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Alachua County urges conservation-first approach as it approves Water 1st resolution
Summary
The board approved a resolution urging conservation, careful siting and rigorous treatment standards for large-scale wastewater recharge plans (Water 1st North Florida) as state MFL changes move forward; staff said reductions in groundwater pumping and strengthened conservation measures are the most cost-effective near-term responses.
The Board voted unanimously to approve a resolution that urges a conservation-first approach in implementing the Water 1st North Florida elements of the Lower Santa Fe/Ichetucknee MFL (minimum flows and levels) implementation strategy.
Stacy Greco, Water Resources Program Manager, summarized the region’s water shortage: the Lower Santa Fe basin does not have sufficient groundwater to meet current and projected uses while maintaining healthy springs. She said Water 1st North Florida is a long-range, approximately $1.1 billion concept that would route treated wastewater through engineered wetlands and recharge to the aquifer; staff emphasized the project would take decades and urged rigorous scientific review, particularly for PFAS and other contaminants.
Greco highlighted near-term conservation tools that provide quicker benefits per dollar than major construction projects, including one-day-per-week irrigation restrictions already in effect under the current shortage, stronger utility water-pricing tiers, and measures to limit new permanent landscape irrigation where reclaimed or potable alternatives are available. The board and staff also discussed water reservations, offsets for existing permits, and strengthening water-conservation plans.
Why it matters: Staff warned that without demand reduction the basin will remain in deficit; large capital projects can help but are slow, expensive and require careful scientific review to ensure public-health protections. The resolution asks regional partners and utilities to prioritize conservation and transparent technical studies before relying on large-scale treated-wastewater recharge as the primary remedy.
What’s next: The board approved the resolution and directed continued engagement with the regional planning council and state agencies; staff will continue public outreach and monitoring while pursuing conservation and regulatory tools.
