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October 4, 2006
Chairman David G. Graham
St. Johns River Water Management District
P.O. Box 1429
Palatka, FL 32178 - 1429
Dear Mr. Graham,
It has come to our attention that, as Central Florida cities look for options to
fulfill reuse water requirements, more and more pressure is being put on SJRWMD
for water withdrawal from Lake Apopka. We continue to voice our concerns over
this issue and I am including a copy of our position paper on this topic.
It is our understanding that the Town of Oakland, and the cities of Winter
Garden, Ocoee and the West Orange Chamber have all passed resolutions against
water withdrawal from Lake Apopka. Montverde is working on a resolution at this
time. We salute these municipalities for having the foresight and determination
to find alternate resources for reuse water and for setting an example to all
municipalities within the basin to work toward the same goal.
While we believe that groundwater for irrigation is an even more undesirable
alternative, we need to continue to think ‘outside-the-box’, continue to educate
the public, work toward better, more realistic landscaping ordinances and
monitor the effects of developments that are being approved.
The Friends of Lake Apopka believe very strongly that no water from Lake Apopka
should be allowed to leave the basin. We also are concerned that decisions of
this magnitude could have an adverse effect on the long-range restoration plan
for the north shore restoration area, especially since it has not been
completed.
When this issue comes before you, we ask you to consider the long-term effects
of what could be a real Pandora’s Box.
Sincerely,
Mona Phipps
President, Friends of Lake Apopka
cc: Board of Governors
Kirby Green
David Walker
Encl.
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