PreventionStrategyforthe
ImplementationofSilverSpringsMinimumFlowsandLevels
April2017
St.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict
DivisionofWaterSupplyPlanningandAssessment
BureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
A. Introduction
SilverSprings,locatedinMarionCountyinnorthcentralFlorida,isaniconicfirst‐
magnitudespringthatwasdesignatedasanOutstandingFloridaSpring(OFS)pursuantto
subsection373.802(4),FloridaStatutes(F.S.).Atthetimeofminimumflowsandminimum
levels(MFLs)adoptionforanOFS,apreventionorrecoverystrategymustbeadopted
concurrentlyifthespringisbelow,orisprojectedwithin20yearstofallbelow,anadopted
MFL(subsection373.805(1),F.S.).TheSt.JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrict
(SJRWMD)evaluatedtherecommendedMFLsforSilverSpringsbasedoncurrentand
projectedwateruseconditionsanddeterminedthattheMFLswouldnotbeachievedover
thenext20years;therefore,apreventionstrategywasrequired.
ConsistentwiththeprovisionsforestablishingandimplementingMFLsprovidedforin
section373.0421,F.S.,thePreventionStrategyfortheImplementationofSilverSprings
MFLs(Strategy)identifiesasuiteofprojectsandmeasuresthat,whenimplemented,
preventstheSilverSpringsMFLsfrombeingviolatedduetoconsumptiveusesofwater,
whilesimultaneouslyprovidingsufficientwatersuppliesforallexistingandprojected
reasonablebeneficialuses.
TomeettherequirementsofanOFSpreventionstrategyaccordingtosubsection
373.805(4),F.S.,thisStrategycontainsthefollowinginformation:






Alistingofallspecificprojectsandmeasuresidentifiedforimplementationofthe
plan
Aprioritylistingofeachproject
Theestimatedcostanddateofcompletionforeachproject
ThesourceandamountoffinancialassistanceofferedbytheSt.JohnsRiverWater
ManagementDistrict(SJRWMD)
Anestimateofeachproject’sbenefittotheOFS
AnimplementationplantoachievetheadoptedMFLs
GroundwaterwithdrawalswithinMarionCountycontributetothemajorityofthe
pumping‐relatedimpactstoSilverSprings.Therefore,thisStrategyfocusesprimarilyon
projectsandmeasureswithinthecountyboundarywheretheirbenefitswillbethe
greatest.ThisdoesnotprecludethedevelopmentofprojectsoutsideofMarionCountythat
areanticipatedtoresultinflowincreasesatSilverSprings.Theproposedprojects(Section
G)andregulatorycomponent(SectionI)listedwithinthisStrategyprovideassurancethat
theMFLsforSilverSpringswillbeachievedwhilemeetingprojected2035wateruse
demandandpermittedwithdrawalquantities1(PQ).
1Permittedwithdrawalquantitiesrepresentsagroundwatermodelsimulationwherewithdrawalsareequal
totheallocationsauthorizedbyexistingconsumptiveusepermits.ExceptionswithintheNorthernDistrict
GroundwaterFlowModelVersion5.0includepermittedagriculturalallocationswhichwereadjustedto
betterreflectaverageirrigation,anddomesticself‐supply(auseexemptfrompermitting)andsubthreshold
agriculturaluse(authorizedviaageneralpermitbyrule),whichwerebothestimatedusing2035projected
demand.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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B. StrategyObjective,Approach,andPhasedImplementation
Objective
TheobjectiveoftheStrategyistoensurethatflowsandlevelswithinSilverSpringsdonot
fallbelowadoptedMFLsduringthenext20years.Thisobjectivecanbeachievedby
establishingandmaintaininggroundwaterwithdrawalsatorbelowthesustainable
groundwateryield2throughwaterconservationandwatersupplydevelopmentprojectsor
bymitigatingtheimpactofgroundwaterwithdrawalsonSilverSpringsthroughwater
resourcedevelopmentprojects.
Approach
TheapproachoutlinedinthisStrategyincludesprojectandmeasureidentificationand
implementation,proposedregulatoryactions,monitoring,androutineassessmentofthe
Strategygoalsandaccomplishments.TheintentistoprovideassurancethatMFLswillbe
metinawaythatmaximizesflexibilityforpermitteesandprojectpartners.Thebasic
approachincludesthefollowing:





Identifyprojectsandmeasuresthatprovidewaterresourcebenefitssufficientto
achievetheMFLs.(SectionG)
IdentifysufficientfundingresourcestofacilitateStrategyimplementation.(Section
H)
Prescriberegulatorymeasuresthatdefineapermittingpathforexistingandnew
uses.(SectionI)
Monitortrendsinflowandwaterlevelsandthenutilizethisdatatoconfirmbenefits
ofimplementedprojectsandadjusttheStrategymeasuresasnecessary.(SectionJ)
ImplementStrategyprojectsandmeasuresinaphasedapproachwitha
comprehensivereviewatfive‐yearintervals,includingMFLsassessment,
recalculationofMFLsfreeboard3,andStrategyrevisions,ifnecessary.(below)
PhasedImplementation
Strategyimplementationwilloccurinfive‐yearphases(Table1).Actionstooccurin
subsequentphaseswillbedeterminedduringtheStrategyreviewprocessenvisionedat
theendofPhases1and2.Phase1wouldbeginuponStrategyapprovalbytheSJRWMD
GoverningBoard.Uponcompletionofeachfive‐yearphase,aFive‐YearStrategy
Assessmentreportwillbeprepared.Thisreportmayincludethefollowinginformation:

Newlyadopted/re‐evaluatedMFLs
2ForpurposesofthisStrategy,thesustainablegroundwateryieldisdefinedasthequantityofgroundwater
fromtheUpperFloridanaquiferwhichcanbewithdrawnwithoutcausingsignificantharmtoSilverSprings
(i.e.,violateitsMFLs).
3ForSilverSprings,freeboardisdefinedbytheamountofspringflowinexcessoftheMFLs(positive
freeboard)orlessthantheMFLs(negativefreeboard).PositivefreeboardindicatesthattheMFLsaremet
withadditionalwateravailableforwithdrawal.NegativefreeboardindicatestheMFLsarenot,orwillnotbe,
metandthewaterbodyisconsideredinrecoveryorprevention,respectively.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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






Utilizationofupdatedtoolsforresourceassessmentsandanalyses
Updatedfreeboardcalculations(basedontherevisedplanningperiod)
Updatedassessmentofprevention/recoverystatus
Projectimplementationstatus,includingalternativeprojects,ifwarranted
Rulerevisionstatus
Waterresourcedataassessment
Evaluationofthesustainablegroundwateryield
BasedonthefindingsineachFive‐YearStrategyAssessmentreport,theStrategymaybe
revisedbytheGoverningBoard.
