Florida law requires the water management districts to establish MFLs for surface waters and aquifers within their jurisdiction (section 373.042(1), F.S.) The minimum flow is defined as the "...limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area". The minimum level is defined as the "limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources of the area" (section 373.042(1), F.S.). The statute further directs water management districts to use the best available information in establishing the MFL level. Each water management district must also consider, and at its discretion may provide for, the protection of non-consumptive uses in the establishment of MFLs (section 373.042, F.S.) In addition, a baseline condition for the protected resource functions must be identified through consideration of changes and structural alterations in the hydrologic system (section 373.042(1), F.S.)
These MFLs are being developed pursuant to the requirements contained within the "Florida Water Resources Act", and specifically, Sections 373.042 and 373.0421, F.S., as part of a comprehensive water resources management approach geared towards assuring the sustainability of the water resources. The proposed MFL's are not a "stand alone" resource protection tool, but should be considered in conjunction with all other resource protection responsibilities granted to the water management districts by law. This includes consumptive use permitting, water shortage management, and water reservations. A model framework identifying the relationship between these tools is discussed in this document and was used in developing the MFLs. In addition, the District has completed Regional Water Supply Plans pursuant to Chapter 373.0361 F.S., which also include recommendations for establishment of minimum flows and recovery and prevention strategies.
Establishing minimum flows and levels alone will not be sufficient to maintain a sustainable resource or protect it from significant harm during the broad range of water conditions occurring in the managed system. Setting a minimum flow is viewed as a starting point to define water needs for sustainability. The necessary hydrologic regime for restoration of defined priority water bodies includes the use of water reservations and other water resource protection tools. Achieving the required water levels throughout these systems is an overall, long-term restoration goal.
Water Supply Plans
Minimum Flows & Levels
