Uncertainty is the new normal — so, it is more vital than ever to preserve our water supply. Unprecedented hikes in water usage to combat COVID 19, combined with drought conditions and an intentionally diminished Lake Okeechobee water supply, created the perfect storm to critically endanger our most precious natural resource. Now, our communities’ health and safety and our Nation’s food security hang in the balance.
That is why last month a diverse group of stakeholders from Osceola down to Miami-Dade County demanded action from Congress. This urgent request was sent to the Florida Congressional Delegation to insist that Congress protect our critical water supply in Lake Okeechobee. The 56 endorsers of the letter include the Board I chair – Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District — several cities, chambers of commerce, farm bureaus, special districts, and major growers that feed our country.
The letter draws the Delegation’s attention to the Water Resources Development Act, passed through Congress in 2000 (WRDA 2000.) A crucial component of this Law is “The Savings Clause,” which directs the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the water supply as it restores the environment. Since then, $1.8 billion has been invested to expedite Lake O’s dike restoration.
However, 20 years later, the Corps intends to permanently relegate us to the diminished water supply from when the Lake was temporarily lowered for dike repairs. This position is not supported by WRDA 2000 and betrays the promises the Corps made to Floridians in 2000. It also puts the water supply that millions of us depend on at risk at a time when we may need it most.
We should follow the example many businesses, communities, and other organizations set last month and ask that Congress reassert its prior direction to the Corps to protect our water supply.
Rob Long chairs the Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District.
