St. Augustine staff to update city water‑supply plan to align with St. Johns River Water Management District

Planning staff briefed the Planning and Zoning Board on April 30 about a required update to the city’s water supply plan to remain consistent with the St. Johns River Water Management District’s (SJRWMD) updated plan.

Staff recalled that the city first adopted a water supply plan in 2020 and explained why an update is now required: the SJRWMD updated its regional water‑supply plan in December 2023 and local plans are expected to be consistent with the district’s timetable. Staff said the city must project future potable‑water demand, identify conservation measures and consider alternative sources (for example, reuse, surface sources, deep injection or desalination) as part of the update.

A SJRWMD staffer (Steve Fitzgibbons) reviewed the city’s position with staff and told staff they were in relatively good shape because St. Augustine already maintains an adopted plan. Staff said Fitzgibbons had provided a checklist of items the city should address in a redline update.

Board members asked technical questions about treated wastewater and reuse options. Staff replied the city currently discharges treated wastewater under permit, has submitted material related to Senate Bill 64 compliance and is exploring options (reuse, deep‑injection and other alternatives) while noting the city does not currently have the reuse infrastructure that some neighboring jurisdictions employ.

A member of the public suggested collecting rainwater for storage as an alternate source. Staff said they will prepare a redline, incorporating SJRWMD comments and any required policy updates, and present the revision at the board’s June meeting for a formal recommendation to the City Commission.