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Water First reclaimed‑water project draws technical briefing and sharp public concerns
Summary
Suwannee River Water Management District representatives brief Columbia County commissioners on the regional "Water First" reclaimed‑water and recharge project, describing pilot studies and a plan to recharge about 40 million gallons per day. Residents raised PFAS, pharmaceutical and liability concerns; no county action was taken.
Suwannee River Water Management District officials presented the Water First regional reclaimed‑water and aquifer recharge plan to the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 20, detailing pilot studies, statutory obligations and a three‑phase siting study while urging further public outreach. The board heard extended public comment, but took no formal action.
Amy Brown, deputy executive director of water resources for the Suwannee River Water Management District, said the project would pair conservation with regional supply projects to recover springs and rivers currently assessed as in recovery. "The Water First project is looking at taking 40,000,000 gallons per day of treated reclaimed water," she said, describing the plan to apply additional natural treatment in wetlands and then use the water for aquifer…
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