1. DRY SEASON 2011 Proactive Measures Needed to Protect Water Resources DRY SEASON 2011 Proactive Measures Needed to Protect Water Resources

2. 2 Our Legislative Charge We are directed to: Protect the state’s water resourcesProtect the state’s water resources Encourage conservationEncourage conservation Plan for existing and future water usePlan for existing and future water use

3. 3 A Constant Vigil We routinely monitor: Water levels in surface watersWater levels in surface waters Water levels in the underground aquiferWater levels in the underground aquifer Chloride levelsChloride levels Amounts of actual rainfallAmounts of actual rainfall Predicted water needsPredicted water needs Water withdrawalsWater withdrawals

4. Seasonal Rainfall Variation

5. Roller Coaster of Weather Extremes 5

6. Lake Ecology Herbert Hoover Dike Waterway Navigation Greater Everglades Estuaries – Caloosahatchee & St. Lucie Flora/ Fauna Threatened/ Endangered Species Regional/ National Economy Public Health & Safety Regional/ National Economy Commercial/ Recreational Traffic Regional Economy Flora/Fauna Threatened/Endangered Species Regional Economy Flora/ Fauna Threatened/ Endangered Species Regional Economy Water Supply Municipal, Industrial, Native American, Agricultural, Environment Regional Economy Water Management Considerations – Balance

7. Normal Dry Season Operations Canal stages held high to facilitate groundwater recharge and provide supplemental irrigation Low groundwater levels occur due to low, dry season rainfall Groundwater Canals serve two primary purposes…. 1. Flood Control 2. Water Supply Canals serve two primary purposes…. 1. Flood Control 2. Water Supply Typical System Operations

8. Key Indicators Strong La Niña – abnormally dry conditions with fewer winter storms  Driest October on record since 1932  Potential for severe wild fire season Lake Okeechobee more than 2 feet below historical average

9. Jan – Mar 2011 http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/predictions/30day/ U.S. Seasonal Precipitation Outlook Mar – May 2011

10. SFWMD Proactive Measures Water shortage teams on alert; increased monitoring and reporting Water shortage warning issued for Lake Istokpoga, Indian Prairie basin and Lake Okeechobee basin Call for conservation NOW Stepped up communication and coordination with other governments and agencies www.sfwmd.gov

11. IF Conditions Do Not Improve… Potential for SFWMD-imposed emergency water shortage restrictions  If enacted, local governments responsible for enforcement Restrictions designed to mitigate against:  Saltwater intrusion into wellfields  Loss of crops  Lack of water needed for fire protection  Wildfires  Loss of Stormwater Treatment Area nutrient- reduction capacity  Minimum Flow & Level exceedances

12. Working Together to Protect the Resource Municipalities have statutory direction to assist SFWMD in enforcing water shortage restrictions  Focus is residential, while SFWMD enforces HOAs, golf courses, etc. Note to Public Works Directors:  Medians & athletic fields  Adjust irrigation systems accordingly  Source of complaints from citizens - equity 12

13. Year-round landscape irrigation measures Adopting and incorporating Florida-friendly landscaping Retrofitting of water-guzzling fixtures and appliances A call for governments to lead by example 13 Implementing Water Conservation Program

14. 14 SFWMD year-round landscape irrigation conservation measures are now in effectSFWMD year-round landscape irrigation conservation measures are now in effect Local governments may have ordinances in place that differ – always check!Local governments may have ordinances in place that differ – always check! Regional or local water shortages may prompt emergency water use restrictionsRegional or local water shortages may prompt emergency water use restrictions Year-Round Irrigation Measures

15. 15 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Nine principles: Right plant, right placeRight plant, right place Water efficientlyWater efficiently Fertilize appropriatelyFertilize appropriately MulchMulch Attract wildlifeAttract wildlife Manage yard pests responsiblyManage yard pests responsibly RecycleRecycle Reduce stormwater runoffReduce stormwater runoff Protect the waterfrontProtect the waterfront

16. 16 Fix that Leak One drop per second from a leaky faucet = 3,150 gallons per year!One drop per second from a leaky faucet = 3,150 gallons per year! 10,000 homes = 31.5 million gallons!!!10,000 homes = 31.5 million gallons!!! Replace old fixtures & appliances Install low-flow toiletsInstall low-flow toilets Replace old showerheadsReplace old showerheads Add aerators to faucetsAdd aerators to faucets Use more efficient dishwashers and washing machinesUse more efficient dishwashers and washing machines Retrofit Water-Guzzlers

17. 17 www.sfwmd.gov/waterwatch For More Information…