LIVE OAK, FLA., MAY 19, 2025 – Five alternative water supply (AWS) projects were recommended for funding this month by the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board. 

The five North Florida projects – two District projects and three local government projects – will total nearly $9 million if approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). 

These projects are part of an effort to reduce water use from the Floridan Aquifer. Alternative water sources, such as reclaimed or recycled water, saltwater or brackish water, and storm water, also help make communities less susceptible to drought and in some cases can reduce the potential for flooding. These water sources also diversify Florida’s water supply while reducing its dependence on freshwater resources.  

“We believe in smart, sustainable growth across our region, and maximizing the use of alternative water sources is vital to that,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “We appreciate that our Governor and Legislature help advance projects like these to offer solutions that protect our resources while ensuring smart growth in our communities.  

Projects include:  

• AWS Feasibility Studies Phase 2 – SRWMD – $1.5 million – This Districtwide project that would investigate water available during high flow events and alternative sources to provide recharge and storage options that would support the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee MFL.
• Groundwater Augmentation through Surface Features Phase 2 – SWRMD – $500,000 – This project, which would support the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee MFL, would focus on providing recharge through surface features, and includes debris removal and restoration of karst features, enhancing capacity of surface features, and management of stormwater and other high flow events.
• Lake Mary Drainage Improvements – Suwannee County – $918,115 – This project includes the replacement of two injection wells in the City of Live Oak and installation of sediment/trash screening prior to discharge to the drainage well. It would reduce flooding impacts in the Lake Mary area of Live Oak, reduce nutrients, and provide beneficial recharge.
• Park Street Drainage Well Replacement – Suwannee County – $507,195 – This project involves the replacement of an injection well within the City of Live Oak, as well as construction of a stormwater management facility to provide water quality treatment and sediment/trash screening prior to discharge to the drainage well. It would help reduce flooding impacts in the Park Street area of Live Oak.
• Potable Water Distribution System Improvements – Town of Greenville – $5,302,923 – This project would replace more than 15,600 linear feet of aging water main and 17 fire hydrants in the town’s commercial core to reduce water loss.  

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties. 

For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. 

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