Thank You

The Lake Area Water Alliance is grateful to everyone who has contributed so far to our goal of helping the City of Keystone Heights fund a hydrological consultant.  The Alliance was able to give their first donation of $2000 to the City on Friday, October 21st.

It is difficult to understand the complex problems associated with regard to recovering our lakes. We have heard people say things like “all we need to do is go up there and tear down that dam that is blocking Alligator Creek” or “all we need is a hurricane to drop us a load of water”.  It would be great if it were that simple and plain old hard work and common sense were enough.

At one time we were told by the SJRWMD that the lakes were down because of the lack of rain.  Now their studies show that large consumptive water users, such as the Jacksonville Electric Authority, do have an impact on our lakes.  

Recently, the JEA was given a permit to pump even more water from the aquifer than they do now, but with conditions of recovery to our lakes thanks to the vigilance of our own local water watchers working with the SJRWMD.  We had to ask the question: if harm is being done with the amount already being taken out; why would we give them more?  Also, some utility companies like CCUA recycle or reuse all of their waste water. JEA dumps most of theirs into the St. Johns and it goes right into the ocean instead of back into the aquifer where we need it.

After many meetings a Stakeholder group has been formed to address MFL Prevention and Recovery Strategies for Lakes Brooklyn, Geneva, Cowpen and Grandin which includes large utility groups, environmental and lake dweller groups, the City of KH and others that have a stake in the outcome of these meetings.  The outcome of these meetings could be the rebirth or demise of our lakes.

The JEA has high powered lawyers, lobbyists and engineering firms at their beck and call and seem to make up their own data.  The City of KH does not have and cannot afford these professionals.  At the very first meeting it was pointed out that our community did not any “technical standing” (professional engineers or hydrologists). Thank goodness the City Council had the foresight to hire a hydrologist, Peter Schreuder, to sit at the table as our consultant.  

Everyone who puts a well into the aquifer is taking water from the aquifer that sustains our lakes. We all need to conserve as much water as possible.  That is critically important.  We also need to fight for our water rights.  Mayor Hildreth, the entire KH City Council and Representative Van Zant are all doing their part.  We need to do our part.   

These are difficult economic times and asking people for money is not something the Alliance did without careful consideration. Progress is being made, but to back out and not fund someone who knows what the other professionals are really saying would be a mistake.  We are just beginning this fight to save our lakes.  The City needs the community to raise $10,000 which funds one third of the Hydrologist’s contract.  For goodness sakes, we give more donations than that for fireworks.   

The 14 organizations that have banded together to make the Alliance believe the people in this community love their lakes and that is the only reason they have reached out for your help.  Any and every contribution is appreciated and needed to reach our goal.

Jackie Host, President
Lake Area Water Alliance