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.