In October we joined forces with other water advocates to address the Suwannee River Water Management District SRWMD. Our message was clear:  An ongoing drought requires consumptive use reductions.

Here is a copy of our letter to the SRWMD Board:

October 13, 2026

Attn: Hugh Thomas, Executive Director

Virginia Johns, Chair

Richard Schwab, Vice Chair

William Lloyd

Harry Smith

Larry Thompson

George Wheeler

Our current drought has strained many springs, rivers, lakes, and wells within the Suwannee River Basin. Most of Florida experienced Extreme or Exceptional Drought this year and the Suwannee River was listed as one the Ten Most Endangered Rivers in the United States due to nitrates and excessive groundwater withdrawals. Although measures have been taken to reduce water consumption by agriculture, our water management district needs to improve.

The water management district is responsible for the administration of our water resources at a regional level. Given this framework, it is reasonable to expect the district to implement measures to reduce the impact of a drought upon its rivers and springs. We support a mandatory 20% reduction of all consumptive use permits. 

The severity of the drought impacted the recreational use of several springs though none more impacted than Poe. Once a second magnitude Spring whose historic mean flow was 47 mgd had suffered a 72% reduction down to 13 mgd before the drought. Poe is one of 30 Outstanding Florida Springs, a designation intended to ensure its protection yet this year it failed. The effects of this collapse goes beyond its hydrological demise.

 When spring flows decline, the damage compounds. Weak spring flow enhances the concentration of nitrates and growth of algae, adversely impacting the wildlife and recreational use of these springs as well as the accompanying economies.  Springs also generate revenue in a community and an improved quality of life.  

Weak springflow increases the likelihood of a spring reversal. Spring reversals open the gateway of groundwater pollutants entering our aquifer and are an indicator of long term spring collapse.

We are not able to affect the presence of a drought but we can affect our withdrawals. It is within the purview of the Water Management district to implement reductions in consumptive use through extensive and exhaustive conservation campaigns. While some steps have been taken to reduce agricultural water consumption, the severity of this drought demands stronger, enforceable action from our Water Management Districts.

We want to see decisive measures being taken in Agriculture, residential and industrial users. The Water Management District is in the best position to bring these reductions to bear during periods of drought. 

The Suwannee River Water Management District is entrusted to manage our water resources.Times of drought test our abilities to provide water to all those that need it. It is reasonable to expect droughts to be part of our natural cycle and for the Water Management Districts to implement reasonable, enforceable, and fair strategies to provide for the basic needs of our people and springs which is why we support Alachua County’s request that the water management district institute a mandatory 20% reduction of all consumptive use permits during periods of drought.

Thank you, 

Suwannee St. Johns Group, Florida Chapter Sierra Club