Post by Azurerana on Nov 4, 2006 17:00:30 GMT -5
Saving our springs
Conservation is key in keeping the water flowing
Elaine Aradillas | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted October 30, 2006
Some of Central Florida's springs may grow drier if the increasing human demand on the region's underground water supply continues.
In Rock and Wekiwa springs, which are surrounded by booming development in Orange and Seminole counties, flows are expected to decrease by close to 10 percent by 2025.
Click here to find out more!
Relying less on water pumped from the ground -- something water managers are poised to do -- is a crucial step toward saving the state's springs.
"If the public doesn't care, we will lose our springs. That's the bottom line," said Jim Stevenson, former chairman of the Florida Springs Task Force.
More water pumped from the underground Floridan Aquifer to serve a growing population means less water is available for springs that feed rivers and serve as vital habitat for wildlife ranging from manatees and birds to snails.
Earlier this month, three water-management agencies banded together in an attempt to halt increases in the amount of water pumped from the imperiled aquifer after 2013 to avoid harm to springs, lakes and wetlands. The agencies hope utilities will begin using alternative water supplies, such as river water or desalting sea water.
"It's a balancing act," said Bill Graf spokesman for the South Florida Water Management District. "We're trying to provide [water] for all the new residents and trying to preserve what is traditionally Florida."
Article
Conservation is key in keeping the water flowing
Elaine Aradillas | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted October 30, 2006
Some of Central Florida's springs may grow drier if the increasing human demand on the region's underground water supply continues.
In Rock and Wekiwa springs, which are surrounded by booming development in Orange and Seminole counties, flows are expected to decrease by close to 10 percent by 2025.
Click here to find out more!
Relying less on water pumped from the ground -- something water managers are poised to do -- is a crucial step toward saving the state's springs.
"If the public doesn't care, we will lose our springs. That's the bottom line," said Jim Stevenson, former chairman of the Florida Springs Task Force.
More water pumped from the underground Floridan Aquifer to serve a growing population means less water is available for springs that feed rivers and serve as vital habitat for wildlife ranging from manatees and birds to snails.
Earlier this month, three water-management agencies banded together in an attempt to halt increases in the amount of water pumped from the imperiled aquifer after 2013 to avoid harm to springs, lakes and wetlands. The agencies hope utilities will begin using alternative water supplies, such as river water or desalting sea water.
"It's a balancing act," said Bill Graf spokesman for the South Florida Water Management District. "We're trying to provide [water] for all the new residents and trying to preserve what is traditionally Florida."
Article