DEP FUNDS RESEARCH OF DELTONA ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE PROJECT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 21, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

DEP FUNDS RESEARCH OF DELTONA ALTERNATIVE WATER SOURCE PROJECT

~Project will help to reduce withdrawal from Upper Floridan aquifer~ 

TALLAHASSEE – The city of Deltona is researching and evaluating the viability of using the lower Floridan aquifer in the vicinity of its service area as a supplemental water source used to blend with existing water supply wells. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is providing the city $550,000 to design and construct a Lower Floridan aquifer test well.

“Ensuring adequate water quantity and protecting water quality are two of the biggest issues facing this state,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “I support the city of Deltona in its proactive approach of identifying an alternative water-supply source.”

“I am pleased that the Deltona Brackish Water Test project will begin to move forward shortly,” said Sen. Dorothy Hukill. "Trying to stay ahead of water issues should be our main focus, and I commend the city of Deltona for looking to alternative-water sources to address future community needs. Water sustainability is important to our citizens and also to our water resources, such as Blue Springs."

“As the city of Deltona further develops economically, it would be prudent for the city to study all possible sources of potable water,” said Rep. David Santiago. “In some cases, the ability to draw from potential brackish water supplies would help to protect those water sources that are more environmentally sensitive.”

The city anticipates that the test-well project will determine whether the brackish Lower Floridan aquifer can be utilized as an alternative-water source. The city projects that it will need approximately four million gallons per day of additional potable water for the future 25-year horizon. This source may provide for those needs.

This source could provide a sustainable water supply to greatly augment the existing sources being utilized. In addition, groundwater withdrawals from the Upper Floridan aquifer would be reduced to benefit Blue Springs and other resources. The project is estimated to be completed by the end of 2015.