Released on = April 23, 2007, 11:20 am

Press Release Author = Randy Smith

Industry =

Press Release Summary = A groundbreaking rule that guarantees water to protect and
restore America's Everglades went into effect today, following its passage last
month by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Known as the Regional
Water Availability Rule, this first-of-its kind requirement prevents water users
from tapping the famed River of Grass for new or additional supplies of water.
Setting aside the water in the Everglades for environmental restoration, permitted
users like urban water utilities along Florida's southeast coast will now have to
find alternative sources to supply regional growth.


Press Release Body = West Palm Beach, FL - A groundbreaking rule that guarantees
water to protect and restore America's Everglades went into effect today, following
its passage last month by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Known
as the Regional Water Availability Rule, this first-of-its kind requirement prevents
water users from tapping the famed River of Grass for new or additional supplies of
water. Setting aside the water in the Everglades for environmental restoration,
permitted users like urban water utilities along Florida's southeast coast will now
have to find alternative sources to supply regional growth.


"This rule reverses a century-long trend of tapping the Everglades to accommodate
South Florida's growth," said April Gromnicki, Assistant Director of Public Policy
for National Audubon. "It is an essential step if Everglades restoration is going to
succeed. It's also a model for other states to consider, because no region of the
country can afford to endlessly drain water from environmentally sensitive areas."


In South Florida, water suppliers in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe
counties currently depend on an estimated 500 million gallons of water per day from
the Everglades to recharge and sustain the Biscayne Aquifer -- their primary
drinking water source. Recognizing the need for more protective limits for the
River of Grass, the District last year began developing the Regional Water
Availability Rule to limit increased reliance on the Everglades system and
Everglades-dependent groundwater, formally identifying them as "sources of limited
availability."


"This rule is a big win for the environment," said Kevin McCarty, Governing Board
Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District. "South Florida is a
different place than it was just 30 years ago, and our water resources are not
unlimited. This rule boldly addresses regional growth and the need to protect the
natural system for future generations."


Cities needing additional water supplies will now be required to seek sources that
are not dependent on the Everglades for recharge. These alternative water supply
solutions may include recycling water, using reclaimed water to recharge the
Biscayne Aquifer or drawing water from the deeper Floridan Aquifer, which requires
treatment to remove saltwater content.


"This legally binding rule is essential for protecting the water in the Everglades,
because water is the key to restoration success," added SFWMD Executive Director
Carol Ann Wehle. "Our Regional Water Availability Rule represents a strong and very
clear policy statement that the South Florida Water Management District will protect
water for the environment."


Existing water supply permits are not being revoked. The rule affects new applicants
seeking a permit and existing permittees seeking permit renewal. The rule
specifically prevents permitted water supply allocations from being greater than
levels that existed prior to April 2006. To prevent shortfalls in meeting current
public drinking water needs, the rule provides a grace period for renewal
applicants, provided they are actively developing alternative supplies.


The District sought extensive public input on the rule, holding five rounds of
workshops and issuing five draft rules in response to comments from stakeholders
before developing and publishing the final draft.


# # #



The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that
oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state - 16 counties from
Orlando to the Keys. It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water
management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of
the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems
and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.


Web Site = http://

Contact Details = Randy Smith
South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
Office: (561) 682-6197 Cellular: (561) 389-3386