District recognizes national Drinking Water Week, May 1-7
PALATKA, Fla., May 2, 2016 — The St. Johns River Water Management District joins the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and water professionals across the country this week in recognizing national Drinking Water Week and the vital role water plays in the daily lives and quality of life of Floridians. Drinking Water Week has been celebrated for more than 35 years.
“Drinking Water Week is an ideal opportunity to remind water users that everyone plays an important role in protecting Florida’s water resources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “Striking a balance between people’s need and nature’s need for water is at the very heart of the district’s work. I’m proud of the progress we are making with our many partners to expand reclaimed water into new communities, replace groundwater use with water from other alternative sources, and support innovative projects to conserve water and protect waterways and springs.”
In its daily work, the district educates the public about water conservation, sets rules for water use, collects water use data, manages land and preserves natural areas, and restores and protects surface and groundwater. The district also offers several cost-sharing programs throughout the year for projects that assist in creating sustainable water resources, provide flood protection and enhance conservation efforts.
Visit the district’s online newsroom for more information about recent water resource protection and conservation projects, including a reclaimed water project to protect Volusia Blue Spring, a St. Augustine project to help track water conservation, and the importance of rain sensors and irrigation system audits.