firestorm. Miami Herald 10/14/03
Florida county urges surrounding communities: Stop Orlando. Small towns fear large urban areas will usurp groundwater. Sun-Sentinel 10/14/03
Florida's water plan. "As close to North vs. South as you're going to get since the Civil War," says political leader. How would it work? Gainesville Sun 10/11/03
Florida lawmaker and his committee members on the road. Searching the state for an "intelligent" water policy. Tallahassee Democrat 10/9/03
Use your own water resources first, smaller Florida jurisdictions urge big neighbors. Legislature may be asked to increase protections for smaller governments. Palataka Daily News 10/9/03
More Florida cities joining opposition to Orlando Utilities Commission. City-owned utility plans to pump billions of gallons of water from aquifer. Sun-Sentinel 10/8/03
September, 2003
Florida governor's advisory group recommends statewide perspective in solving water needs. North Florida and environmental groups worry. AP/Herald Tribune
Private advisor to governor says there is no plan for south Florida to use water from the north. Lake City Reporter
Florida governor's advisory group recommends statewide perspective in solving water needs. North Florida and environmental groups worry. AP/Herald Tribune
Private advisor to governor says there is no plan for south Florida to use water from the north. Lake City Reporter
