Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority Board

The Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority Board is composed of representatives of the member counties and cities, including Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, and Marion Counties, and the City of Ocala.  The purpose of the authority is to evaluate the potable water needs of the Withlacoochee region, prepare plans that would provide for those needs, and help the local governments in the region provide for future water supply through regional cooperation.  Marion County has three County Commissioners on the board, Commissioners McClain, Fitos, and Amsden, and one municipal elected official who represents the small cities of Belleview, Dunnellon, Reddick, and the Town of McIntosh.  The City of Belleview currently holds the appointment to the board, with me, Commissioner Christine Dobkowski, representing.

The September 16, 2009 meeting of the Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority Board began with introductions of its two newest members, Councilwoman Mary Sue Rich and Councilman Charles Ruse, both from the City of Ocala.  After introductions, Tammy Bader, Water Conservation Analyst for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, gave the board an update on its “Regional Water Supply Plan.”  A “Regional Water Supply Plan” is required every five years and lists water demands and potential water sources for the sixteen counties in the district.  The projections are divided up by both regions and categories.  Overall, our district will require an additional two hundred eighty six million gallons of water per day by the year 2030 to meet the needs of the community.  Our region, the Northern region, will require eighty million gallons per day beyond what we are currently using.  Water demands, district wide, are anticipated to decrease in the agricultural and industrial categories, but will increase in the areas of public supply and recreation.  However, conservation efforts were not figured into these proposed totals.

Following Ms. Bader’s presentation, Ed Hobin, Outreach Coordinator for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, presented the board with the latest information and activities of the Florida Rural Water Association.   The Florida Rural Water Association is a non-profit association of water and wastewater utilities from around the state.  They work together to provide on-site technical assistance and training to water use permit holders.  Permit holders are educated “on the permit renewal process, reporting requirements, internet data submittal and other technology-based reporting solutions.”  Currently, the Florida Rural Water Association is partnering with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to help “reduce water usage, water loss, and increase water use efficiency at 12 public water systems in the northern part of the District.”  After completing a water audit of the 12 systems, it was found that some water rates were too low to encourage conservation, many water meters were old and less efficient, and there was no accounting for “unaccounted” water such as leaks and water used for fighting fires.  Recommendations have been made to improve water efficiency and water conservation practices, which the two partner organizations will assist in implementing.

Next, Pete Hubbell, from Water Resource Associates, updated the board on the progress of Marion County’s informational contribution (compendium) to the “Master Water Supply Plan” and also updated the board on the current phases of the “Master Water Supply Plan.”  The Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority’s “Master Water Supply Plan” is slated for completion by the end of 2009 and will provide:

1. Updated population and water demand projections to 2030;

2. Groundwater modeling updates based on the Northern District Groundwater Model;

3. Recommendations on enhanced conservation for counties and municipalities in the WRWSA.

4. Conceptual designs for groundwater, alternative water supply and reclaimed water supply projects;

5. Preliminary cost estimates for these projects; and

6. Prioritization of projects into short, mid and long term horizons for WRWSA consideration.

The plan also proposes regionalization of water supplies throughout the Authority’s jurisdiction.  This has some citizens of Hernando County concerned that Northern counties could ultimately take their water for large housing developments, or “Developments of Regional Impact.”  Board representatives plan to address these concerns at future workshops.

The next meeting of the Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 4:30 pm at the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council Headquarters at 1241 SW 10^th Street in Ocala, Fl.

Commissioner Christine Dobkowski

Member, Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority