A panel of Florida water experts agreed that the threatened condition of waterways is among the most important issues facing Florida, as they gathered to discuss possible consequences and solutions to this issue.
The Center for Public Issues Education partnered with the Bob Graham Center for Public Service on Nov. 18 to host a forum in which four water experts discussed the consequences of aquifer pumping. The economics of allocating water, possible remedies and policy proposals were among the topics discussed.
“I don’t know if water will be the oil of the future, but it is certainly on our radar,” said Sanford Berg, Public Utility Research Center director of water studies.
Preston Haskell, founder of the Haskell Company and a citizen advocate, explained Florida’s use of the Floridan Aquifer and how his architecture, engineering and construction company is helping clients conserve water.
“There are plenty of opportunities to reduce water use if there is an incentive for people to do so,” Haskell said.
Haskell proposed setting a reasonable price on non-metered water, such as water that comes from a well, as an incentive for consumers to conserve water.
Bob Palmer, president of the Florida Springs Institute’s board of directors, said water supply is decreasing while demands are growing.
“Spring flow is down by 30 percent compared to 40 and 50 years ago,” Palmer said, adding that agricultural water use is expected to increase 17 percent in the next 20 years.
Darrell Smith, acting director of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy and PIE Center advisory board member, presented facts about agricultural water use and what producers are doing to conserve water. Farmers, producers and related agricultural agencies are constantly researching more efficient irrigation and conservation practices, he said.
“Agricultural water use is second behind public use, and this is likely to remain for years to come,” Smith said. “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is committed to looking at solutions that incentivize crop producers to implement best management practices.”