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Table1.SilverSpringsStrategyPhasedImplementation–Phases1and2
Phase1
Phase2
Actions
(2017‐2022)
(2023–2027)
BySJRWMDGoverning
Board(2017)
‐ InitiatesStrategy
implementation
‐ ContinuetoworkwithOcala
todevelopandconstructthe
majorStrategyprojects
‐ ThroughtheDistrictCost
Shareprogram,incentivize
waterconservationand
reclaimedwaterproject
development
‐ Aspermitsexpire,adjust
allocationswherenecessary
tomeetreasonable/beneficial
usecriteria
‐ Completeconcurrentwith
Strategyapproval
‐
‐ Continuedatacollectionat
existingsites
‐ Continue
‐
Strategyapproval
Implement
projectsand
measures
Alignmentof
permitted
allocations
Rulemakingfor
regulatory
component
Monitortrendsin
flowandwater
levels
Five‐YearStrategy ‐ Assess,refineandapprove
Assessment
revisedStrategy,ifnecessary
Ifnecessary,recommend
revisedStrategyfor
GoverningBoardapproval
‐ Continuetoincentivize
projectdevelopmentwithan
emphasisonwater
conservation,reclaimed
water,andstormwater
harvestingprojects
‐ Continue
‐ Asnecessarybasedon
recommendedStrategy
revisions
‐ Assess,refineandapprove
revisedStrategy,ifnecessary
C. StakeholderOutreach
SJRWMDhasbeencoordinatingwithstakeholderswithintheregionforseveralyears
regardingpotentialprojectstobenefitSilverSprings.Stakeholderoutreachactivities
specificallyrelatedtotheformalStrategybeganinFebruary2017withbriefingstostaff
fromMarionCountyandtheCityofOcala.ThedraftSilverSpringsMFLsreportand
StrategywerepostedforpublicviewingontheDistrict’swebsiteonMarch9,2017,anda
publicworkshopwasheldonMarch16,2017,inOcala,Florida.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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D. SilverSpringsMFLs
Table2showstheMFLsforSilverSprings,whichconsistofthreeminimumflowsand
levelsthatprotecttheecologicalfunctionsofSilverSpringsandtheSilverRiver;the
minimumfrequenthigh,minimumaverageandminimumfrequentlow(Sutherlandet.al.
2017).AtthetimeofproposingMFLs,anassessmentismadeoftheexistingandprojected
futurehydrologicregimescomparedwiththeMFLs.IftheMFLsarenotachievedunder
existingconditions,arecoverystrategyisnecessary.Ifexistingconditionsmeetorexceed
theMFLs,butconditionsduringthenext20yearsareprojectedtonotmeettheMFLs,then
apreventionstrategyisnecessary.
Table2.MinimumflowsandlevelsassociatedwiththeSilverSpringsMFLs1
Level
2010Baseline
Return
Flow
Duration
Condition
NAVD88
MFLs
Interval
2
(cfs )
(days)
Freeboard
(years)
(ft)
(cfs)
MinimumFrequent
High
828
40.0
30
5
98
MinimumAverage
638
38.2
180
1.7
19
MinimumFrequent
Low
572
37.0
120
3
17
1MFLsaretiedtoSilverSpringssurfacewaterflowsandlevelsattheUSGS02239501gauging
station.
2cfs=cubicfeetpersecond
AfrequencyanalysiswasperformedonSilverSpringsflowata2010baselineconditionto
determinethecurrentcompliancestatusassociatedwiththethreeminimumflowsand
levels.Thebaselineyearwasselectedtocorrelatewiththemostcurrentregional
groundwatermodeloutput.Itshouldbenotedthatpumpingduringmorerecentyearshas
actuallybeenlessthantheamountpumpedin2010.ForSilverSprings,theminimum
frequentlow,whichprotectsfloodplainandmarshhabitatsalongtheSilverRiverfrom
excessivedrying,wasdeterminedtobethemostsensitiveMFL.Thefrequencyanalysisfor
theminimumfrequentlowdemonstrated17cubicfeetpersecond(cfs)offreeboardunder
2010pumpingconditions.Inotherwords,theSilverSpringsminimumfrequentlowflow
wasmet(i.e.,notinrecovery)underthecurrentbaselineconditionwith17cfsofflow
reductionavailabletoconsumptiveuses.
TodeterminetheMFLscompliancestatusin2035andatPQconditions,groundwater
modelingresultswereusedtocomparethepredictedchangeinflowunderthe2010
baselineconditionandunderprojected2035andPQconditions.TheNorthernDistrict
GroundwaterFlowModelVersion5.0(NDMv5)wasdeterminedtobethebestavailable
tooltoevaluatethestatusoftheSilverSpringsMFLsandtoestimatethebenefitsof
projectsrecommendedinthisStrategy.Themodelpredicteda27.3cfsdeclineinflowat
SilverSpringsat2035conditionswhencomparedtothe2010baselinecondition.This
exceedstheavailablefreeboardby10.3cfs(Table3).SincetheSilverSpringsMFLswillnot
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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bemetunderprojected2035pumpingconditions,SilverSpringsisinprevention.UnderPQ
pumpingconditions,flowinSilverSpringsdeclinedby29.4cfsexceedingtheavailable
freeboardby12.4cfs.
Table3.SilverSpringspredictedfreeboardunder2010baseline,2035projected,andPQ
conditions
ModeledSilver
SilverSprings
SJRWMD‐Marion
ModelScenario
SpringsFlow(cfs)
Freeboard(cfs)
Withdrawals1(mgd2)
2010Baseline
708.8
17cfs
36.5
2035
681.5
‐10.3cfs
62.7
Permitted
Quantities3
679.4
‐12.4cfs
66.9
1Doesnotincluderechargewellsorreturnflowestimatesforirrigationwithdrawals.
2mgd=milliongallonsperday
3Agriculturalallocations(basedon2‐in‐10yeardrought)adjustedtorepresentestimatedaverage
irrigationdemands.Domesticself‐supplyandsubthresholdagriculturaluserepresentedby2035
projecteddemand.
E. SustainableGroundwaterYield
Forpurposesofthisstrategy,thesustainablegroundwateryield(SGY)definesthequantity
ofUpperFloridanaquifergroundwaterwithdrawalsthatcanoccurwithoutcausing
significantharmtoSilverSprings.However,duetoinfinitepotentialvariationin
withdrawaldistribution,itisnotpracticabletodefinetheSGYasafinitenumber.SJRWMD
completedanassessmentusingtheNDMv5toestimatearangeforthesustainableUpper
FloridanaquiferyieldapplicabletotheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCountyasconstrained
bySilverSpringsMFLs.Forthisassessment,grosswithdrawals4andcorresponding
freeboardvalueswereannuallyinterpolatedbetween2010and2035modeledconditions
andbetween2010andPQmodeledconditions(PQwithdrawalswereassumedtooccurat
2035).Thegrosswithdrawalquantityassociatedwiththelastyearofpositivefreeboard
forthe2035andPQwithdrawaldistributionprovidedanestimatedrangeofthe
sustainablegroundwateryield.
TheresultingestimatedSGYfortheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCountyrangesfrom52.2to
53.5milliongallonsperday(mgd).Basedoncurrentprojectionsandpermittedallocations,
itisestimatedthattheSGYoftheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCountywillbeexceeded
between2025and2026.
F. InfluencebyUseType
Whendeterminingprojecttypestoimplementinapreventionorrecoverystrategy,itis
importanttodevelopanunderstandingofthewaterusesthathavethelargestimpacton
thewaterresourceofconcern.Onlythencanprojectsbedevelopedthatwillresultinthe
4Forthesustainablegroundwateryieldanalysis,onlypermitted,estimateddomesticself‐supply,andGeneral
PermitbyRulewithdrawalsandpermittedreturnflowswereconsidered.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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greatestbenefittotheconstrainedwaterresource.Ananalysiswasperformedusingthe
NDMv5PQsimulationthatevaluatedtheimpactstoSilverSpringsfromgroundwater
withdrawalsbywaterusetypeintheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCounty.Theresults
indicatethatimpactsduetopublicsupplywithdrawalscontribute62%ofthetotalimpacts
whenonlyassessingSJRWMD‐MarionCountywithdrawals(Table4).Agriculturaland
domesticself‐supplyaccountfor16%and14%oftheimpacts,respectively.Impactsfrom
theremainingusetypesaccountforlessthan8%oftheimpactstoSilverSprings.
Table4.ImpactInfluencebyUseTypeintheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCountyatPQ
Conditions
Percentof
Modeled
EstimatedImpactto
UseType
SJRWMD‐Marion
Groundwater
SilverSprings(cfs)
CountyImpact
Withdrawals(mgd)
PublicSupply
26
62%
29.1
Agriculture
7
16%
18.0
DomesticSelf‐supply
6
14%
14.0
Commercial/Industrial/
Institutional
2
5%
2.8
Landscape/Recreation/
Aesthetic
1
2%
2.2
Mining/Dewatering
<1
<1%
0.7
TOTAL
42
100%
66.9
G. ProjectsandMeasuresthatAchievetheStrategyObjective
Table5providesaproposedsuiteofprojectsandmeasuresspecifictotheSJRWMD‐
portionofMarionCountythat,implementedtogether,wouldbesufficienttoachievethe
SilverSpringsMFLswhilemeetingprojected2035wateruseneeds(seealsoAppendixA).
Projectsandmeasuresincludeenhancedconservation,aquiferrecharge,developmentof
alternativewatersupplies,andexpansionofreclaimedwatersystems.Thebenefits
predictedfromthesuiteofproposedprojectsandmeasureslistedwithinthisStrategy,
togetherwiththeregulatorycomponentdescribedinSectionH,provideassurancethatthe
SilverSpringsMFLswillbeachievedthrough2035.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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Table5.StrategyprojectsandmeasurestoachieveSilverSpringsMFLsin2035
Est.Silver
Est.Volume
Est.CapitalCost
SpringsFlow
Implementation
(mgd)
($)
Project/Measure
Benefit(cfs)
Priority
Low High Low High Low
High
Water
Conservation
4.4
AquiferRecharge
OcalaLFA
Conversion
Reclaimedwater
conversion
TOTAL
7.6
1.9
4.2
9.6M
13.1M
1
2.9
1.4
8.0M
2
7.5
7.0
6.7M–31.7M
3
1.91
0.5
3.2M
4
16.7 19.9
10.8
13.1
27.5M
56.0M
1Totalreclaimedwateravailableat2035(lessthe2.9mgdplannedforrecharge).Actual
groundwateroffsetisless.
ActualprojectsandmeasuresimplementedtoachievethegoalsoftheStrategyobjective
maydifferfromthoseshowninTable5.Moreover,projectsandmeasuresidentifiedin
Table5donotbecomepermitconditionsbyvirtueoftheirinclusioninanapproved
Strategy.ProjectsinTable5,oralternativeprojectsthatSJRWMDconcurswillprovidean
equivalentbenefit,maybedevelopedandincorporatedasconsumptiveusepermit(CUP)
conditionsthroughstandardpermittingproceduresandinfutureStrategyrevisions,as
appropriate.
WaterConservation
Waterconservationisanimportantcomponentofanypreventionorrecoverystrategyasit
directlyaffectsprojecteddemandand,therefore,themagnitudeofresourceimpacts.Water
conservationmaybethepreferredmeasuretoachievetheStrategyobjectiveratherthan
developmentofcostlyalternativewatersupplies.Bestmanagementpracticessuchas
improvedirrigationscheduling,conversiontomoreefficientirrigationsystems,or
moisturesensor‐controlledautomationcanreducetheamountofwaterappliedtocrops
andlandscape.Waterefficientfixturereplacement,suchasshowerheads,appliances,
urinals,andfaucetaerators,reducewateruseinhomes,commercialestablishments,
institutions,andanyfacilitywithsinksandrestrooms.
ForthisStrategy,twoscenariosofpotentialwaterconservationforpublicsupplyand
domesticself‐supply(DSS)wereexplored.Irrigationefficiencyestimatesforagriculture
wereadaptedfromtheFSAIDIIFinalReport(FDACS,2015).Fortheremainingwateruse
categoriesandlowrangepublicsupplyandDSS,conservationquantitieswereestimated
basedonthemethodologiesemployedfortheNorthFloridaRegionalWaterSupplyPlan
(SJRWMDandSRWMD,2017)andtheCentralFloridaWaterInitiativeRegionalWater
SupplyPlan(SFWMDet.al.,2015).Thehighrangeconservationpotentialforpublicsupply
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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andDSSwouldbeachievedifallpublicsupplysystemsandDSSresidentsachievedthe
average2010‐2014grosspercapitarate,169gallonsperdaypercapita,fortheSJRWMD‐
portionofMarionCounty.ThepredictedrangeofbenefitstoSilverSpringswith
achievementofthelowtohighconservationsavingsisapproximately1.9and4.2cfs,
respectively.
Table6.Estimated2035conservationpotentialfortheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCounty
2035
2035Low
2035High
Projected
Category
Conservation
Conservation
WaterUse1
Potential(mgd)
Potential(mgd)
(mgd)
PublicSupply
24.3
1.0
3.0
DomesticSelf‐supply
15.5
0.6
1.7
Agriculture
16.3
2.7
2.7
Landscape/Recreation/
AestheticSelf‐supply
3.3
0.1
0.1
Commercial/Industrial/
InstitutionalSelf‐supply
andMining/Dewatering
3.8
<0.1
<0.1
TOTAL
63.2
4.4
7.6
1AscalculatedbySJRWMDWaterSupplyPlanning(June2016).Modeledwaterusemay
varyslightlyduetotimingofwellfiledevelopmentandprocessingofmulti‐Districtwell
files.
