Title: One Water Approach to Water Resource Management

Summary: Expressing support for a One Water approach to water resource management and the use of collaborative, integrated, and resilience systems approaches to planning for and funding water resource projects, etc.

Full Text:
WHEREAS, Florida s strong economy and unprecedented growth have resulted in increasing demand for water supply and significant stress to water resources, which necessitate additional efforts to address future projected water shortages and prevent harm to the environment, and WHEREAS, Florida s residents value clean water, springs, lakes, coastal estuaries, and other environmental resources, and WHEREAS, Florida s spring, lake, estuary, and wetland systems include some of the most productive and diverse ecosystems in the world, and WHEREAS, Florida s waterways provide the nation s best recreational destinations and support significant commercial, recreational, and sustenance fisheries which contribute to residents  quality of life, and WHEREAS, Florida s rank as top national producer of agricultural products depends on adequate water supply, and WHEREAS, despite Florida s strong water resource protection framework, approximately percent of Florida is categorized as a water resource caution area, and more than 2,000 waterbodies in this state are designated as impaired for water quality, and WHEREAS, historically, water management practices have addressed water supply, wastewater, and stormwater separately, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for resource optimization, and WHEREAS, projected water shortages, water quality problems, and environmental impacts can be addressed through integrated planning, infrastructure investments, conservation, and integrated water resource management, and WHEREAS, Florida s water utilities and other water users are beginning to regionally manage all water resources in ways that balance demand, supply, and environmental protection, and WHEREAS, water utilities and other users are increasingly turning to the Florida One Water Commission s One Water strategy, which means valuing all water through a collaborative and integrated systems approach to managing fresh and brackish surface and groundwater, stormwater, wastewater, and recycled water in a holistic and sustainable manner that maintains ecosystems while providing reliable and resilient water resources that support the economy, the environment, and the public, NOW, THEREFORE, Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida: That the Senate encourages a One Water approach to water resource management and the use of collaborative, integrated, and resilience systems approaches to planning for and funding water resource projects.