Water supply is the distribution of water by various organizations, including utilities, community programs and commercial enterprises. Public water systems are an integral aspect of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in a community and ensuring that all members have access to the water they need. Water is typically distributed through a system of pipes and pumps, can vary depending on geographic location and access to resources such as funding and maintenance.
The Florida Water Resources Act, Chapter 373, FS, establishes that all water in Florida, whether on the surface or in the ground, is a public resource managed by the department and five water management districts. Florida’s water supply comes from bountiful systems of rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes, springs, aquifers and estuaries throughout the state. Florida’s freshwater is used for public water supply, agricultural irrigation, commercial/industrial/institutional use, domestic and small public supply, recreational irrigation, and power generation.
In addition, Florida’s natural environment also needs an adequate supply of water to function properly. Water managers are charged with the responsibility of balancing the needs of Florida’s growing population with the needs of natural systems by creating dynamic plans that appropriately allocate the state’s limited water resources.