AquiferRecharge
Ofthe4.8mgdofreclaimedwaterprojectedat2035(seeReclaimedWatersubsection
below),itiscurrentlyanticipatedthat2.9mgdwillbeusedforaquiferrecharge.The
majorityofthisquantity,2.8mgd,isprojectedfortheCityofOcalawhoisintheprocessof
designingawetlandgroundwaterrechargeparkinthegroundwatercontributingareaof
SilverSprings.LocatedadjacenttothePineOaksGolfCourse,itisanticipatedthatthe
rechargeparkcouldacceptbetween3and5mgdofreclaimedwaterandstormwater.For
purposesofthisStrategy,the2035projectedreclaimedwaterquantity,2.8mgd,was
utilizedtoassessthebenefitsofthisproject.Ifadditionalreclaimedwaterbecomes
availableorwhenstormwaterquantitiescanbeverified,thebenefitsoftheprojectcould
potentiallyexceedStrategyestimates.Althoughtherearemanyparametersthataffectthe
potentiallevelofbenefitassignedtotherechargepark,staffwasabletocalculatean
estimatedbenefitof1.4cfsbasedontherangeofparametersthatwereevaluated.
Theremaining0.1mgdofavailablereclaimedwaterplannedforrechargeisassociated
withthegrowthofasmallpublicsupplyutilityinMarionCountywhosecurrentreclaimed
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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waterdisposalmethodisconsideredbeneficialrechargebasedonSJRWMDguidelines.The
predictedbenefittoSilverSpringsisnegligible.
OcalaLowerFloridanAquiferConversion
TheCityofOcalacurrentlyobtainsitspotablewaterfromanUpperFloridanaquifer
wellfieldlocatedapproximatelytwomilesfromSilverSprings.Expansionplanscurrently
dictatetheconstructionofasecondwellfieldlocatedsixmilessouthwestofSilverSprings.
AlthoughrelocatingthewellfieldfurtherfromSilverSpringswoulditselfalleviateaportion
ofthegroundwaterpumpingimpacts,theCityisinterestedinfurtherreducingimpactsby
transferringaportionoftheirwithdrawalstotheLowerFloridanaquifer(LFA),whichis
consideredanalternativewatersupplybasedoninitialwaterqualitytestingresults.
PreliminaryinvestigationshaveshownappreciableconfinementbetweentheUpperand
LowerFloridanaquifersinthevicinityoftheCity’snewwellfieldwhichwouldlikelyresult
inreducedimpactstotheUpperFloridanaquifer,thesourceofSilverSprings.TheSJRWMD
andtheCityofOcalaarecurrentlypartneringonanLFAaquiferperformancetest(APT)to
moreaccuratelypredictthebenefitsofa7.5mgdconversion.TheresultsoftheAPTwillbe
incorporatedintofutureversionsofSJRWMDgroundwaterflowmodels.Interimbenefit
estimatesresultingfroma7.5mgdconversiontotheLFAatthenewwellfieldpredicta7.0
cfsincreaseinflowatSilverSprings.
ReclaimedWater
MarionCountyhasthelargestdomesticself‐suppliedpopulationinthestate(Marella
2014).Assuch,thequantitiesofreclaimedwatergeneratedwithintheCountyare
relativelylimitedcomparedtoothercountieswithinSJRWMD.Themajorityofreclaimed
waterwithintheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCountyisproducedbytheCityofOcala,
MarionCountyUtilities,andtheCityofBelleview.AccordingtoSJRWMDplanning
estimates,anadditional2.6mgdofreclaimedwaterfromutilitiesinMarionCountyis
currentlyavailabletooffsetgroundwaterwithdrawals.Growththrough2035isanticipated
tomakeavailableanadditional2.2mgdofreclaimedwaterforatotalavailablequantityof
4.8mgd(Table7).Ofthe4.8mgdofavailablereclaimedwaterat2035,itisanticipatedthat
2.9mgdwillbeutilizedforrechargeleaving1.9mgdtooffsetgroundwaterwithdrawals.
Recentexpansionprojectsareproviding,orwillprovide,upto0.9mgdofreclaimedwater
toseveralareagolfcoursesandparks.Assumingthatreclaimedwaterprovidesa75%
groundwateroffsetforrecreational/aestheticirrigationselfsupplyusersanda60%offset
formixedusers,replacingexistinggroundwaterwithdrawalswith1.9mgdofreclaimed
waterwithintheSJRWMD‐portionofMarionCountyresultsinamodeledincreaseinflow
atSilverSpringsof0.4cfs.
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Table7.2035projectedreclaimedwaterquantitiesforSJRWMD‐MarionCounty
WasteWaterTreatmentFacility
Name
2035TotalPotential
AdditionalReclaimed
Water(mgd)
MarionCo.‐SilverSpringsShores
Belleview
OcalaWWTPs
MarionCo.‐StonecrestWWTF
RollingGreens
1.2
0.3
2.8
0.4
0.1
TOTAL
4.8
Anticipated
ReclaimedWaterUse
Reuse
Reuse
Recharge
Reuse
Recharge
Reuse(1.9mgd);
Recharge(2.9mgd)
StormwaterHarvesting
TheSJRWMDisexpandingeffortstopromotestormwaterharvestingwithintheSilver
Springsgroundwatercontributingareatoincreaserechargeopportunities.Twofeasibility
studieswerecompletedin2016toestimatepotentialquantitiesofsurfacerunoffthat
couldbedivertedandpotentiallocationswherethisdivertedstormwaterwithinandnear
theSilverSpringsForestConservationAreascouldrechargetheUpperFloridanaquifer.In
addition,theDistricthasbeencoordinatingwiththeFloridaDepartmentofTransportation
onopportunitiestoincorporatestormwaterharvestingdesignconceptsinupcoming
projectswithinMarionCountywiththegoalofpromotinggreaterrechargeandenhancing
waterquality.AtthetimeofStrategydevelopment,potentialstormwaterharvesting
projectstoenhancerechargewereconceptualandintheprocessofbeingfurther
developed.Itisanticipatedthatstormwaterharvestingprojects,oncefullyvetted,willbe
incorporatedwithintheFive‐YearStrategyAssessmentreportsandanysubsequent
Strategyrevisions.
H. Funding
Pursuanttosubsection373.805(4)(b),F.S.,whichdefinestheguidelinesforpreventionand
recoverystrategiesforOFSMFLs,theSJRWMDwillprovidefinancialassistanceforthe
implementationofprojectsandmeasuresidentifiedintheStrategytotalingnolessthan
25%foreachproject.BasedontheestimatedcostofStrategyimplementation(Table5),
theSJRWMDwillberesponsibleforprovidingaminimumof$6.9Mto$14.0Minfinancial
assistancefortheprojectsidentifiedinthisStrategy.
