|
Current Situation and Objectives
Irrigated
agriculture is a major user of the nation’s ground and surface water
resources, accounting for 80 to 90% of overall water
consumption. Southern states are challenged to maintain available,
high-quality water supplies in a region encompassing 19 million
irrigated acres. In addition to agricultural water consumption, vast
amounts of water are used for residential, municipal and golf course
irrigation. As demand for water grows, there is increasing economic,
social and environmental urgency for improved irrigation water
management and efficiency. The objective of this focus area is to
improve irrigation water management to reduce water use through a
coordinated effort that addresses the research and educational needs of
irrigators and water managers throughout the region.
Background
Even though it appears on the surface that Florida has a surplus
water supply,
conservation has become necessary to assure that all demands can be met. The five water management
districts are actively popularizing the idea and means of water conservation to the general public as well as commercial
agriculture. The
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
and
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also
works in close coordination with the water management districts to
achieve the conservation goals.
Water Conservation and Management Programs
Northwest Water Management District programs
help to ensure adequate water supply
through conservation, protection and development of alternative water
supplies. The conservation programs extend to the protection and
enhancement of natural waters within the district's boundaries. It is also
involved in educating the general public about the benefits of water
conservation.
Suwannee River Water Management District is working towards
protecting its rivers and lakes to improve water quality. More
information can be found on the SRWMD website.
St. Johns River Water Management District enforces district-wide
water restrictions as a water conservation practice. This rule is
applied the year around and addresses outdoor water use. The rule is
applied with some exception.
Southwest Florida Water Management District has several water
conservation practices that depend on the water-use category
(agricultural, commercial, and recreational). SWFWMD works in coordination with
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at
University of Florida. IFAS also has its own
Water Conservation Program.
South Florida Water Management District has many water management
plans that address water conservation needs in the area.
|
