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DRY SEASON 2011 Proactive Measures Needed to Protect Water Resources

DRY SEASON 2011 Proactive Measures Needed to Protect Water Resources. Our Legislative Charge. We are directed to:. Protect the state’s water resources Encourage conservation Plan for existing and future water use. A Constant Vigil. We routinely monitor:.

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DRY SEASON 2011 Proactive Measures Needed to Protect Water Resources

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  1. DRY SEASON 2011Proactive Measures Needed to Protect Water Resources

  2. Our Legislative Charge We are directed to: • Protect the state’s water resources • Encourage conservation • Plan for existing and future water use

  3. A Constant Vigil We routinely monitor: • Water levels in surface waters • Water levels in the underground aquifer • Chloride levels • Amounts of actual rainfall • Predicted water needs • Water withdrawals

  4. Seasonal Rainfall Variation

  5. Roller Coaster of Weather Extremes

  6. Water Management Considerations – Balance Estuaries –Caloosahatchee& St. Lucie WaterSupply GreaterEverglades WaterwayNavigation HerbertHooverDike LakeEcology Municipal,Industrial,Native American, Agricultural, Environment RegionalEconomy Flora/Fauna Threatened/EndangeredSpecies Regional/NationalEconomy Flora/Fauna Threatened/EndangeredSpeciesRegional Economy Commercial/RecreationalTraffic RegionalEconomy Flora/Fauna Threatened/EndangeredSpecies RegionalEconomy PublicHealth &Safety Regional/NationalEconomy

  7. Typical System Operations Normal Dry Season Operations Canal stages held high to facilitate groundwater recharge and provide supplemental irrigation Canals serve two primary purposes…. 1. Flood Control 2. Water Supply Groundwater Low groundwater levels occur due to low, dry season rainfall

  8. Key Indicators • Strong La Niña –abnormally dry conditions with fewer winter storms • Driest October on record since 1932 • Potential for severe wild fire season • Lake Okeechobee more than 2 feet below historical average

  9. U.S. Seasonal Precipitation Outlook Jan – Mar 2011 Mar – May 2011 http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/30day/

  10. SFWMD Proactive Measures • Water shortage teams on alert; increased monitoring and reporting • Water shortage warning issued for Lake Istokpoga, Indian Prairie basin and Lake Okeechobee basin • Call for conservation NOW • Stepped up communication and coordination with other governments and agencies • www.sfwmd.gov

  11. IF Conditions Do Not Improve… • Potential for SFWMD-imposed emergency water shortage restrictions • If enacted, local governments responsible for enforcement • Restrictions designed to mitigate against: • Saltwater intrusion into wellfields • Loss of crops • Lack of water needed for fire protection • Wildfires • Loss of Stormwater Treatment Area nutrient-reduction capacity • Minimum Flow & Level exceedances

  12. Working Together to Protect the Resource • Municipalities have statutory direction to assist SFWMD in enforcing water shortage restrictions • Focus is residential, while SFWMD enforces HOAs, golf courses, etc. • Note to Public Works Directors: • Medians & athletic fields • Adjust irrigation systems accordingly • Source of complaints from citizens - equity

  13. Implementing Water Conservation Program • Year-round landscape irrigation measures • Adopting and incorporating Florida-friendly landscaping • Retrofitting of water-guzzling fixtures and appliances • A call for governments to lead by example

  14. Year-Round Irrigation Measures • SFWMD year-round landscape irrigation conservation measures are now in effect • Local governments may have ordinances in place that differ – always check! • Regional or local water shortages may prompt emergency water use restrictions

  15. Florida-Friendly Landscaping Nine principles: • Right plant, right place • Water efficiently • Fertilize appropriately • Mulch • Attract wildlife • Manage yard pests responsibly • Recycle • Reduce stormwater runoff • Protect the waterfront

  16. Retrofit Water-Guzzlers Fix that Leak • One drop per second from a leaky faucet = 3,150 gallons per year! • 10,000 homes = 31.5 million gallons!!! • Replace old fixtures & appliances • Install low-flow toilets • Replace old showerheads • Add aerators to faucets • Use more efficient dishwashers and washing machines

  17. For More Information… www.sfwmd.gov/waterwatch

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