Water, Water Everywhere, Right?
Posted by Nancy Bresnahan
on May 24, 2011
Jeff Coles - St. Johns River Water Management District, was our guest speaker on Tuesday, May 24th.
St. Johns River Water Management District is assigned the formidable task of planning our water supply for the future, a staggering undertaking, especially when you consider the facts. Though 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water, only approximately 1% is available for human use.
Of the 54” to 55” of rain that fall in Florida annually, 67% evaporates. Of the remaining available fresh water, 50% is used for landscaping. And as if that isn’t enough, the population of 5 million people and the 18 counties serviced by SJRWMD is expected to grow to 6.4 million by 2030. Bottom line: we’re outgrowing our supply.
True, there is water, water everywhere. But it is not readily available. Currently our main source of water is the Florida aquifer, but if we draw too much water from it, the water will be contaminated with salt water and silt. Desalination is obviously an option (there are 12,500 desalination plants worldwide), but it is the most expensive option. Groundwater is the cheapest. Surface water is also an option but the effect on many ecosystems must also be considered. Reclaimed water can be used for landscaping, but not for human consumption. Brackish water can be treated by osmosis and rendered drinkable.
Best advice? Conserve! Don’t keep your sprinklers on an automatic timer; water only when the soil is dry and only on the days and times you are allowed. Run the dishwasher only when full, etc. etc. You know the way to conserve. Without sufficient fresh water, our wonderful quality of life here on Florida’s First Coast will be severely diminished.
Special thanks to Jeff Coles for educating us and for being a part of our Rotary meeting.
True, there is water, water everywhere. But it is not readily available. Currently our main source of water is the Florida aquifer, but if we draw too much water from it, the water will be contaminated with salt water and silt. Desalination is obviously an option (there are 12,500 desalination plants worldwide), but it is the most expensive option. Groundwater is the cheapest. Surface water is also an option but the effect on many ecosystems must also be considered. Reclaimed water can be used for landscaping, but not for human consumption. Brackish water can be treated by osmosis and rendered drinkable.
Best advice? Conserve! Don’t keep your sprinklers on an automatic timer; water only when the soil is dry and only on the days and times you are allowed. Run the dishwasher only when full, etc. etc. You know the way to conserve. Without sufficient fresh water, our wonderful quality of life here on Florida’s First Coast will be severely diminished.
Special thanks to Jeff Coles for educating us and for being a part of our Rotary meeting.