TheSJRWMDprimarilyprovidesfundingassistancethroughtheDistrictwideAnnualCost‐
ShareProgram,whichisadministeredannuallyandsupportsprojectsthatbenefitoneor
moreoftheDistrict’sfourcoremissions;watersupply(alternativewatersupply,non‐
traditionalsources,andwaterconservation),waterquality,naturalsystemsrestoration
(includingprojectsthatprovideasignificantpercentrecoveryforanMFLwaterbody
whosestatusisinpreventionorrecovery),andfloodprotection.Thisfundingassistanceis
exclusivelyavailableforconstruction‐relatedcostswiththeDistrict’spercentmatch
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
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typicallyat33%or50%(conservationprojectsonly).However,cost‐shareprojectsthat
benefitspringsmaybeeligibletoreceiveadditionalfundingthroughtheFlorida
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(FDEP).TheSJRWMDscoringcriteriaisgeared
suchthatprojectsthatbenefitanMFLwaterbodythatisdeterminedtobeinpreventionor
recoveryreceivethehighestscoreinthecoremissionbenefitrankingcriterion,thereby
givingweighttoprojectswithdemonstratedbenefitsthatarelistedwithinapreventionor
recoverystrategy.
TheSJRWMDAgriculturalCostShareprogramprovidesfundingassistancetoagricultural
operationsfortheimplementationofprojectsthatconservewaterand/orresultinnutrient
loadingreductions.ThisprogramisofferedtoagriculturaloperationsoutsideoftheTri‐
CountyAgriculturalArea5andassuchisavailabletotheagriculturalcommunityinMarion
County.Thecost‐shareisupto75%,nottoexceed$250,000perproject,andcovers
engineering,design,construction,andimplementationcosts.Fundsallocatedtothis
programtypicallyinclude$1.5millionfromadvaloremfunds.
Withthepassageofthe2016LegacyFloridalegislation,$50millionfromtheLand
AcquisitionTrustFundwasearmarkedforthenext20yearsforspringsrestoration.These
fundsaretypicallyadministeredthroughFDEPtothewatermanagementdistrictsto
increasethepercentmatchforsprings‐relatedprojectsselectedforfundingthrougheach
districts’costshareprogram.Thisoftenresultsina50%totalcost‐sharematch,25%from
FDEPand25%fromSJRWMD.Itisanticipatedthatthedistricts,localgovernmentsand
publicsupplyutilitieswillcontinuetopartnerwiththestateofFloridathroughFDEPto
aggressivelyimplementspringsprotectionprojectswellintothefuture.
I. RegulatoryComponent
EnsuringthemaintenanceoftheSilverSpringsMFLswillrequirecarefulmanagementof
localandregionalgroundwaterwithdrawals.Assuch,aregulatorycomponentisnecessary
toensurethatexistingandfuturegroundwateruseisconsistentwithmaintainingSilver
SpringsMFLs.TheregulatorycomponentofthisStrategywillbedevelopedandadopted
concurrentlywiththeproposedMFLs.Thesenewregulatorymeasuresalongwithexisting
ruleswillprovidetheregulatoryframeworkneededtoensureachievementoftheSilver
SpringsMFLsthrough2035.
CurrentPermittingRules
Presently,theSJRWMDpossessesacomprehensivesystemofrules,whichregulate
consumptiveusesofwater.ThesepermitcriteriaarelistedinChapter40C‐2,Florida
AdministrativeCode(F.A.C.).,andareexpandeduponintheSJRWMDApplicant’s
Handbook:ConsumptiveUsesofWater.Severalexistingpermitrequirementswillcontinue
toprovideassurancethatexistingandnewpermittedconsumptiveusesareconsistent
withtheStrategyobjective:
5TheTri‐CountyAgriculturalArea(TCAA)includesFlagler,PutnamandSt.Johnscounties.Aseparatecost‐
sharepartnershipexiststoassistagriculturalprojectsintheTCAA.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
Page12of16




Reasonable‐beneficialwaterusesmustutilizethelowestqualitywatersourcethatis
technically,economicallyandenvironmentallyfeasible.Lowerqualitywatersources
includereclaimedwater,stormwater,salinewater,andotheralternativewater
supplies.
Reasonable‐beneficialusesmustnotcauseharmtothewaterresourcesofthearea.
AccordingtothedefinitionofanMFL,withdrawalsthatresultinMFLsnotbeing
achievedareconsideredsignificantlyharmfultothatwaterbody.
Reasonable‐beneficialusesmustbeinaccordancewithanyminimumfloworlevel
andimplementationstrategy.
Reasonable‐beneficialusesmustbeinsuchquantityasisnecessaryforeconomicand
efficientuse.Tomeettherequirementsofthiscriterion,waterusemustbe
consistentwiththedemonstrateddemandforaparticularwateruse.
Regardingtheeconomicandefficientusepermittingcriterionasitrelatestodemonstrated
demand,thedemonstrateddemandatthetimeofpermitissuancemaydifferfromthe
realizedwateruseoverthelifeofaCUPduetoavarietyofcauses.Populationprojections
forspecificutilityserviceareasincreaseanddecreaseovertimeduetofluctuationsin
growthratesoreconomicconditions.Actualwateruseforspecificfacilitiescanchange
overtimeduetoprocessimprovementsorupdatedequipment.Inaddition,theactual
demandmaybelessthantheprojecteddemandduetotheimplementationofconservation
measuresandexpandeduseofreclaimedwater.Atthetimeofpermitrenewal,applicants
mustagainprovideademonstrationofneedfortherequestedquantities.Thisprovides
SJRWMDtheopportunitytorealigntheallocationwithcurrentdemand.
Anevaluationofreportedwateruseversuspermittedallocationswascompletedin2014
forMarionCountynon‐agricultural6CUPswithallocationsgreaterthan0.1mgd.The
averagereportedgroundwaterusefor25permitsfrom2011to2013totaled
approximately76%ofthecorresponding2013permittedgroundwaterallocations.The
unusedallocationsequatetojustover5mgdthatcouldpotentiallybereducedfrom
existingpermittedquantitiesasthesepermitsarerenewed.
WaterShortage
Inadditiontopermittingrules,theSJRWMDGoverningBoardisauthorizedviasection
373.175,F.S.,todeclareawatershortageifitdeterminesthat“insufficientgroundor
surfacewaterisavailabletomeettheneedsoftheusersorwhenconditionsaresuchasto
requiretemporaryreductionintotalwaterusewithintheareatoprotectnaturalresources
fromseriousharm.”Extendedperiodsoflessthanaverageprecipitationcanexacerbate
declininggroundwaterlevels(whichcanleadtodecreasedspringdischarge)astherewill
typicallybeanincreaseingroundwaterwithdrawalsforirrigationtooffsettherainfall
deficit.WaterShortageOrdersprovideamechanismtoreduceimpactstowaterresources
duringperiodsofwaterdeficit.Asnecessitatedbylocalclimaticpatternsandhydrologic
6
Analysisfocusedonnon‐agriculturalprojectssinceSJRWMDagriculturalallocationsarebasedona2‐in‐10
droughtscenariowithactualanticipatedwateruseexpectedtobelessthantheallocationexceptduring
droughtconditions. 2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
Page13of16
conditions,theSJRWMDmayutilizeWaterShortageOrderstoimplementwater
conservationandmanagementpracticestopreventorreduceimpactstoSilverSprings
fromconsumptiveusesduringperiodsofdrought.
