Public Education

    WATER USE - WATER SHORTAGE

    Florida's Water Supply

      Florida is blessed with many natural water resources. Rainfall is plentiful and replenishes our lakes, rivers and streams.  Surface and deep aquifers capture a supply of fresh and brackish water. Technology provides increasing opportunity to treat both salt water and reuse water for future use.

    Consumptive Water Use

      In Florida, there is no ownership of the water on or under the ground. Rather, the water is a resource of all of our people.  It is held in trust by Florida's five water management districts.  To withdraw water from any source, the user must obtain a consumptive water use permit or exemption from the appropriate water management district.

      Most Floridians get their drinking water from a private or public water utility.  Property owners association or country clubs often provide irrigation water supply for large common areas or golf courses.  These and all non-domestic water users must demonstrate compliance with water management district regulations prior to permit issuance.  This requires showing that the water use is: reasonable-beneficial will not impact other legal water uses, and is consistent with the public interest

      The water management district reviews whether a proposed water use is located too close to salt water, a landfill or contaminated site, or will deplete water from our wetlands.  The amount of water is also evaluated to assure that it is reasonable for the requested use.  The district makes its consumption permit decision based on the amount of water needed for the population to be served or the type of landscape or crops to be watered.

    Water Wells

      Many people use private wells for in-house water use or for outside irrigation.  In the past, the state did not require a permit for these wells.  Presently, construction of new wells (normally 6" or larger) requires a well construction permit from the water management district or local government.  This permit look at well construction techniques and well depth.  Regulations protect the water from pollution sources and are specifically designed for the regional characteristics. Well construction contractors are licensed in Florida and should be aware of the necessary regulations.

      With the growth of Florida's population and the location of too many wells near the coast, Florida water managers are evaluating the impact of small irrigation wells.  Continued protection of our resources may require future restrictions.

    Water Conservation-Reuse-Xeriscape

      All water consumers have a responsibility to use the water wisely.  This moral obligation has been translated into legal requirements.  Building codes require water saving showerheads and toilets. Landscape regulations require automatic sprinkler systems to shut down during rainstorms.  Many local governments have xeriscape regulations that require the planting of native and drought resistant trees, scrubs, and ground cover when landscaping.  Additionally, many communities impose a year-round ban of outside irrigation during daylight hours when most water is wasted through evaporation.

      Reuse or reclaimed water programs are being required of local utility companies.  After use in the house or yard, reuse water is injected deep into the ground.  There it is collected, treated and safely used as an alternative source of irrigation water.  This practices recovers water that was previously disposed of into the ocean.

    Water Shortage

      Water shortages occur in two ways.  First, when a water resource is low due to drought, a water shortage may be declared by the water management district.  This declaration protects the resource from permanent harm if it is used faster than it can recharge and to stretch the remaining supply of water for as many people and uses as possible, thus reducing economic impact. Second, water shortages may also be declared by a local utility if there is a system problem, such as a breakage in the utility line.  During shortage, individual water use is limited through a joint effort by water management districts, local governments and the utility.  Outside water use will be restricted to specific times and days of the week, aesthetic uses such as fountains may be banned and permit holders must reduce their pumpage amounts.  Violations of these restrictions may result in a fine.  More importantly, these restrictions must be followed to avoid the need for future restrictions.  During a water shortage, domestic irrigation is permitted only with reclaimed water. As a sign of changing water use, many large irrigation users such as parks and golf courses now use reclaimed water regardless of a water shortage.

    Agency Contacts

    This brochure was produced by the Committee on Access to Justice.  For other brochures, click here.