Floridians have a new online tool for learning about ways to save water and help protect our region’s most valuable resource. The South Florida Water Management District has launched a comprehensive web site www.savewaterfl.com that provides residents, businesses, utilities, local governments and educators with a one-stop shop for information about water conservation.
The District Water Resources Advisory Commission will host a Water Conservation Summit on Tuesday, December 4th. Panelists from organizations that have developed and implemented successful water conservation programs in other regions of the country will share their experiences. Additional meetings after the summit will bring together local stakeholders to develop and implement an enduring comprehensive water conservation program for South Florida. A final report will be presented during the Governing Board meeting in April 2008, Water Conservation Month. The Summit will be web cast live at www.sfwmd.gov.
The District Governing Board recently authorized $2.6 million for six water resource improvement projects in the Florida Keys. The District is providing funding for the following water resource improvement projects:
o Stormwater improvements in the City of Key West will significantly reduce the impact of runoff to nearshore waters. This project redirects stormwater flow to a sediment removal system and subsequently to a 120-foot injection well. The District will provide $400,000 of the $800,000 project cost.
o Restoration of a freshwater marsh in the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden will enhance critical wildlife habitat. This project will restore a freshwater marsh that served historically as a vital “stopping point” for more than 210 species of neo-tropical birds. The District will contribute $100,000 toward the $750,000 project.
o Stormwater management systems in Monroe County will improve the quality of stormwater runoff reaching Outstanding Florida Waters. These improvements will occur in the Big Pine Key Community Park and Big Coppitt Key Prado Circle. The District will invest $500,000 of an estimated overall cost of $1 million.
o Stormwater improvements in the City of Marathon will reduce flooding on public roadways and decrease runoff of untreated stormwater into coastal waters. The District will provide half of the project’s phase-one cost of more than $1.2 million.
o A stormwater management system in the City of Key Colony Beach will improve flood protection and treat stormwater before it impacts nearshore waters. The District partnership will pay $500,000 of the project’s $1 million cost.
o Water quality improvement projects with the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority include stormwater runoff retention and restoration of wetland areas through proper water management techniques. The District will provide $500,000 for the $1 million collection of projects.
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