R-01-1202• •
City of Clermont
RESOLUTION
. No. 1202
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT, LAKE COUNTY, FLORIDA,
PETITIONING THE ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT TO
PROVIDE STRICTER GUIDELINES WITH RESPECT TO THE FLORIDAN AQUIFER.
WHEREAS, readily available quality fresh water is one of Central Florida's most
valuable assets, and
WHEREAS, drought has caused wetlands to recede and both lakes and the Floridan
Aquifer to drop to record low levels in south Lake County, and
WHEREAS, development has further compromised the environment due to loss of
recharge areas, loss of wetlands, and additional demand put on the water resources,
and
WHEREAS, lower aquifer levels may increase the risk of sinkholes and increase the
risk of saltwater intrusion if future pumping from the aquifer exceeds what the aquifer
can support, and
WHEREAS, conservation and protection of our environment is a goal set forth in the
City of Clermont's Comprehensive Plan and in the Comprehensive Plan of Lake
County, and
• WHEREAS, protecting our natural resources and avoiding unacceptable impacts to
wetlands, springs, and the Floridan Aquifer is a goal set forth in the St. Johns River
Water Management District's Water 2020 Plan, and
WHEREAS, the continuing drought has demonstrated that sustaining the Floridan
Aquifer and protecting its recharge areas are essential to the general health, safety,
and welfare of the citizens of Florida, and
WHEREAS, the Floridan Aquifer is not only a vital element in the environment of
Florida, but also a safe, affordable source of water, and
WHEREAS, alternative sources to the Floridan Aquifer (such as treating lake and river
water for drinking water or de-salinization of brackish water or saltwater) are currently
costly options, and
WHEREAS, the City of Clermont would prefer that the St. Johns River Water
Management District (SJRWMD) direct more effort toward conserving our current
water resource, the Floridan Aquifer, while they continue to seek cost effective
alternative water resources, and
WHEREAS, the City of Clermont recognizes the importance of coordinating land use
and water planning, and
•
• •
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Clermont
petitions the SJRWMD to do the following:
1. Provide information to municipalities at apre-application level whenever a large
volume water user is proposing development in or near affected municipalities,
thereby establishing a joint early intervention process in which water
management and local government review development applications.
2. Sustain the Floridan Aquifer as a viable water supply by increasing restrictions
for Consumptive Use Permits to new developments proposed in priority water
resource caution areas.
3. Limit the issuance of additional permits for withdrawals in order to eliminate or
delay the need to implement alternative water sources to provide our citizens
with safe, affordable drinking water in the future.
The City of Clermont, in its effort to better manage growth and protect our water
resources will, as part of this joint effort with the SJRWMD, commit to meet with
representatives from the SJRWMD for assistance in amending the City's
Comprehensive Plan and/or Land Development Regulations where necessary in order
to link available water supply to Land Use decisions.
•
DONE AND RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLERMONT,
LAKE COUNTY FLORIDA, THIS 12TH DAY OF JUNE, 2001.
.~ ~
old S. Turville, Jr., Mayor
Attest:
/'
oseph E. V Zile, City Clerk
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