Institutional framework and challenges in management of agricultural water use in south Florida
Date
1992-10
Authors
Horinkova, Vilma, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The institutional framework for management of water use and protection of water and related resources in Florida developed as a result of rapid population growth, industrial advancement and agricultural expansion during the second half of this century. The South Florida Water Management District with an area of 17,930 square miles (44,030 square kilometers) is the largest of five state water management districts established by the Water Resources Act in 1972. South Florida's tremendous growth results in a continuous need to balance demands among water users. Increasing demands create impact on water resources and the environment. The holistic approach to preservation and restoration of Florida's ecosystems and protection of water supplies led to legal and policy actions for protecting areas such as Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Events affecting water management strategies include the passage of the 1987 Surface Water Improvement and Management Act and the settlement of a federal lawsuit against the State of Florida and the South Florida Water Management District for an alleged pollution of the Everglades. These events provided the impetus for the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Protection Act. Solutions to water resources related problems are complex. Florida's agriculture remains in competition for water with the urban sector and the environment. About 1.2 million acres (3 million hectares) of agricultural land are irrigated and the population growth pressures create a potential for impacting the agricultural industry. Farmers are encouraged to adopt the most efficient irrigation methods and apply best management practices. The South Florida Water Management District cooperates with the agricultural community on programs for conserving water and related resources.
Description
Presented at Irrigation and water resources in the 1990's: proceedings from the 1992 national conference held on October 5-7, 1992 in Phoenix, Arizona.