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Don't empty the water jar until the rain
falls.
- Philippine proverb
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Meeting 2025 Water Supply Needs
By 2025, Floridians are expected to use about 2 billion
gallons more fresh water each day. The Water Protection and
Sustainability Program, created by the Legislature in 2005, is tasked
with increasing available water supplies, including alternative water
supplies, and promoting efficient water use and conservation to meet
existing and future water supply needs. The Department’s annual report,
"Tapping
New Sources: Meeting 2025 Water Supply Needs", describes highlights
and accomplishments of this new program. |
The Office of Water Policy plays a key role in
ensuring effective implementation of DEP’s responsibilities under the Florida Water Resources Act (Chapter 373, Florida
Statutes). The office addresses statewide water management
issues in coordination with the water management districts and
other agencies. Examples include water plans for the DEP and
water management districts, minimum flows and levels for the
state’s water resources, and regional water supply planning.
Our functions include:
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Working in close coordination with the
Florida’s five regional water
management districts (WMDs) and other agencies to resolve
statewide water planning and management issues.
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Developing policies on water management issues.
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Working with WMDs to ensure that regional
water supply plans and programs are consistent with provisions
of the Florida Water Resources Act, the Florida Water Plan,
and other applicable guidance.
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Producing the Florida Water Plan Annual
Progress Report; updating the Water Resource Implementation
Rule (Chapter 62-40, F.A.C.); and preparing the Annual Status Report on
Regional Water Supply Planning and Five-Year Water Resource
Development Work Programs.
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Assisting in the fulfillment of DEP’s water management
responsibilities under Chapter 373, 403, and other statutes
and rules, pertaining to water supply, flood protection,
floodplain management, water
quality, and protection of natural systems.
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