LWV Learns Money Sloshes Around Water Controversy

Seminole County’s attempted grab for St. Johns River water struck a chord with League of Women Voters members at the group’s meeting April 10, at St. Augustine Beach City Hall.

Guest speaker Henry Warner’s assertion that the fight between Seminole County and Northeast Florida is only the first step in a dangerous “river draw” met with intense interest at the monthly gathering. Reducing river flow could affect fish, wildlife and water quality.

Warner, who is Supervisor of St. Johns Soil and Water Conservation District, said changing a river’s flow can result in sediment and algae buildups downstream. Also, salt water from fluctuating ocean tides will be drawn farther up river when flow is decreased.

“It’s been historically proven,” he noted, citing tales of sink-holes and other water-caused catastrophes around the state such as the devastating effects man-made changes had on the Ocklawaha River over the past six decades.

“The demand on ground water in Central and South Florida is reaching its limits, but Florida could solve its water problems with conservation and better management.”

"There is plenty of potable water available in Central Florida, but they have no controls on it,” he said.

While conservation and sensible management might seem simple solutions, Warner warned that the picture is complicated by money.

“What’s not said is that many utilities contribute profits to their governments,” he noted. Hastings and Jacksonville automatically receive a percentage of revenues from their water utilities.

“Money is a big factor,” he said with the suggestion that governments are reticent to push for conservation, since increased water usage brings profits into their coffers.

Warner cited a current study by the University of Florida showing most water used by utility customers was for landscape and lawn maintenance.

Throughout the state the average household uses 12,000 gallons each month. However, in St. Johns County, the number is only 5,000 gallons..

He attributed the difference to our county’s shallow wells for watering lawns and our local government’s tiered rates, which penalize high usage.

Aggressive conservation could preserve the pristine Floridan Aquifer which provides 85 percent of the state’s drinking water, he proposed.

Most alternatives such as desalination plants are extremely expensive, and unchecked use could bring saltwater intrusion and contamination of the aquifer, which presently provides very safe, pure water.

In a call to action, Warner noted that “Things won’t change until the public understands.”

Individuals can preserve water by xeriscaping (planting groundcovers and landscapes that do not require supplemental irrigation,) buying water efficient appliances, and requesting water audits through their utility companies.

Warner also suggested people write their legislators and county commissioners about starting local efforts to conserve and change water use habits.

The LWV next meets at 10 a.m. Thursday May 8, in St. Augustine Beach City Hall. Todd Berchen, program administrator for St. Johns County Mental Health will be featured speaker. For information contact unit chair Barbara Hendee at 794-0714.