The purpose of water supply planning is to develop strategies to meet future water demands of urban and agricultural uses, while meeting the needs of the environment. This process identifies areas where historically used sources of water will not be adequate to meet future demands, and evaluates several water source options to meet those demands. As mandated by Florida Water Law, each regional water supply plan is based on at least a 20-year future planning horizon, and a complete update of each plan is required every five years.
An update to the original 1998 Upper East Coast Water Supply Plan (1998 UEC Plan) was completed in 2004. This document, the 2004 Upper East Coast Water Supply Plan Update (2004 UEC Plan Update), concluded that with appropriate management and diversification of water resources, there would be sufficient water to meet the needs of this Upper East Coast (UEC) Planning Area during a 1-in-10 year drought condition through the planning horizon of 2025.
In 2005, Florida lawmakers revised state water law, strengthening the link between land use and water supply planning, and creating the Water Protection and Sustainability Program. The alternative water supply portion of this program is intended to reduce competition between users and natural systems for available water by encouraging the development of alternative water supplies.
Subsequently, the District prepared the 2006 Upper East Coast Water Supply Plan Amendment (2006 UEC Amendment) to provide important information to local governments concerning revisions to state law requirements relevant to water supply planning and the potable water provisions contained within each local government's comprehensive plan.
The 2006 UEC Plan Amendment consists of a three-chapter amendment document and three appendices. These documents provide a common set of data, such as updated demand estimates and projections, and proposed alternative water supply projects. The UEC Plan Amendment incorporates the following:
Describes the legislative, planning and regulatory framework around which future water use and development decisions in the region will take place.
Documents existing demands and projects future water demands through 2025 for public water suppliers.
Focuses on alternative water supply projects, such as brackish water desalination and expanded use of reclaimed water to meet increased future demands.
Describes funding opportunities available through the District to foster alternative water supply development.
The 2006 UEC Plan Amendment will be used by local governments, water users and utilities to modify and update their local comprehensive plans, ordinances, and individual or utility plans. The District will consider updating portions of this plan amendment more frequently, including the update of water supply project lists, population projections, etc., as circumstances require.
Contact Information
Linda Hoppes Phone: (561) 682-2213 Fax: (561) 682-5462
Water Supply Plans
Upper East Coast
The 2006 UEC Plan Amendment consists of a three-chapter amendment document and three appendices. These documents provide a common set of data, such as updated demand estimates and projections, and proposed alternative water supply projects. The UEC Plan Amendment incorporates the following: