Water Supply
Water 2020
In 1996 the St. Johns River Water Management District began a District-wide public water supply planning process to estimate future water demands and identify sustainable water sources to meet those demands. This process was called Water 2020. Six regional working groups were formed and worked, in parallel, on finding water supply solutions that made sense for the environment and their local communities. Central Florida was organized into one working group, while Northeast Florida was organized into three working groups. Water supply utilities, local governments, environmental advocacy groups, regulatory agencies and concerned citizens were all invited to participate in this process. The ultimate result of Water 2020 was the development of the 2000 District Water Supply Plan (Water Supply Plan 2000).
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s Water Supply Plan 2000 identified a mix of traditional groundwater sources and alternative water supplies capable of meeting estimated water demands through 2020 in an environmentally sustainable manner. Diversifying water supplies prevents an overreliance on just one source. In the past, we’ve relied too heavily on groundwater — and it’s beginning to impact our groundwater supplies, wetlands, lakes and streams. Diversified supplies include reclaimed water, surface water, saline water and other sources. Included in the St. Johns River Water Management District’s Water Supply Plan 2000 was the development of alternative water supply projects on the St. Johns River, such as Seminole County’s proposed Yankee Lake Project.
