by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
As water management across the state becomes an increasingly more pressing issue, members of the City Council say they want to be prepared to protect Jacksonville’s resources if necessary.
In addition to forming a Water Supply Commission with statewide perspective — currently there are more than half a dozen water management commissions in the state — a recent report issued by the Florida Council of 100 suggested that a water distribution system to safeguard all Florida municipalities be put into place.
Though Duval County’s water supply has not been considered for redistribution further south, Council member Sharon Copeland said she’s concerned that could change in the future.
“That’s really a scary thought,” said Copeland. “It’s true. No one’s targeting our aquifers right now, but we’re a rapidly growing community and something like that could seriously affect that growth in a very negative way.”
Copeland, who attended a water management conference in Tampa last week, recently met with State Senate president Jim King to discuss the matter. King, who has been vocal in his disapproval of the Florida 100’s plan for months, has been holding public hearings on the matter.
“We both agree that this has the potential to be very controversial and that the public has a right to know what’s going on,” said Copeland. “We want there to be a healthy dialogue and we shouldn’t be apathetic about this.”
Copeland, who’s taken the lead on this issue locally with Council member Lake Ray, said there isn’t any need for a Statewide Water Commission.
“They’re doing a good job right now,” said Copeland of St. Johns Water Management. “Duval County has been a good steward of our resources. We’ve been responsible. It’s obvious that some of the cities further south weren’t and now this is turning into a problem for everyone.”
As previously reported, Ray, who also chairs the Council’s Transportation, Technology, Environment and Energy committee, is hoping to pass legislation “with more teeth” to safeguard local water.
“We want to avoid being in a reactive position if Jacksonville’s water becomes a target,” said Ray of the ordinance, which seeks to attach a hefty price tag on any water leaving the Duval County. “We need to set a precedent, and hopefully, help other counties who are having concerns.”
The ordinance was seconded Wednesday and Ray said it will remain in committee until Jacksonville “needs to be more concerned.”
“It’s something that can be changed and reworked,” said Ray, “but it’s safer to have something out there that can be passed quickly. If we had to, we could approve it in a week.”
While JEA officials are supportive of the Council’s position on
water management , the ordinance, which would amend the JEA charter, remains a point of mild contention.
“They’re generally supportive of us, but they’re not 100 percent sure if this is the best course of action,” said Ray. “I’m confident we can restructure it so that they’re happy. This is a finite resource so I’m sure they want to protect the local-first policy like we all do.”