Broward County Water Resources Fact Book

Transcription

1 Broward County Board of County Commissioners Broward County Water Resources Fact Book Environmental Protection & Growth Management Department Environmental Planning & Community Resilience Division June 2015

2 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...3 BROWARD COUNTY WATER RESOURCES FACTS...4 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...5 BROWARD COUNTY S WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMS ORGANIZATIONAL CHARTS ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE DIVISION WATER RESOURCES POLICY AND PLANNING SECTION BROWARD COUNTY-WIDE INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCE PLAN WATER RESOURCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM WATER PLANNING PROGRAM WATER USE EFFICIENCY PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING LAB ADDITIONAL GROUPS SUPPORTING WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN BROWARD COUNTY ADVISORY BOARDS, COMMITTEES, AND WORKING GROUPS BROWARD COUNTY S WATER REGULATORY AGENCIES NON-DOMESTIC WASTEWATER/NATIONAL POLLUTION DISCHARGE ELIMINATION (NPDES) SYSTEM PROGRAM NON-DOMESTIC WASTEWATER PROGRAM DOMESTIC WASTEWATER PROGRAM SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WELLFIELD PROTECTION PROGRAM BROWARD COUNTY S WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES OTHER SUPPORTING AGENCIES [STATE AND FEDERAL]: SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY APPENDIX A -DEFINITIONS APPENDIX B MAPS B-1: BROWARD COUNTY SATELLITE MAPS B-2: AQUIFERS OF FLORIDA B-3: BROWARD S GEOLOGY B-4: SURFACE WATER MAP B-5: BROWARD COUNTY S PRIMARY CANALS B-6: SURFACE WATER SAMPLING SITES IN BROWARD COUNTY (2011) B-7: SALTWATER INTRUSION LINE AND SALTWATER MONITORING WELLS IN BROWARD COUNTY (2014) B-8: BROWARD COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICTS B-9: NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES) OUTFALLS (2010) B-10: TMDLS IN BROWARD COUNTY (2014) B-11: BROWARD COUNTY WATER TREATMENT SERVICE BOUNDARIES (2010) B-12: BROWARD COUNTY WASTE WATER TREATMENT PLANT SERVICE BOUNDARIES B-13: FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) FLOOD ZONES B-14: BROWARD COUNTY WELLFIELD PROTECTION ZONES (2010) B-15: ERP DELEGATION BOUNDARY MAP B-16: DRAFT BROWARD COUNTY WATER TABLE MAP (DRY SEASON) B-17: DRAFT BROWARD COUNTY WATER TABLE MAP (WET SEASON)

3 B-18: GENERALIZED CONFIGURATION OF THE BASE AND APPROXIMATE WESTERN AND NORTHERN LIMIT OF THE BISCAYNE AQUIFER IN BROWARD COUNTY B-19: GENERALIZED DISTRIBUTION OF TRANSMISSIVITY OF THE SURFICIAL AQUIFER SYSTEM IN BROWARD COUNTY APPENDIX C BROWARD COUNTY WASTEWATER UTILITIES INFORMATION APPENDIX D BROWARD COUNTY WATER UTILITIES INFORMATION APPENDIX E DRAINAGE DISTRICTS INFORMATION

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Broward County Water Resources Fact Book is designed to provide general facts about the water resources in Broward County and offer a reference guide to the Divisions within the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department (EPGMD) that plan for and regulate water resources in Broward County. This book begins with general quick facts about water resources in Broward County and an overview of the Divisions, including the missions, organizational charts, areas of responsibility, and programmatic descriptions. The three primary Divisions within the Department that have a role in managing water resources are: the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division (EPCRD), Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division (ELBPD), and the Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division (PPRAQD). Within EPCRD, the Water Resources Policy and Planning Section is the primary group that studies and develops plans for the management of Broward s water resources. Additional support within EPCRD includes the Environmental Monitoring Laboratory. Within ELBPD, the Environmental Engineering and Licensing Section serves as Broward s primary regulatory agency for water resources. Finally, within PPRAQD, the Wellfield Protection Program is responsible for enforcing wellfield protection regulations. Information about other state and federal agencies that have a role in the management of water in Broward County are also discussed. Finally, a substantial appendix provides definitions, contact information, maps, and other graphics to supplement the information presented in the Fact Book. The Broward County Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department (EPGMD) safeguards lives, natural resources and property of residents and visitors by providing for natural resource planning, management and protection, planning for appropriate land use/housing patterns and establishing an incident command system and emergency operations plans, enforcing environmental, development and construction regulations and providing for consumer protection. 3

