FDEP Issues SB 536 Final Report – 12/1/2015
The study focuses on how the use of reclaimed water, stormwater and excess surface water could be expanded to assist in meeting future water demands.

 

Today, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) issued its final Senate Bill 536 Report. During the 2014 legislative session, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 536, which requires the FDEP, in coordination with stakeholders to conduct a comprehensive study and submit a report on the expansion of use of reclaimed water, storm water, and excess surface water in the state. The report was due to the Legislature on December 1, 2015.
The report includes a review and analysis of the historic development, regulatory framework, current status and potential for future expansion of reclaimed water, stormwater, excess surface water and storage. The report also discusses impediments and constraints to increasing the use of reclaimed water, stormwater and excess surface water for water supply. Finally, the report makes recommendations to mitigate or eliminate impediments and provide incentives for increased beneficial use of these water sources.
The report makes the following conclusions and recommendations for the state’s water management districts:
Northwest Florida Water Management District
• Investigate opportunities to match existing reclaimed water sources with golf courses, nurseries and power plants.
• Proceed with implementation of new water supply development grant program.
Suwannee River Water Management District
• Explore the use of excess surface water from the Suwannee River to provide aquifer recharge for the recovery and support of natural systems and to support dispersed agricultural water uses.
South Florida Water Management District
• Continue to implement regional water resource development projects that address a range of water-related needs, including those of urban and agricultural water supply.
• Continue Cooperative Funding Program to assist in the development of stormwater, alternative water supply and water conservation projects.
• Continue implementation of storage reservoir projects as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Program (CERP).
St. Johns River Water Management District
• Investigate opportunities for increased use of reclaimed water in major water use areas in Orlando, Jacksonville and along the east coast.
• Investigate opportunities for increased use of reclaimed water by large agricultural users in the southern part of the District.
• Identify priority areas for aquifer recharge.
• Consider additional cost share funding for reclaimed water ASR wells in coastal regions.
Southwest Florida Water Management District
• Continue assistance in implementing the Tampa Electric Company (TECO) Lakeland/Mulberry/Polk Reclaimed Water Project, an industrial reuse system in southwest Polk County.
• Continue assistance in implementing the Southern Hillsborough County Reclaimed Water Aquifer Recharge Project, a natural system enhancement reuse pilot project located in southern Hillsborough County.
The report can be viewed by clicking here. For more information on the SB 536 report, contact Tim Perry.