NewRules
Inadditiontorulescurrentlyinplace,theSJRWMDwilladoptadditionalregulatory
measuresdesignedtoensuretheSilverSpringsMFLswillcontinuetobemet.Therule
languagetoimplementthesemeasuresisprovidedinAppendixB.Specifically,thenew
regulatorymeasureswill:

Allowexistingpermittedusestoretainreasonable‐beneficialgroundwater
allocationsuptotheirdemonstrated2024demand.
 RequirepotentialimpactstoSilverSpringstobeoffsetforgroundwaterallocation
requestsgreaterthanthedemonstrated2024demandandfornewuses.
 Defineaseriesofopportunitiesforpermitteestooffsetpotentialimpactsby
implementingalternativewatersupplies,impactoffsetprojects,waterresource
developmentprojectparticipation,andtheretiringofwaterusefromexistingCUPs.
 Authorizetheinclusionofirrigationallocationsforaverageclimaticconditionsin
additiontodroughtconditions,forlandscape,recreational,andagricultural
irrigationCUPs.
 Outlineaprocessbywhichpermitteescanrelocateexistingpermittedwithdrawals
toreduceimpactstoSilverSprings.
J. ProjectImplementationandMonitoringProgress
ProjectImplementation
Waterconservation,recharge,alternativewatersupply,andreclaimedwaterprojectswill
beincorporatedaspermitconditions,whereapplicableandfeasible,inCUPsthatimpact
SilverSprings.Theseadditionalconditionswillbeincorporatedasappropriateoverthe
next20yearsaspermitsaremodifiedorrenewed.Theimplementationschedulefor
specificprojectswillbesetforthinapplicablecost‐shareprojectsand/ortheCUP(s),as
appropriate.
TheCityofOcalahasalreadybegunimplementingtwoofthemajorStrategyprojects.The
CityofOcalaPineOakswetlandrechargeparkprojectisanticipatedtobeoperational
withinthefirstfive‐yearphaseofStrategyimplementation(by2022).Engineeringand
designiscurrentlyunderwayandtheCityplanstoapplyforcost‐sharefundinginthe
SJRWMD2017cycle.Additionally,theCity’sutilizationoftheLowerFloridanaquiferasa
primarysourceofwater,inlieuoftheUpperFloridanaquifer,willbenefitflowsinSilver
Springs.ConstructionofthefirstLFAwellattheCityofOcala’snewwellfieldwas
completedinearly2017.Itisanticipatedthatthisfirst5mgdproductionwellwillbefully
operationalwithinPhase1ofStrategyimplementation(by2022).TheCity’ssecond
proposedLFAwellwilllikelybeconstructedduringthesecondfive‐yearphase(by2027).
TheresultingbenefitstoSilverSpringsfromtheStrategyprojectsandmeasureswill
ensureachievementoftheMFLsthrough2035.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
Page14of16
SilverSprings’Response
TheperiodofrecordwaterlevelsandflowscollectedatSilverSpringsandSilverRiver
formthebaselinefromwhichSJRWMDwilldeterminecompliancewiththeSilverSprings
MFLsinthefuture.ContinuouswaterlevelmonitoringattheSJRWMDstationslistedin
Figure1willcontinuethroughoutStrategyimplementationuntilsuchtimethatmonitoring
revisionsmaybenecessaryasdeterminedbySJRWMDstaff.Dataanalysisresultsfrom
futuredatacollectedfromthemonitoringsiteswillbeusedbySJRWMDtoperformrevised
freeboarddeterminationstocoincidewiththeFive‐YearStrategyAssessmentReports.
Figure1.MonitoringsitesforfutureSilverSpringsMFLsassessments
Asdirectedbysection373.036(7),F.S.,eachwatermanagementdistrictisrequiredto
submitaconsolidatedwatermanagementdistrictannualreporttoFDEP,whichdescribes
eachdistrict’smanagingofwaterresources.Thisreportmustcontain,inpart,thefollowing
informationregardingallprojectsrelatedtowaterquantity:



Alistofallprojectsidentifiedtoimplementarecoveryorpreventionstrategy.
Apriorityrankingforeachlistedprojectforwhichstatefundingthroughthewater
resourcesdevelopmentworkprogramisrequested.
Theestimatedcostforeachlistedproject.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
Page15of16



Theestimatedcompletiondateforeachlistedproject.
ThesourceandamountoffinancialassistancetobemadeavailablebyFDEP,a
watermanagementdistrict,orotherentityforeachlistedproject.
Aquantitativeestimatedofeachlistedproject’sbenefittothewaterbodyidentified
intherecoveryorpreventionstrategy.
ThisreportwilltrackthestatusofprojectsidentifiedinthisStrategywithannualupdates
reflectingnewinformationandrealizedvaluesaddeduponprojectcompletion.Asameans
tomeasureStrategyprogresstowardsmeetingitsobjective,theestimatedflowincreases
identifiedinTable8areprovidedasinterimgoals.
Table8.PredictedflowincreasesatSilverSpringsresultingfromprojectimplementation
CumulativePredictedFlowIncrease(cfs)
TargetFlow
Waterbody
1(cfs)
Increase
2025
2030
2035
SilverSprings
6.0
10.2
12.0
10.3
1Basedonestimatedfreeboarddeficitat2035projectedpumpingconditions.
References
FDACS.2015.FloridaStatewideAgriculturalIrrigationDemand.PreparedbyTheBalmoral
Group.FDACS,Tallahassee,FL.
Marella,R.L.2014.Waterwithdrawals,useandtrendsinFlorida,2010.U.S.Geological
SurveyScientificInvestigationsReport2014‐5088.Reston,VA.
SFWMD,SJRWMD,andSWFWMD.2015.CentralFloridaWaterInitiativeRegionalWater
SupplyPlan2015.SouthFloridaWaterManagementDistrict,St.JohnsRiverWater
ManagementDistrictandSouthwestFloridaWaterManagementDistrict.
SJRWMDandSRWMD.2017.NorthFloridaRegionalWaterSupplyPlan(2015–2035).St.
JohnsRiverWaterManagementDistrictandSuwanneeRiverWaterManagement
District.
