Debate Over Source Of Future Drinking Water (Boca Raton, Boynton Beach: house, work)

[sunrico90]

Is drinking water a problem in Central Florida?

Proposals are up for debate across Central Florida in a quest to supply the area with an adequate supply of future drinking water. Leaders from the St. Johns River Water Management District are floating a new plan, one that would run a 24-inch pipeline from the Ocklawaha River in Marion County to Clermont; all to provide about 12 million gallons water a day to households.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Sunrico, I don't know about you, but I find our drinking water a bit questionable. It seems like every other week there is a "boil water" notice in the newspaper for either Bay or Gulf county. (always a day too late for us.)
For our drinking water, I boil it first, then it goes in a Britta pitcher.

[sunrico90]

Originally Posted by cil

Sunrico, I don't know about you, but I find our drinking water a bit questionable. It seems like every other week there is a "boil water" notice in the newspaper for either Bay or Gulf county. (always a day too late for us.)
For our drinking water, I boil it first, then it goes in a Britta pitcher.

So far no problem in this area....

Found the following for South Florida:

What you need to know as water restriction rules go into effect:

The rules for using water change Thursday, and that could mean more brown in South Florida lawns and less green in the pockets of residents who don't comply.

A lingering drought and falling water levels prompted the South Florida Water Management District to limit lawn watering to three times a week, with fines that could cost repeat violators hundreds of dollars. Today, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue plans to impose a ban on all open burning in the county. That includes burning for land clearing as well as fireworks and sparklers, but doesn't apply to barbecue grills.

Code enforcement departments and law enforcement officers throughout South Florida are gearing up to start enforcing the new rules, which water managers say could remain in effect at least until the summer rains come.

Q: What are the water restrictions for homes?

A: The rules differ depending on the size of property.

For homes on less than 5 acres with addresses ending in an odd number, watering is allowed from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For homes on less than 5 acres with addresses ending in an even number, watering is allowed from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Hand watering with one hose and an automatic shut-off nozzle is also allowed from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the same days at both odd and even number addresses.

For homes on more than 5 acres with addresses ending in an odd number, watering is allowed from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. For homes on more than 5 acres with addresses ending in an even number, watering is allowed from 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

Rules for washing cars, boats and other equipment are the same for all sizes properties. It is allowed from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on days allowed for watering. Rinsing and flushing boats to clean off saltwater is allowed once a day for up to 15 minutes per boat.

Q: What are the water restrictions for businesses?

A: The new rules forbid any "wasteful and unnecessary water use" but the specific rules for commercial operations can differ depending on the types of businesses.

Golf courses are supposed to cut water use 15 percent.

Landscape watering for companies follows the same schedule as the residential rules.

Commercial car washes are supposed to cut back on water use, limiting themselves to less than 75 gallons per wash for most cars.

Q: How will restrictions be enforced and what are the punishments?

A: The water management district monitors large water users, such as golf courses and growers. District officials plan to use helicopters and site inspections to check to see if irrigation occurs at allowed times. Fines for violating the new restrictions can reach up to $10,000 per violation per day.

Counties and cities are charged with enforcing rules on residents and businesses. Penalties for breaking the rules are set by the individual communities. Delray Beach charges a first-time fine of $100, followed by $200 fines for subsequent violations.

In Wellington, the first fine costs $75 and can grow up to $250 per violation.

In Boynton Beach, the fines start at $25 and can grow to $500.

Boca Raton has year-round water restrictions. Repeat violators can face fines up to $1,000 per offense.

[tallrick]

Tooo bad all of this is caused by dumping all the reserve water if a storm threatens, anything to protect greedy developers.

[Prichard]

I could care less about preserving drinking water just to permit more sprawl and growth. Any restrictions on water usage should only apply to new developments. The bottom line is I was here first and I should be alowed to use as much water as I need to drink, bathe, do laundry, and water my lawn. Why should I have to suffer just to accomodate more development and more people coming to Florida?