By PATRICK GILLESPIE
This week, leaders of the Suwannee River Water Management District and St. Johns River Water Management District announced a new regional initiative designed to return more than 40 million gallons of water per day to the Floridan aquifer system.
The Water First North Florida partnership should take high-quality reclaimed water and further purify it through a natural wetland filtration system to recharge into the aquifer, according to a joint news release. Both Districts jointly approval the project after determining it was the most cost-effective and environmentally beneficial solution to meet area water needs. Staffs evaluated more than 100 potential projects.
District leadership praised the partnership in prepared statements.
“The Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers, along with their iconic springs, are vital to Florida’s natural heritage, economy and way of life,” said Rob Bradley, chair of the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board. “Implementing this recovery strategy, including the Water First North Florida project, is not just an environmental necessity—it’s an investment in Florida’s future. By working together, we can ensure healthy ecosystems, sustainable communities and our water supply.”
“Water First North Florida represents a forward-thinking commitment to our region’s future,” said Virginia Johns, chair of the Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board. “By investing in sustainable water resource development today, we’re ensuring that our springs communities, residents, farms and businesses have the reliable water supply they need to thrive tomorrow. This project is about water security, economic opportunity and preserving the natural systems that make North Florida such a special place to live and work.”
The Districts believe the initiative will deliver multiple long-term water benefits to the region.
- Restoring flows and protecting the health of rivers and springs.
- Recharging the aquifer to ensure a sustainable water supply for residents and visitors.
- Supporting agriculture, small businesses, tourism and future growth.
- Restoring wetlands that support wildlife habitat and enhance recreation.
- Providing the greatest environmental return at the lowest cost compared with other alternatives.
For those interested in additional information, the Districts have created a website at https://waterfirstnorthfl.com/.