Sutherland,A.B.,R.Freese,J.B.Slater,andG.B.Hall.2017.MinimumFlowsDeterminationfor
SilverSprings;MarionCounty,Florida(Draft).St.JohnsRiverWaterManagement
District.
2017SJRWMDBureauofWaterSupplyPlanning
Page16of16
AppendixA
ProposedProjectsandMeasureswithinthePreventionStrategyforthe
ImplementationofSilverSpringsMinimumFlowsandLevels
TableA1.ProposedprojectsandmeasureswithinthePreventionStrategyfortheImplementationofSilverSpringsMFLs
Estimated
Project/Measure
EstimatedDateof
ProjectDescription
ConstructionCost
Priority
Completion
($M)
1
WaterConservation‐Includesresidentialindoorfixture
replacement(toilets,showers,andfaucets)andoutdoor
irrigationauditswithsubsequentsystemimprovementsand
soilmoisturesensorinstallation.Forcommercial‐type
establishments,includesreplacementofpre‐rinsespray
valves,toilets,urinals,showers,andsitespecificwater
audits.Agriculturalconservationmeasuresinclude
installationofsoilmoisturesensors,irrigtionsystem
retrofits,andconstructionoftailwaterponds.
2
AquiferRecharge‐ConstructionoftheOcalawetland
groundwaterrechargepark,whichwillpolishreclaimed
water(andstormwaterinthefuture)priortorechargeto
theUpperFloridanaquifer.
3
OcalaLowerFloridanAquiferConversion‐Relocation
andreplacementof7.5mgdofwithdrawalsfromtheUpper
FloridanaquiferatOcala'shistoricwellfieldtotheLower
FloridanaquiferatOcala'snewwellfield.Notetherangein
costistheresultoftheuncertaintyrelatedtothelevelof
watertreatmentthatwillberequired,whichdirectlyaffects
thecostofthewatertreatmentplant.
4
ReclaimedWater‐Expandeduseofreclaimedwaterfrom
MarionCountySilverSpringsShoresWRF,MarionCounty
StonecrestWRF,andtheCityofBelleviewWRF.
TOTAL
MandatedDistrict
Contribution1($M)
EstimatedProject
Benefit2(cfs3)
Ongoingthrough2035
9.6‐13.1
2.4‐3.3
1.9‐4.2
2022
8.0
2
1.4
6.7‐31.7
1.7‐7.9
7.0
3.2
0.8
0.5
27.5‐56.0
6.9‐14.0
10.8‐13.1
5.0mgdconversion‐2022
2.5mgdconversion‐2027
Ongoingthrough2035
1
Pursuanttosubsection373.805(4)(b),F.S.,SJRWMDwillprovidefinancialassistancefortheimplementationofStrategyprojects/measurestotalingnolessthan25%foreachproject.
Benefits,asmeasuredbythepredictedincreaseinflowatSilverSprings,wereestimatedusingtheNorthernDistrictGroundwaterFlowModelVersion5.0.
3
cfs=cubicfeelpersecond
2
AppendixA‐ProposedProjectsandMeasureswithinthePreventionStrategyfortheImplementationofSilverSpringsMinimumFlowsandLevels
Page1of1
AppendixB
SupplementalRulesforSilverSprings
3.3.3 Supplemental Rules for Silver Springs
3.3.3.1
Effect of Supplemental Rules.
These “Supplemental Regulatory Measures for Silver Springs” shall be
adopted by the District, as a component of the overall prevention strategy
for Silver Springs. In adopting these rules, the District acknowledges the
increasing stress on Silver Springs and the mandate of the legislature to
foster the development of additional water supplies and avoid the adverse
effects of competition. However, these rules do not abrogate the rights of
the Governing Board or of any other person under Section 373.233, F.S.
This regulatory framework provides a comprehensive strategy for allocations
of available Upper Floridan groundwater and expeditious development of
alternative water supplies and offset projects to minimize competition and
thereby provide greater certainty of outcome than competition.
3.3.3.2
Definitions
Demonstrated 2024 Demand - the quantity of water from the Upper Floridan
aquifer needed to meet demands in 2024. Demonstrated 2024 Demand will
be calculated utilizing the methodologies described in Section 2.2 of the
Applicant’s Handbook and water use data.
Existing permitted uses – permitted uses as of April 12, 2017.
Silver Springs MFLs – the minimum flows and levels adopted for Silver
Springs in 40CER17-01 or as adopted in rule 40C-8.031, F.A.C., whichever
is in effect.
3.3.3.3
Evaluation of Potential Impacts
All applications, including applications for renewals, modifications, and new
uses, shall be evaluated for their potential individual and cumulative impacts
on the Silver Springs MFLs. Potential impacts to the Silver Springs MFLs
shall be assessed using the Northern District Groundwater Flow Model
Version 5.0. Section 3.3.3 and all subsections thereof shall not apply
within the Central Florida Water Initiative Area, as defined in paragraph
373.0465(2)(a), F.S. (2016).
3.3.3.4
Existing Permitted Uses
Existing permitted uses shall be considered consistent with the Prevention
Strategy for uses up to the Demonstrated 2024 Demand, or its permitted
allocation in 2024, whichever is lower.
AppendixB–SupplementalRulesforSilverSprings
Page1of6
3.3.3.5
Individual Permit Applicants that do not have a Potential Impact to the
Silver Springs MFLs
Permit applications that do not demonstrate a potential impact to the Silver
Springs MFLs based on the total requested allocation shall be issued
provided the applicant meets the conditions for issuance.
3.3.3.6
Additional Review Criteria for all Individual Permit Applicants that have
a Potential Impact to the Silver Springs MFLs
3.3.3.6.1
Renewals and Modifications with a Requested Allocation Less
Than or Equal to the Demonstrated 2024 Demand
(a) Renewals and modifications of existing permitted uses with
requested allocations from the Upper Floridan aquifer less than or
equal to the Demonstrated 2024 Demand shall be issued
provided the applicant meets the conditions for issuance;
however, an applicant may seek a duration that extends beyond
2024 for that level of allocation.
(b) Exceptions
The limitation in Subsection 3.3.3.6.1(a) on groundwater
allocations to an amount no greater than a permittee's
Demonstrated 2024 Demand shall not limit permitted groundwater
withdrawals from:
1. Aquifer storage and recovery wells that receive only surface
water, stormwater, or reclaimed water, when the volume of
water withdrawn does not exceed the volume of water injected;
or
2. The surficial aquifer immediately below or adjacent to a
stormwater management system or surface water reservoir
where any drawdown in the surficial aquifer will be offset by
recharge from the system or reservoir.
3.3.3.6.2
Renewals and Modifications with Requested Allocations
Greater Than the Demonstrated 2024 Demand
Renewal and modification applications for existing permitted uses
proposing an allocation of groundwater from the Upper Floridan
aquifer greater than the Demonstrated 2024 Demand shall provide
reasonable assurance of elimination or offset of potential impacts to
the Silver Springs MFLs for that portion of the requested allocation
that exceeds the Demonstrated 2024 Demand.
