LIVE OAK, FLA., MAY 18, 2022 – Five alternative water supply (AWS) projects were recently recommended for funding by the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board.
The North Florida projects – four local government projects and one utility project – will total approximately $6.4 million if approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
These projects are part of an effort to reduce water use from the Floridan Aquifer or to develop region-specific water sources that offer an alternative to traditional ground and surface water sources. Alternative water sources, such as reclaimed or recycled water, saltwater or brackish water, and storm water, also help to make communities less susceptible to the effects of drought. These water sources also diversify Florida’s water supply while reducing its dependence on fresh water resources.
"The Governor and Legislature recognize the importance of developing alternative water supplies to support Florida’s growth and preserve the health of our natural systems,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “These recommended projects advance those plans to strengthen Florida’s water resources and also continue to meet the demands of our citizens.”
Projects include:
- Reducing Impacts from Urban Landscapes – Alachua County, Environmental Protection Department – $220,000 – This project will reduce outdoor water use through irrigation tune-ups to high-water users and offer rebates to implement water-saving irrigation retrofits.
- GRU Deerhaven/Deerhaven Renewable Water Sharing Project – Gainesville Regional Utilities – $750,000 – This project will include piping between power plants that will reduce groundwater withdrawal, overall water usage across sites, production costs, and landfill solid waste, while increasing system reliability.
- Lawtey Water Main Replacements – City of Lawtey – $2.7 million – This project will replace leaking water mains on the City of Lawtey’s existing water distribution system, which is more than 40 years old.
- Greenville Water Distribution Systems Improvement Project – Town of Greenville – $3.3 million – This two-phase water main replacement project, once completed, will save the Town of Greenville an average of 1.3 million gallons per year of water loss.
- Archer Water Systems Improvement Project – City of Archer – $4.8 million – This project will replace piping, hydrants, and valves to fix leaks and breaks and is expected to save more than .002 million gallons per day of water and reduce the amount of water needed to be pumped from the aquifer.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter, search @SRWMD.
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