The Suwannee RWMD announced (Oct 14, 2011) that the Upper and Lower Santa Fe River basins have been designated as “water resource caution areas” under Chapter 373 of the Florida Statutes.
"The designation means that groundwater sources in those areas are not adequate to meet future needs over a 20-year period and that regional water supply plans are needed to find water sources to meet demands. The designation also means that the District will initiate water supply planning in those regions and will prepare one or more regional water supply plans."
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Progress Report
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 have 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.
It is 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
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 have 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.
It is 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
Friday, October 21, 2011
LAWA Events for November
The Clay-Putnam technical work group will meet at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Trinity Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 3716 S.E. State Road 21, Keystone Heights. Parking for meeting attendees is available on the south end of the complex, near the playground. The Clay-Putnam work group was formed to develop a list of prevention and recovery strategies for lakes Geneva, Brooklyn, Cowpen and Grandin. Next meeting will be Dec 20.
Stakeholder meetings are being held in areas where MFLs are currently not being met or are projected not to be met within 20 years. The District’s goal is to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop long-term comprehensive strategies to achieve the MFLs.
Stakeholder meetings are being held in areas where MFLs are currently not being met or are projected not to be met within 20 years. The District’s goal is to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop long-term comprehensive strategies to achieve the MFLs.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
October LAWA Activity
Here are a few of the events coming up in October (that we know about):
Oct 12, Wednesday 6:30 pm, The Status and Future of Our Water Supply, Oak Hammock, 5100 SW 25th Blvd, Gainesville, presented by the League of Women Voters, Alachua County
Oct 22, Saturday all day, Day On The Lake at YMCA Keystone Heights.
Oct 25, Tuesday 2-4 pm, Keystone Stakeholders meeting at Trinity Baptist Church on SR 21
Oct 25, Tuesday 6 pm, LAWA meeting at KH Womans Club
Oct 12, Wednesday 6:30 pm, The Status and Future of Our Water Supply, Oak Hammock, 5100 SW 25th Blvd, Gainesville, presented by the League of Women Voters, Alachua County
Oct 22, Saturday all day, Day On The Lake at YMCA Keystone Heights.
Oct 25, Tuesday 2-4 pm, Keystone Stakeholders meeting at Trinity Baptist Church on SR 21
Oct 25, Tuesday 6 pm, LAWA meeting at KH Womans Club
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