By DANIELLE FITZPATRICK
From the moment we wake up — whether it’s the shower that starts our day, the glass of water we drink or the sprinkler that waters our lawn — we rely on water, often taking this essential resource’s availability for granted. Yet, as Florida’s population grows, ensuring a reliable water supply for the future is more critical than ever.
To make sure there’s water when residents turn on the faucet, the St. Johns River Water Management District (District), as well as the other four water management districts, plan 20 years ahead for the region’s water needs, closely aligning these plans to funding mechanisms to ensure the resources are in place to meet future demands. Behind the scenes, effective planning, collaboration between agencies and stakeholders, investments in groundwater recharge and other projects, and a focus on water conservation are essential to meeting this challenge.
“We already know that relying solely on groundwater will not meet the projected increase in water supply demand without negatively impacting our water resources,” said John Fitzgerald, the District’s chief of water supply planning. “The state’s water management districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection are now working more closely than ever before since decisions made by one agency could affect the resources of another. We all work across district boundaries with regional partners to find solutions that benefit both people and the environment.”
Collaboration is key to finding lasting solutions, as these partnerships not only generate innovative ideas but also help secure the necessary funding for largescale projects that protect and sustain our water resources. The North Florida Regional Water Supply Partnership brings together the St. Johns District, the Suwannee River Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and stakeholders in the region to find ways to meet growing water needs.
One promising solution is the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project, underway in Clay County. This project represents more than just infrastructure investment — it’s a collaborative effort to protect the water resources that support communities, families and wildlife across the region. Expected to be completed this spring, the project will recharge the Upper Floridan aquifer and help maintain water levels in Lakes Brooklyn and Geneva, to ensure these sources remain healthy for future generations.
Similarly, the District has joined forces with the South Florida and Southwest Florida water management districts, DEP, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, local utilities and other stakeholders to manage water resources through the Central Florida Water Initiative. This partnership focuses on addressing the growing water demand in a region home to more than 3.4 million people.
With tourism, agriculture, commercial industries and growing residential areas all contributing to increased water demand, long-term solutions are essential. One possibility being explored is improving and expanding the Taylor Creek Reservoir in eastern Orange and Osceola counties, which currently provides drinking water to the City of Cocoa. This project could potentially provide an additional 54 million gallons per day to regional water suppliers, and it is supported by the collaborative efforts of the District and Central Florida utilities.
While partnerships like these are critical, projects are an absolute necessity for securing future water availability, and they come with significant costs. Exploring innovative funding strategies such as public-private partnerships and grants is critical. For example, the Black Creek project’s estimated cost is $100 million. Funding comes from various sources, including the District, Florida Legislature, and north Florida utilities such as Clay County Utility Authority, Gainesville Regional Utilities, St. Johns County Utilities, and JEA.
“Water conservation is another meaningful piece of the puzzle,” said Fitzgerald. “Local utilities can implement water conservation programs for a fraction of the cost of large-scale projects. By adopting efficient practices—like fixing leaks, watering lawns only when needed and installing smart irrigation systems—everyone can contribute to protecting this vital resource.”
The convenience of turning on a faucet makes it easy to overlook the journey water takes to get there. The District, alongside other agencies and utilities, is working to ensure clean, reliable water continues to flow to meet the growing needs of people and ecosystems. Through ongoing collaboration, consistent funding, thoughtful planning and strategic investment, water can remain available now and in the future for all who depend on it.
