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Learn about the urgent need for investment in Florida's water infrastructure and the state's challenges and priorities for sustaining its water resources. Explore key reports and funding initiatives to address this critical issue.
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Florida’s Water Challenge Presentation for House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee February 20th, 2013 By Florida Water Advocates
“There has never been a more critical time to invest in our essential water infrastructure.” Jeff Eger, Executive Director Water Environment Federation US Conference of Mayors January 22, 2013
A Recognized National Crisis: • AWWA "Buried No Longer: Confronting America's Infrastructure Crisis" Report -http://www.awwa.org/Portals/0/files/legreg/documents/BuriedNoLonger.pdf • National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) and U.S. Chamber of Commerce effort on water infrastructure, "Water is Your Business“ -http://waterisyourbusiness.org • American Society of Civil Engineers report on the future economic costs of failing to act on infrastructure needs - http://www.asce.org/uploadedFiles/Infrastructure/Failure_to_Act/Failure_to_Act_Report.pdf • Congressional Research Service - Water Infrastructure Needs and Investment: Review and Analysis of Key Issues - http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/homesec/RL31116.pdf • Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment | Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey | US EPA - http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/drinkingwater/dwns/index.cfm
Florida’s Water Resources Priorities • Protecting State’s economy & quality of life. • Safeguarding fragile environments (rivers, wetlands, lakes, springs & estuaries) that drive our tourism and recreational industries. • Ensuring adequate supplies to support Florida’s agriculture & economic growth. • Developing alternative supplies of water to support safe growth. • Restoring our already impacted natural systems. • Repairing or replacing aging infrastructure.
Florida Faces A Daunting Challenge • $24.09 Billion in new drinking water and wastewater infrastructure by 2020.(FWEA: 9/2012) • $1.0 to $3.2 Billion per year to implement EPA Numeric Nutrient Criteria Rules.(FWQC / CardnoEntrix: 11/2010) • $7.2 Billion to repair or replace aging transmission and distribution water and wastewater infrastructure over next 20 years. (EPA Report to Congress 2007) • $750 million dollars are needed over the next 10 years for capital improvements and long term maintenance programs to support flood control.(ASCE: 10/2012)
Florida Water Protection and Sustainability Program • Enacted in 2005 (SB 444) with universal support (Chs. 403.890 & 373.707, f.s.) • Recurring $100 Million for: • Alternative Water Supply Development • Development and Implementation of TMDLs • Surface Water Improvement Project Support • Small Disadvantaged Community Wastewater Projects.
EPA proposes strict pollution rules for Florida – South Florida “The proposal could cost each Florida household an estimated $44 to $108 per year for sewage plant upgrades, stormwater management and septic improvements, according to an EPA analysis.” Palm Beach Post February 16, 2013
WATER: It is Our Business “ I don’t want to reach a day where a Texas company announces it’s moving to Florida or Ohio because of water issues.” Joe Straus Speaker Texas House of Representatives January 2013
QUESTIONS? Floridawateradvocates.com