Monthly Archives: May 2012

River of Grass? Santa Fe River Dry Patches Sprout Vegetation

May 31, 2012

Source: Gainesville

Mandatory new watering restrictions by the Suwannee River Water Management District are a positive step but do not go far enough and may be difficult to enforce in Alachua County, officials and water-protection advocates say. The restrictions take effect June 13 and apply to landscape watering, car washing, some golf course irrigation, agriculture and other uses.

Florida Wetlands Under Political Pressure

May 31, 2012

Source: Tampabay

Wetlands are fragile things, and in recent years Florida has done a horrible job of protecting them. But under Gov. Rick Scott, there are no limits to how far the state will go to change the rules to help big landowners make millions at the environment’s expense.

Record Lows for Area Springs and Rivers

May 24, 2012

Source: Alligator

Poe Springs and Ichetucknee Springs are experiencing such low water levels that summer recreational activities may be curtailed temporarily. The Florida Park Service warned on the Ichetucknee River website that “due to extreme drought conditions and historic low water levels in the Ichetucknee River,” there is “potential for occasional temporary recreational tubing closures this summer at the park’s North entrance.” Without significant rain more closures may be necessary, according to Chris Bird, Alachua County environmental director.

Mongolia’s Dilemma: Who Gets The Water?

May 22, 2012

Source: Npr

Mongolia, the land of Genghis Khan and nomadic herders, is in the midst of a remarkable transition. Rich in coal, gold and copper, this country of fewer than 3 million people in Central Asia is riding a mineral boom that is expected to more than double its GDP within a decade. At stake are water resources for this desert country.

The Other Source of Sea Level Rise

May 21, 2012Eleanor K. SommerSea Level Riseaquifer, sea level rise, world water supplies

New studies reveal that water consumption worldwide may be contributing to sea level rise as dramatically as melting land ice. Freshwater from the world’s aquifers is being pumped for human use, channeled into agriculture and municipal wells—and ultimately into rivers and then oceans. Sea level expert Robert Nicholls of the University of Southampton in England said that climate change will remain the significant driver of sea level rise. But even if society managed to mitigate climate issues, burgeoning ground water consumption would contribute to sea level rise. While reservoirs have so far offset freshwater flowing into the world’s ocean, aquifer systems have caused sea level rise at an average rate of one millimeter per year since 1961.

Frank Stronach facility dedication also draws protesters over Adena Ranch water permit requests

May 16, 2012

The dedication of a new plant science research center for the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Science was marred by protest against the namesake of the facility, Frank Stonach. Stonach is at the center of controversy over a 30,000-acre cattle ranch, which opponents are concerned about the water usage required to sustain the farm.

Source: Wuft

The Frank Stronach Plant Science Center is the home of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science’s agronomic, fruit and vegetable research efforts. Today marked the dedication of the conference center to Stronach himself. The celebration wasn’t without controversy.

Depleting aquifer could make sinkholes worse in Florida

May 15, 2012

A sinkhole that opened near a residence in Gainesville Saturday could be the first in what experts worry may be a strong season for sinkhole activity.

Source: Gainesville

On the surface, it appeared Monday that little had changed in Robert and Rhonda Matheny’s backyard. The crater-like sinkhole that opened up Saturday, its lip a few yards from the swimming pool, hadn’t grown much since Sunday. But what was happening below the surface on the Mathenys’ property in Jonesville was of concern to geologists.

Keystone Heights businesses suffering from dried up lakes

May 14, 2012

Area lakes in North central Florida are at record lows as dry conditions continue in the area and throughout the state.

Source: Wuft

As part of our continuing coverage on low water levels, Florida’s 89.1, WUFT-FM’s Kelsey Peck reports on how the low water levels in the Keystone Heights region have business owners and residents hoping for rainfall for more reasons than one.

Share the Water

May 2, 2012Eleanor K. SommerDroughtdrought, global, Jessica Yu, Last Call at the Oasis, water shortage

Based on the book The Ripple Effect by Alex Prud’Homme, Last Call at the Oasis makes its theater premiere in May 2012. Already screened at various spring film festivals across the country, the documentary has received praise from reviewers, including Huffington Post Green:

If there’s one film that every human on earth should be required to watch, this is it.

—Stefanie Penn Spear

Director Jessica Yu puts the global water crisis center stage with this documentary that highlights the social challenges, politics, and mechanics of making sure everyone in the world gets an adequate supply of fresh water. The film features environmental activist Erin Brockovich, water experts, and others who present the problems and solutions.

See the trailer.