The Department of Planning and Environmental Protection's Water Resources Division's primary functions are water resources planning and licensing county-wide. We are a policy development and regulatory agency. The Office of Environmental Services' Water Management Division implements a water resources management program which includes ensuring adequate water supply, water conservation, flood protection and aquatic weed control in limited areas of the county. They function as a utility in charge of operation and maintenance of water management facilities for which the county has responsibility. Return to top of page 12.
Saltwater intrusion is a natural process that occurs in coastal areas.
When the ground water table is lowered, saltwater moves inland. The groundwater table has historically been lowered via canal construction, over pumping of wells, and droughts. Conversely when the ground water table is raised, typically during periods of above average rainfall, the interface moves seaward. Saltwater intrusion becomes a threat when the interface moves far enough inland to render drinking water wells salty and unusable. Return to top of page 13.