The Suwannee River Water Management District will host a meeting on Tuesday, October 2, to present information and to receive public comment on the setting of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for the Withlacoochee River and springs.
The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lee Elementary School cafeteria, 7731 E. US 90, in Lee.
Florida Statutes require that MFLs – water levels and flows designed to prevent significant harm to water resources – be established for water bodies.
The District already has established proposed MFLs for other water bodies including the Lower Suwannee River, Manatee, and Fanning and Madison Blue springs.
MFLs will help in the water supply planning process and in determining water availability for consumptive use purposes. In addition, they will provide guidance in making water use and permitting decisions; ensure sufficient water resources for the public and ecosystems; protect wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat; and provide protection of water resources for navigation and recreation.