Florida Growth and Environmental Protection Fuel Alternative Water Supply Sources

ver the last decade, Florida’s population has increased by approximately 15 percent to 22,176,000 (2022), according to the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) population data. Over the next 20 years, the population of the state is projected to grow over 20 percent to 26,700,000 (2042). We’re visited by over 130 million tourists each year for our historical sites, state parks, theme parks, and, of course, our world-famous beaches.

In many portions of Florida, our water supplies are currently stressed, and additional growth and tourism will strain them even more.

This makes us ask several questions:

S How do we meet customer needs?

S How do we protect the environment?

S Where is there water we can use?

S What is the water quality?

As I stated in my column last month, Florida’s water primarily comes from groundwater wells, with surface water supplies being the second largest water source. Florida is a diverse state with diverse water quality from each of its sources. Groundwater quality is different if the well is in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Miami, Naples, Sarasota, Tampa, Cedar Key, Ocala, Orlando, or Immokalee, and it can even be different within the same wellfield or region, posing treatment optimization challenges. Surface water quality varies significantly, whether it’s from a calm lake, an intracoastal waterway, or the ocean. A river’s water quality varies seasonally, and most surface waters can vary significantly based on rainfall.

How do we manage and optimize this most precious resource from the Emerald Coast to the Treasure Coast? There is no one correct answer.

Developing New Supply

Freshwater is coming at a premium, and to protect our environment and serve our water customers, new water supplies will need to be developed. In central Florida, the groundwater supplies have been determined to be beyond their sustainable limits, forcing communities to find alternative water sources, which typically means spending more money. Some coastal communities are experiencing saltwater intrusion into their wells, forcing more-advanced treatment. It can be costly to produce water that is protective of Florida’s sensitive environment, but it will be even more costly to Florida if we don’t protect it.

We have many tools in our arsenal to combat water supply challenges. Conservation is the most effective because the water you don’t use is the water that is directly saved. Requiring Floridafriendly landscaping and implementing irrigation restrictions to help manage demand are forms of conservation. Next is utilizing the lowest water quality source for the intended purpose, such as:

S Rainwater collection for individual irrigation systems

S Gray water for toilets and other nonpotable uses

S Stormwater capture for irrigation, potable water treatment, or aquifer recharge

S Reclaimed water for irrigation and industrial cooling

Rapid infiltration basins, aquifer recharge, and water body restoration are all methods to help environmental recovery and prevent water use impacts. Finally, we have alternative water supplies or nontraditional supplies, such as indirect and direct potable reuse water for potable supplies, which is an emerging water resource.

Ensuring Water for Florida’s Future

Water supply will be the primary issue for Florida over the next 20 years and beyond. Our industry will need to research new water sources that can supply the water needed, while protecting the environment. We will develop new, innovative technologies and repurpose older technologies that can treat the alternative water supplies to meet existing and new regulations. Multiple utilities will cooperate to offer regional solutions that can provide advantages through economies of scale.

Finally, how do we pay for all of this?

Rates, bonds, cost-sharing, and state and federal appropriations are options to help fund, partially or in whole, some of the projects.

As an industry, we will also need to come together to focus our political representatives on the importance of water. To that end, I strongly urge you to do the following:

Join the FSAWWA Water Utility Council!

You’ll be able to stay abreast of federal and state legislative and rulemaking activities and trends. By adding your voice, you’ll help us increase our drinking water industry’s influence.

Power in numbers! S

Jonathan Torres Seacoast Utility Authority, Palm Beach Gardens

Work title and years of service.

I started as an operator trainee at Seacoast Utility Authority 11 years ago. I worked as an operator until becoming the assistant chief operator in June 2021. I am currently the assistant chief operator of Seacoast Utility Authority’s Hood Road Water Treatment Plant, a combination nanofiltration and reverse osmosis 30.5-million-gallon-per-day plant.

What does your job entail?

My job entails collaborating with the maintenance supervisor and chief operator on staffing, ordering, and problem-solving issues that may arise, as well as operating the plant and collecting samples as needed.

What education and training have you had?

I have a high school diploma from Northwestern Senior High School in Albion, Penn. I later completed a motion picture editing and sound college credit certification at Palm Beach State College. I also have membrane operator certifications (MOC) I and II from Southeastern Desalination Association. Currently, I am going to Palm Beach State College to obtain a business management degree.

What do you like best about your job?

The best thing about my job is collaborating with my fellow operators, motivating them to get their higher licenses, and learning how to operate all aspects of the plant.

What professional organizations do you belong to?

I belong to FWPCOA and have been the chair of its Publicity Committee for the past year.

How have the organizations helped your career?

Belonging to FWPCOA has allowed me to network and learn from other operators. They have been an excellent resource for training and obtaining continuing education units.

What do you like best about the industry?

I have worked in the construction, sound, and airline industries, and none provided upward opportunities like the water industry. The sector is diverse and keeps your mind sharp. Operators must maintain specific mathematical and critical-thinking skills to provide safe, affordable, and palatable drinking water to the community.

What do you do when you are not working?

I enjoy playing billiards with my Amateur Pool Association team when I’m not working. We have been trying to win a trip to Las Vegas for years. When not playing pool, I usually watch my son compete in jiu-jitsu tournaments or my daughter perform in figure skating. I also enjoy live music. S