Florida is fortunate to receive over 50 inches of rainfall a year on average. Most of that amount is concentrated during the six-month rainy season (May through October). While some of the runoff from these rains is discharged to the ocean to avoid flooding, a significant amount soaks into the ground and recharges the freshwater aquifers that supply our drinking water wellfields, lakes, and wetlands.

For large populations of people to live safely in South Florida, a massive regional water management system is required to balance the water supply needs of urban areas and agriculture against the requirement to maintain flood protection. If we did not provide adequate drainage to the region, human health and safety would be jeopardized and extensive property damage could occur. Similarly, if regional groundwater levels were not properly maintained, wellfields would be unable to deliver water to our homes and businesses, or worse yet, the underground inland migration of salt water from the ocean could permanently contaminate the drinking water supply rendering it unsafe for potable uses.

Water conservation efforts by the Lake Worth Drainage District (LWDD) help mitigate some of the water supply issues our region experiences.  The large network of LWDD canals plays a critical role in conservation by maintaining groundwater levels which in turn supports the water levels in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. During dry periods, groundwater levels tend to slowly fall in response to low rain and high evaporation. When this occurs, LWDD water managers look to the Arthur R. Marshal Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge or to Lake Okeechobee as a source of supplemental water. Water from these sources is released into the canal network to raise the level of water in the canals. This water in turn seeps through the sandy soils to recharge the groundwater and returns the water table to its normal elevation thus helping to protect drinking water supplies.

LWDD’s efforts, to manage its drainage canals at appropriate elevations, to balance water supply needs, and avoid ocean discharges plays a key role in comprehensive water conservation for the residents of South Florida.

Meeting future water demands in Florida can only be met in two ways: by increasing our water supply or decreasing its use. Water is essential to our health, communities, environment and our economy. As our state population grows, the demand for water will continue to rise. The smallest amount of wasted water can add up to big losses. For example, 30 drops of water from a faucet leak can equal 1,752 gallons a year!

Residents of Florida need to remember that water is a shared resource. Other uses include agriculture, fish habitat, industry and recreation. All these water uses can put pressure on local water supplies, especially during the dry season.  Conserving water leaves more of it in the underground aquifer, streams, rivers, and lakes when it is needed most. Using water more efficiently helps maintain supplies at safe levels, protecting human health and the environment. If we do not save water, we can face many consequences such as:

1. Disturbance in our personal hygiene like bathing, washing clothes, etc. due to shortage of water.
2. The crop production will decline due to the lack of water for irrigation in fields.
3. There will be dry conditions leading to more severe droughts.
4. Lack of water for landscaping and recreation will impact our lifestyle and property values.

No matter what it is you’re doing, always ask yourself, “Do I need that much water?” When you avoid unnecessary water use you contribute to the long-term health and future water supply for everyone.