Office of Water Policy

Highlights

Don't empty the water jar until the rain falls.
- Philippine proverb

Learning from the Drought and Meeting 2025 Water Supply Needs (4.5 MB)

By 2025, Floridians are forecast to use about 2 billion gallons more fresh water each day. The 2006 – 2008 Drought presented many challenges. Fortunately, Florida had response mechanisms in place to implement the long-term strategies detailed in their regional water supply plans. This was instrumental in mitigating the worst effects of the drought. The Department’s annual report on regional water supply planning, "Learning from the Drought", describes the progress toward meeting the 2025 Water Supply Needs and offers suggestions on improving the state’s drought resistance.

The Office of Water Policy plays a key role in ensuring effective implementation of DEP’s responsibilities under the Florida Water Resources Act (Chapter 373, Florida Statutes). The office addresses statewide water management issues in coordination with the water management districts and other agencies. Examples include water plans for the DEP and water management districts, minimum flows and levels for the state’s water resources, and regional water supply planning. Our functions include:

Working in close coordination with the Florida’s five regional water management districts (WMDs) and other agencies to resolve statewide water planning and management issues.

Developing policies on water management issues.

Working with WMDs to ensure that regional water supply plans and programs are consistent with provisions of the Florida Water Resources Act, the Florida Water Plan, and other applicable guidance.

Producing the Florida Water Plan Annual Progress Report; updating the Water Resource Implementation Rule (Chapter 62-40, F.A.C.); and preparing the Annual Status Report on Regional Water Supply Planning and Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Programs.

Assisting in the fulfillment of DEP’s water management responsibilities under Chapter 373, 403, and other statutes and rules, pertaining to water supply, flood protection, floodplain management, water quality, and protection of natural systems.