Committee ratifies DEP rule setting new minimum flows for Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee amid debate over "Water First" project
The committee voted to ratify a DEP rule updating minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers; supporters said the rule and the Water First regional reclaimed‑water project are the most viable recovery path, while springs advocates warned the plan relies on an unproven, costly "toilet‑to‑tap" project and urged stronger conservation and earlier actions.
The full story
Sen. Ana Rodriguez presented Senate Bill 70 34 to ratify a Department of Environmental Protection rule updating minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and priority springs. The rule sets new hydrologic milestones, increases monitoring, requires offsets for new or increased water uses and establishes a residential conservation goal (75 gallons per person per day) and a no‑fee general permit for new private irrigation wells where public supply exists.
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