Water issues dominate the state of Florida. The surge of population in Central Florida in recent years has spurred development resulting in loss of wetlands and vegetated buffer zones that protect freshwater quality. About 50% of all wetlands in Florida have been destroyed. Water and wetland habitats are declining in both quantity and quality. About 31% of Florida's freswater rivers and streams have become impaired or unusable for aquatic resources.

Depletion of freshwater from the Floridian aquifer is occurring in Central Florida. Water conservation programs should be pursued to protect the public water supply, improve the water retention capacity of the land, reduce water consumption, and promote water recycling. Allocations, building codes, metering, and pricing should aim to encourage conservation. Water resource public works funding priorities should be shifted to those projects and programs that would conserve existing water supplies. Proposed massive transfers and diversion of water in Central Florida pose multiple threats to drinking water supplies and the environment.

The Sierra Club Central Florida Group will advocate for enforceable-mandatory water conservation programs, good-decision making and better rules to stop the destruction of wetlands and watersheds, public acquisition of important conservation lands, watersheds and aquifer recharge areas.

Below you will find a number of articles, essays, activities and news related to this issue.  If you know of any relevant news or want to submit content regarding this topic, please don't hesitate to contact the appropriate Committe Member .  Thanks.