Water: Cities' Cash Cow

December 23, 2008

Water: Cities' Cash Cow

At the core of the issues is that 'water flows toward the money'

By DINAH VOYLES PULVER
Environment Writer

Say "water" and many people think blue, as in the Caribbean or the crystal depths of a Florida spring. But look closer at water issues around the world and the real color of water may be green -- as in money.

Water -- its management, use and protection -- floats an annual U.S. industry with revenue of $92 billion, according to a report from the Environmental and Business Journal.

Among Florida's five water management districts and the water division of the state Department of Environmental Protection, the combined annual expenses top $1.8 billion. Then there are private water bottlers, federal and local governments, consultants paid to study water and help everyone navigate bureaucratic systems and the money spent when local governments sue each other over water.

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www.ConserveSeminole.org

www.ConserveSeminole.org

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The Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors a number of programs that serve the Seminole County community. Through community support, fundraising efforts and some grants, the district is working to build the number of services we are able to offer.

Listed below are some of the programs with which we are currently involved. Plans are underway to be more actively involved in cleanup efforts on local waterways, to create several community gardens, to offer guidance and strategic planning for homeowners associations looking to restore the lakes or other waterbodies in their neighborhoods and to work with the community to design and plant a number of Water-Wise demonstration gardens around the county.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these programs, in having a district supervisor work with you on a project or in offering your support for our work, please contact Associate Supervisor Vicki DeSormier at 407-314-9276.



Book Sales PDF Print E-mail

 Because of its educational value, SSWCD decided to republish “From Eden to Sahara: Florida’s Tragedy” in 2004.  It is a new and updated version of the original 1929 environmental classic with valuable modern interpretations.

Seminole Soil and Water sells this book for $15.00 per copy. This new edition includes a preface by award winning environmental author and filmmaker Bill Belleville. It also features an introduction by Florida-based environmental consultant Dr. Jay Exum, a wildlife ecologist, and botanist Randy Mejeur, M.S., who places Small's comments into a scientific context. In addition to reprinting most of Small’s original photos, this addition includes a practical annotated glossary to Small’s updated text. If we have to ship the book there is a postage charge on top of the $15.00.   Please contact Vicki  if you would like a copy of the book.

 

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Cameron Ranch PDF Print E-mail

Among other things, the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District provide administrative stewardship on behalf of the St. Johns Water Management District.

The SSWCD, through an Intergovernmental Management agreement with the St. Johns River Water Management District, is the lead Manager on District-owned property known as the North Lake Jesup Tract (Cameron/Little Ranch Property) located in Seminole County . The Cameron Ranch was purchased by the District for conservation and protection of the land and water resources for public purposes. 

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Community Event Outreach Booths PDF Print E-mail

The Educational and Outreach Booths showcase current, and ongoing projects sponsored by the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District.  Each booth is tailored to the event where it is presented.  The Booth consists of a project show board, a table with photos of events, brochures and literature handouts, and a children’s educational table.  

If you would like to invite a supervisor from the Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District to make a presentation at your event, please contact Vicki DeSormier at 407-314-9276.  

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Conserve All Ways, Inc PDF Print E-mail

SSWCD formed a non-profit organization called Conserve All Ways, Inc, which is to operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.

Conserve All Ways provides educational and instructional services regarding natural resources.

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County Soil Surveys PDF Print E-mail

The SSWCD supplies soil surveys in Seminole County to companies and individuals who are seeking land planning information.

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Envirothon PDF Print E-mail

The Regional Envirothon is an outdoor, hands-on competition and education program for high school students that promotes good stewardship of the land, while giving students an awareness of environmental issues and human impacts.

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Native Plant Ordinance PDF Print E-mail

This native plant ordinance promotion of Florida Native and drought tolerant plants trees and shrubs create variety and: 

  • Provides a guaranteed customer base through a positive agriculture economy
  • Ensures increased water conservation Lessens fertilizer usage resulting in less polluted run-off and better compliance with the Clean Water Act
  • a food source for native wildlife


Please click on this power point presentation to learn more about Soil & Water's Native Plant Ordinance you may adopt in your county, city or homeowner association.

  For more information, go to:

www.afcd.us/vswcd

 
Rain Barrels PDF Print E-mail

A rain barrel collects and stores up to 55 gallons of rain water from your roof top. This water can later be used to water your garden, lawn or potted plants. The water normally would flow through your downspout and drain off of your property into the storm drains. This water can reduce your municipal or well water usage, save money, and decrease stormwater pollution.

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Water-Wise Yards PDF Print E-mail

The Seminole Soil and Water Conservation District offers an educational program designed to teach homeowners, in a non-threatening and positive manner, the wisdom of planting water wise-yards and having a Water-Wise community. 

SSWCD supervisors will meet with homeowners associations and other groups, including other elected officials, to bring this information to those who want and need a way to have a beautiful landscape that helps conserve our precious water resources.

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Copyright © 2008. Seminole County Soil and Water Conservation District.