AppendixB–SupplementalRulesforSilverSprings
Page2of6
3.3.3.6.3
New Permits
In addition to meeting the conditions for issuance, applications that
request the use of groundwater from the Upper Floridan aquifer for a
duration beyond 2024 shall provide reasonable assurance of elimination
or offset of potential impacts to the Silver Springs MFLs for the requested
allocation.
3.3.3.6.4
Methods for Addressing Potential Impacts
An applicant may eliminate or offset potential impacts to the Silver Springs
MFLs by implementation of one or more of the options listed below:
(a) Propose an alternative water supply, as defined in Section
373.019(1), F.S., sufficient to meet the additional demand, and
identify a schedule for implementation, construction and
operation for the alternative water supply system. An alternative
water supply will be approved under this rule if it is adequate to
meet the reasonable increased demands without causing harm
to the water resources of the area and meets all other permitting
criteria in Chapter 40C-2, F.A.C.
(b) Propose adequate offset projects to eliminate potential impacts
to the Silver Springs MFLs, and identify a schedule for
implementation, construction and operation of the offset
project(s). Offset projects may include, but are not limited to,
the use of impact offsets [Subsection 62-40.416(7), F.A.C.] and
recharge systems. For offset projects that are not addressed by
Subsection 62-40.416(7), F.A.C., the following requirements
apply:
1. The benefit of any offset project, or a portion thereof,
shall accrue to the entity providing the offset project, or
one or more entities designated by the providing entity,
so long as the providing entity or designated entity
demonstrates a demand for the water and meets the
conditions for permit issuance. If the providing entity or
designated entity cannot demonstrate a demand for all
the water made available by the offset project during the
recommended duration of the permit, any remaining
water shall be available for use in the following order:
i. Deficits associated with existing exempt and subthreshold uses.
AppendixB–SupplementalRulesforSilverSprings
Page3of6
ii. Deficits associated with anticipated exempt and
sub-threshold uses.
iii. Deficits associated with existing permitted uses.
iv. Applications for new uses or increases in
allocation in accordance with District rules.
2. The proposed withdrawal, after application of the offset
project credit, must result in no net adverse impact on the
limited water resource.
3. If an applicant meets the conditions for permit issuance
after consideration of an offset project (either as a
providing entity or designated entity), the District shall
incorporate the project into the permit. The duration of an
offset project must be, at a minimum, equal to or greater
than the duration of the consumptive use permit in which
it is incorporated.
4. When reviewing an application for renewal of a
consumptive use permit containing an offset project, the
District shall renew the allocation based on the
continuation of the offset project provided the conditions
for permit issuance are met.
5. Credits shall not be granted for past actions or actions
taken under existing permits, unless the credits are
already authorized in a permit. This limitation shall not
restrict the District’s consideration of the effect of past
actions when considering the potential impacts of a
permit application, or consideration of a permittee’s
request to modify an existing permit to quantify the
amount of any credit remaining available.
6. Offset projects recognized in a consumptive use permit
cannot be transferred to other users, except in the same
manner as the permit itself and in compliance with
applicable water management district rules.
(c) The District anticipates that its water resource development
projects and its designation as a receiving entity of offsets from
District’s cost-share projects may result in the development of
new quantities above and beyond the quantities necessary to
ensure that the Silver Springs MFLs will be met. All or a portion
of these new quantities that are not reserved or otherwise
AppendixB–SupplementalRulesforSilverSprings
Page4of6
designated for the water resource will be made available to
permit. If an applicant has contributed to a District water
resource development project, the applicant may apply for
quantities made available through a District water resource
development project as an offset to potential impacts to the
Silver Springs MFLs, provided the applicant demonstrates that:
1. Both the proposed withdrawal and the water resource
development or cost-share project affect the Silver
Springs MFLs.
2. The quantity developed in excess of the quantity
reserved or otherwise designated for Silver Springs has
been determined.
3. The proposed quantities will not interfere with quantities
reserved or otherwise designated by the District for water
resource development.
(d) Permanently retiring from use the reasonable-beneficial
quantities associated with one or more CUPs that impact the
Silver Spring MFLs. The amount of offset credit for retiring
CUPs will be limited to the amount of reduction in potential
impacts to the Silver Springs MFLs associated with the retired
quantity. For agricultural, recreational, and landscape irrigation
uses, the retired quantity will be based on the average annual
allocation which is the amount of supplemental irrigation
required during a five in ten rainfall condition. For all other use
types, the retired quantity will be based on the actual permitted
allocation.
For each option selected under Subsection 3.3.3.6.4, an applicant must
provide reasonable assurance that the option will be implemented as
proposed.
3.3.3.7
Conservation
In determining the amount of offsets that must be developed as set forth in
Subsection 3.3.3.6 above, the applicant may subtract the portion of its
demand that the applicant demonstrates will be satisfied by water
conservation under Subsection 2.2.2.5.
3.3.3.8
Temporary Allocation
A permittee that will lack sufficient supplemental water supplies or offsets
after 2024 from which to obtain the increase in quantity above its
AppendixB–SupplementalRulesforSilverSprings
Page5of6
Demonstrated 2024 Demand shall be allocated a temporary amount of
groundwater to meet that increase only if it has exercised due diligence to
meet all schedule requirements in the permit for developing and using
supplemental water supply and providing that other conditions for issuance
in Rule 40C-2.301, F.A.C., and this Handbook are met. Any such temporary
allocation shall cease when water from the supplemental water supply or
offset project becomes available.
3.3.3.9
Irrigation Uses
The reasonable need for an agricultural, recreational, or landscape
irrigation use is based on the amount of water needed to supply the
supplemental irrigation requirements of the type of crop, turf or landscape
grown. In determining reasonable need, the District will determine the
supplemental irrigation requirements for both drought and average annual
conditions. Drought allocation will be considered the amount of
supplemental irrigation required during a two in ten year rainfall condition.
Average annual allocation will be considered the amount of supplemental
irrigation required during a five in ten year rainfall condition. This quantity
does not include crop protection.
3.3.3.10
Self-Relocation
A Permittee with existing permitted impacts on Silver Springs may modify
its consumptive use permit to relocate to a different property all or a
portion of the used and unused reasonable-beneficial permitted quantity.
When relocated, the withdrawal of the quantities cannot increase impacts
to Silver Springs and must meet all other applicable permitting criteria
included in Chapter 40C-2, F.A.C., and this Applicant’s Handbook. A SelfRelocation cannot include any change in ownership, control, Use Type or
increase in quantities. Crop rotation, by planting and irrigating noncontiguous properties within the same locale in a structured, revolving
fashion, is allowed under a single permit and is not considered SelfRelocation.
AppendixB–SupplementalRulesforSilverSprings
Page6of6