Many people have heard that the Water First North Florida (WFNF) project is "dead." Unfortunately, that's not the case.

The proposal has been deferred, not defeated. While it has been paused because of current drought conditions and shifting priorities, it has not been permanently removed from consideration. Without continued public engagement, it could return.

WFNF would transport treated wastewater from the Jacksonville area into the Suwannee River Basin to recharge the Floridan Aquifer—the source of drinking water for millions of Floridians and the water that feeds our world-famous springs.

I support finding better ways to manage Florida's growing water needs. But before wastewater is intentionally introduced into one of the world's most productive aquifers, we need independent, peer-reviewed scientific evidence showing that PFAS ("forever chemicals"), pharmaceuticals, and other emerging contaminants will not accumulate in or migrate through our groundwater, springs, rivers, and drinking water.

That science has not yet been demonstrated.

This isn't just about protecting nature. Our springs support local businesses, outdoor recreation, tourism, and the quality of life that makes North Florida unique. They are also the source of our drinking water. Once contaminants enter the Floridan Aquifer, there is no practical way to remove them.

Now is the time to act—not after the project returns.

Please send a letter to the JEA Board of Directors and the St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board asking them to permanently remove the Water First North Florida project from consideration until independent scientific research demonstrates that PFAS and other emerging contaminants cannot contaminate the Floridan Aquifer.

The project may be deferred, but our responsibility to protect Florida's water is not. Take action today, then share the action with your friends and family. Together, we can ensure that science—not speculation—guides decisions about our drinking water and our springs.