5 1.84 million people (U.S. Census Bureau 2013) 1,225 total square miles (includes Water Conservation Areas) 422 square miles of urban county 1,800 linear miles of canals 2 to 10 feet elevation above sea level, with highest elevation at 29 feet at Pine Island Ridge 31 municipalities 23 miles of beaches 23 special water related districts 25 water utilities a.) Municipal utilities - 22 b.) Private utilities water providers 34 Wastewater Utilities 17 wastewater treatment plants 31 water treatment plants inches approximate average annual rainfall in Broward Broward County Code of Ordinances Chapter 36, Section 55, restricts irrigation hours to between 4:00pm. to 10:00a.m. 250 public wells from 39 well fields which pump from the Biscayne Aquifer 43 active coastal salt water intrusion monitoring wells (tracked by USGS) Municipalities and water utilities also maintain additional wells as part of the consumptive use permit regulation. 215 MGD of water per day on average is pumped from the Biscayne Aquifer in Broward County (2014) GPD of water per day on average is used per capita in Broward County Florida Department of Environmental Protection permits Water Treatment Facilities. Consumptive Use Permits are issued by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Broward County is located in Service Area 2 of the SFWMD s Lower East Coast Regional Water Supply Planning Area Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Projects in Broward County include: (i) (ii) Additional Information on: Secondary Canal Improvement Project Water Preserve Areas (WPAs) Project 1) C-9 Impoundment 2) C-11 Impoundment 3) 3A/3B Seepage Barrier Monitoring wells- Aquifer storage and recovery wellshttp:// %20and%20recovery 4

6 What is Groundwater? Ground water is water stored in geologic formations called aquifers nearly located below the surface of the ground. Please refer to Appendix B-2 for a Map of Florida s aquifers. All of Broward County's drinking water comes from the Biscayne Aquifer, composed of unconsolidated sand and shell interbedded with carbonate rock to an approximate depth of 200 feet. The Biscayne Aquifer and Broward County's drinking water are especially vulnerable because the water table is shallow; we have sandy soil, and our coastal location lends itself to sensitive saltwater-freshwater interactions. The biggest threats are contamination from human activity and saltwater intrusion from the ocean. Where does my drinking water come from? The citizens of Broward County primarily depend on the Biscayne aquifer for their drinking water supplies. Secondarily a few municipal water utilities, including Hollywood, Davie and Deerfield Beach have developed the Floridian aquifer as an additional water source. That source is the extremely productive Biscayne Aquifer. The Biscayne Aquifer is a non-artesian groundwater aquifer under lying the surface of 3,200 square miles in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Biscayne Aquifer is part of the Surficial Aquifer System, which is a sequence of discontinuous layers of sand, sandstone, seashells, porous shelly limestone that extends from near the ground surface to depths as great as 320 feet. Please refer to Appendix B-3 for a map of the elevations of the base and the top of the Biscayne Aquifer. These materials are porous and saturated with water that is moving through them (groundwater). The water enters the Surficial Aquifer System as rainfall, seepage from canals, and seepage from the Everglades. This groundwater moves very slowly through the system toward the ocean and toward canals that are low enough to serve as drains. Groundwater is intercepted by water wells and used for drinking water, landscape irrigation, and other purposes. Much of the water that is not intercepted by wells reaches the ocean. Part of the Surficial Aquifer System conducts water so readily that it can yield thousands of gallons per minute to a municipal water well. That part is called the Biscayne Aquifer. Much of the water from the Biscayne Aquifer comes from porous limestone at depths ranging from 40 to 190 feet below the ground surface. The natural quality of the water from the Biscayne Aquifer is good, but it must be treated to reduce hardness caused by calcium dissolved from the limestone, and to reduce color caused by low concentrations of iron and organic matter. The Biscayne Aquifer is somewhat protected from contaminants introduced at the ground surface by the overlying part of the Surficial Aquifer System, where some contaminants may be removed while the water is slowly percolating downward to the Biscayne Aquifer. The aquifer is also protected by countywide pollution control regulations. In addition, more intensive regulation of hazardous substances at facilities near municipal water wells is provided by the County Wellfield Protection Ordinance (Chapter 27, Article XIII). What is saltwater intrusion? The Biscayne Aquifer is affected by saltwater intrusion. Saltwater intrusion is a natural process that occurs in coastal areas, when the elevation of the water table declines. The weight of the fresh water cannot hold back as much saltwater, and the wedge of saltwater that is always present beneath fresh water near the coast expands. Water table decline, sufficient to cause saltwater intrusion, has been caused by construction of drainage canals many years ago and is aggravated by extended periods of reduced rainfall and other factors. Saltwater intrusion becomes a threat when the interface moves far enough inland to render drinking water wells salty and unusable. Conversely, when the ground water table is raised, typically during periods of above average rainfall, the interface moves seaward. A saltwater intrusion monitoring system consisting of monitoring wells that are regularly sampled for salinity is in place between the municipal wellfields and the coast, and the results are analyzed to track intrusion and gain a better understanding of its causes and how to protect coastal wellfields (refer to Appendix B-7). 5

