0308

Winter 2001 - V.16 N.4

NEWS AROUND THE LAGOON

Ban on Gill Nets Associated with Mullet Population Rebound

Indian River Lagoon South Feasibility Study Released

Ft. Pierce Works on Port Master Plan

Florida Slow to React to Toxic Algae

Legal Challenge to Manatee Zones

Buildings in Conflict with Comprehensive Plan to be Demolished

Army Corps Rollback Wetlands Mitigation Requirements

Central Florida To Run Out of Water in Five Years

Global Warming Threaten Estuaries

Boaters Suggest a Solution to Manatee Impacts

Everglades Restoration Office Closed

Conservation Lands Funded By FCT

Martin County Comp Plan Draws Fire From State

Central Florida To Run Out of Water in Five Years.
From Associated Press.
According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, Central Florida will run out of drinking water by 2006 unless the area’s rapid growth slows or new water sources are discovered. The area has always relied on the Floridan aquifer for water, but declining rainfall, coupled with nonstop pumping for household activities have left the aquifer levels shrinking. Central Florida may need to look at alternative water supplies such as desalinated salt water or even lake water. The St. Johns board says their scientists only recently pinned down how critical the situation is. Brevard County does not rely solely on groundwater and has state-of-the-art technology for finding alternative water supplies, so are in better shape than central Florida. St. Johns officials say they will try to keep the faucets running through conservation and tighter scrutiny of withdrawal permits, but will need help from local and state governments.

Next Article: Global Warming Threaten Estuaries.