Florida is blessed with water resources. However, the state’s natural systems require a very large share of those resources. Considering demand from population, agriculture, and other important sectors of the economy, there just isn’t enough water in a growing number of situations to go around. Over time groundwater has been that relatively “cheap” source. With competing demands growing at a rapid pace, more expensive and less convenient sources are becoming necessary.
Groundwater withdrawals have already been limited in some places, and are expected to level off as this source reaches its sustainable limit. As a result, alternative water supplies will increasingly meet new demands.
What Are Alternative Water Supplies?
To survive, all living organisms need water. Thus, where conventional sources cannot provide more water, finding alternative water sources is crucial for growth in population, agriculture, and other economic sectors. Alternative water supplies include surface water, desalination and reclaimed water,. Developing and operating these sources is typically more expensive than traditional sources. There are also environmental and economic challenges.
Desalination
Desalination is a process for converting otherwise unusable water into potable water. Generally speaking, raw water is treated by being forced through filters including membranes. This requires energy, which raises the cost. There is a waste stream from the process that must be disposed of, which raises other issues. However, desalination is in use in Florida, particularly where there is high demand but limited groundwater resources.
Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water includes household wastewater refined, processed, and utilized for practical, non-potable applications (although potable reuse is becoming a viable option) “. For example, agricultural irrigation, groundwater replenishment, industrial activities, and irrigation of lawns, gardens, cemeteries, and golf courses a can all use reclaimed water.
This procedure is beneficial to Floridians because it preserves high-quality drinking water sources for potable use, benefits the environment by lowering treated wastewater discharges into our rivers and streams, and recharges our aquifers.
