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Tavares hears water-demand projections as consumptive-use permit nears capacity
Summary
City consultants said population growth and higher per-capita use have pushed projections toward the city's current consumptive-use permit allocation; staff will work with the water management district to update the CUP, revise the water conservation plan and study alternative supplies.
City consultants and utilities staff told the Tavares City Council on Dec. 18, 2024 that population and water-demand projections are trending well above the assumptions used in the current consumptive-use permit (CUP). Arcadis project staff presented historical flows and midline projections showing current average withdrawals near 3.4 million gallons per day and projected total demands rising toward about 6.8 million gpd by 2050 if current trends continue.
Consultants said, under the middle population projection commonly used by water districts, the city could reach its existing CUP allocation approximately in 2028–2029. Next steps listed for staff include finalizing demand numbers, updating the city’s Water Conservation Plan (last submitted in 2009), using the district’s ePermitting portal to clarify new permit requirements, and evaluating alternative water supplies—reclaimed water, surface-water studies or deeper aquifer wells—to reduce potable groundwater demand for irrigation.
Staff said the CUP renewal and modification process will require technical studies and coordination with the St. Johns River Water Management District and that timelines can range from roughly one to several years depending on district reviews and regional studies. Consultants advised increasing reclaimed-water use, updating developer agreements to require low-water landscaping and installing dual-line distribution for future irrigation to help manage demand.
Council members said the report underscores the need to align future large developments and permitting with the CUP modification timeline to avoid over-committing groundwater withdrawals.
