H164-0007
Long-Term Water Supply Planning and Water Supply Expenditures in the U.S. Third Most Populous State - Florida
Long-Term Water Supply Planning and Water Supply Expenditures in the U.S. Third Most Populous State - Florida
Tuesday, 15 December 2020
Poster
Abstract:
This study reviews the long-term water supply planning process in Florida and forecasts the expenditures needed to meet the statewide increase in water use by 2040. Florida is currently the third most populous state (after California and Texas), and the population growth is expected to continue (EDR, 2020). With approximately 4,000 mgd of groundwater withdrawals, Florida is one of the largest groundwater users in the U.S. (Marella 2019). In several regions, withdrawals have lowered or are projected to lower the flows and levels of water bodies to the points that the resource values are harmed (FDEP, 2020). Investments in water resource protection and alternative water supply options are needed.
The approaches to estimating the existing water supply used by Florida’s 5 Water Management Districts (WMDs) are summarized. Next, the potential alternative water supply sources are examined based on the database of the project options listed in the Districts’ regional water supply plans (RWSPs). The analysis shows a significant role of reclaimed water, brackish groundwater, groundwater recharge, and stormwater in meeting future water demands.
Water use projections developed by the WMDs are reviewed and compared with the historical water use trends observed from the USGS. To project the water use given the average rainfall conditions, WMDs generally rely on the “unit water demand” approach, when a unit water demand coefficient is multiplied by the number of “users” in each category (Rinaudo, 2015). The exception is the agricultural water use forecast, which is based on an econometric model (FDACS, undated). The WMDs also consider water use scenarios for drought conditions and enhanced water use efficiency.
To examine the expenditures needed to meet the future water demand in Florida, a database of more than 1,300 projects implemented in the past or identified as options for the future is examined using regression analysis. Project implementation costs are related to project capacities, water supply sources, locations, and implementation statuses. Overall, the analysis indicates the importance of investing in water supply and water conservation. It is expected that more than $1 billion will be needed by 2040 to meet the increase in water demand, with local partners expected to shoulder more than half of these expenditures.
The approaches to estimating the existing water supply used by Florida’s 5 Water Management Districts (WMDs) are summarized. Next, the potential alternative water supply sources are examined based on the database of the project options listed in the Districts’ regional water supply plans (RWSPs). The analysis shows a significant role of reclaimed water, brackish groundwater, groundwater recharge, and stormwater in meeting future water demands.
Water use projections developed by the WMDs are reviewed and compared with the historical water use trends observed from the USGS. To project the water use given the average rainfall conditions, WMDs generally rely on the “unit water demand” approach, when a unit water demand coefficient is multiplied by the number of “users” in each category (Rinaudo, 2015). The exception is the agricultural water use forecast, which is based on an econometric model (FDACS, undated). The WMDs also consider water use scenarios for drought conditions and enhanced water use efficiency.
To examine the expenditures needed to meet the future water demand in Florida, a database of more than 1,300 projects implemented in the past or identified as options for the future is examined using regression analysis. Project implementation costs are related to project capacities, water supply sources, locations, and implementation statuses. Overall, the analysis indicates the importance of investing in water supply and water conservation. It is expected that more than $1 billion will be needed by 2040 to meet the increase in water demand, with local partners expected to shoulder more than half of these expenditures.