SFWMD Invests in Alternative Water Supply Projects

Partnerships help reduce South Florida’s reliance on limited traditional sources


West Palm Beach, FL — To help sustain the region’s water resources, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board approved an investment of funding for three alternative water supply projects in Broward, Palm Beach and Hendry counties.

“These projects help to expand South Florida’s water supplies and ensure a sustainable supply for people, businesses and the environment,” said SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Joe Collins. “Supporting efforts to develop alternative water resources is an investment in Florida’s future.”

The following projects were approved:

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Entity

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Project

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Water Made Available (Million Gallons Per Day)

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Town of Davie page2image10264Reclaimed Water Facility Phase II-B 3.5*

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Palm Beach County Water Lake Region Water Treatment Plant 1.3 Utilities Floridan Wellfield Improvements

City of LaBelle page2image16896Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment page2image174241.5 Plant, Phase 1A

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*Part of a multi-year project

Including additional projects approved for the Big Cypress Basin, the SFWMD is investing $2.72 million in Alternative Water Supply projects during Fiscal Year 2012. Since 1997, the Alternative Water Supply Funding Program, in cooperation with the State of Florida, has invested $185.5 million into 468 alternative water supply projects. To date, these projects have created 398 million gallons a day of water supply capacity, reducing reliance on freshwater sources.

Alternative water sources diversify South Florida’s water supply while reducing the region’s dependence on traditional freshwater resources and making communities less susceptible to drought impacts. Examples of alternative water supply include:

  • Saltwater and brackish water

  • Reclaimed water

  • Surface water captured during wet weather

  • Sources made available through new storage

  • Stormwater (for consumptive use)

  • Other nontraditional sources

    Development of alternative water supplies is an important component of the District’s four regional water supply plans, which encompass the agency’s jurisdictional area. Updated every five years, each plan creates a framework for future water use decisions and identifies strategies to meet future water demands of urban and agricultural uses, while meeting the needs of the environment.

    For more information on alternative water supplies, please visit www.sfwmd.gov/AWS. >