7 A by-product of pumping the municipal water supply wells is a reduction of water table elevation in the vicinity of the wellfields. This drawdown of the water table may affect nearby wetlands, and may have an adverse effect on saltwater intrusion. Consequently, computer simulation of the surface water and groundwater system is used to analyze how the canals and wellfields can be managed to maintain groundwater levels at wetlands and to reduce saltwater intrusion, while providing adequate municipal water supplies and reducing flooding. With continuing protection and proper water resource management, the Biscayne Aquifer should remain an abundant source of drinking water Nonetheless, the capacity of the Biscayne will be reduced with additional sea level rise and landward saltwater migration. This movement will ultimately necessitate the development of new water sources, along with conservation, to meet our existing and future water demands. How does climate change and sea level rise affect water availability and water management? Climate change and sea level rise can greatly influence water availability and water management. Both increased rainfall and increased drought periods are expected to occur as a result of climate change. Managing water during these periods will present challenges to water managers. In particular, sea level rise has the potential to exacerbate saltwater intrusion, thereby potentially forcing the closure of some potable wellfields, particularly in eastern Broward County, and impacting flood control as drainage of floodwaters to the ocean is compromised by reduced effectiveness of current flood infrastructure due to higher water levels. Source: Does the Non-Domestic Wastewater/NPDES Program license oil/water separators? No, the oil/water separators license is issued by either the Department of Health, if your property has a septic tank, or the local utility, if your property is sewered. Oil water separators are designed to remove oil from water so the oil can be disposed of properly. A good example of this application is its use in gas stations. Stations may wash oils down their drains. The oil/water separator allows for the separation and safe disposal of oils and grease. The diagram below shows a simplified drawing of an oil/water separator. Water from the oil/water separator is discharged to the sanitary sewer. Simplified Diagram of Oil/Water Separator Source: ersep02.pdf 6

8 Does the Non-Domestic Wastewater/NPDES Program license pretreatment of Industrial discharge? No, if a facility that performs industrial operations wants to discharge to the sanitary sewer they are required to contact the wastewater treatment plant in their area. The wastewater treatment plant will determine if the industrial operation needs a pretreatment license and will issue the license. Who licenses commercial car washing facilities? An occupational license from the city or local municipality is required to operate a commercial car wash facility. The Non-Domestic Wastewater/NPDES staff will provide review of plans upon request, to ensure the wastewater is collected properly; however the program does not issue the license. