Our World

Florida's Precious River

In relation to our recent discussion on water problems in the world, this article was interesting to me. In class we talked about how water shortages in Southwest Asia were causing problems, but what I didn’t know was that we are having quite a bit of trouble in the United States to supply our thirsty citizens with water. In Florida, increasing populations are troubling officials, because there is not enough groundwater for its population. For example, the Tampa-St. Petersburg area has used almost all of its groundwater supplies and must now find other water resources. Suggested ideas include bringing water from the Suwannee River in northern Florida. This river is the only undisturbed river in the southeast United States, meaning it does not contain any dams. To water-starved Florida, this river has become very precious. However, scientists fear that the rising population will cause environmental problems to the river, including pollution, water depletion, and harm to local species. And with predicted population increases as high as 65%, people are wondering how long the Suwannee will continue to flow. Officials have set MLF (minimal flow and levels) for the river, allowing as much water to be extracted without damaging the river. This helps local species, including the manatee, from being harmed.

Other ideas have been proposed to help the water problems in Florida, including desalinizing seawater. In southwest Florida, billions of dollars are being spent to try and relieve these water problems. I feel that spending this much money is necessary; otherwise the Suwannee River Basin would receive substantial damage. And considering that Florida is surrounded by water, desalinization programs would be highly successful.

Florida's Precious River

posted by Anonymous @ 11/24/2006 04:19:00 PM