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:
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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.
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Developing policies on water management issues.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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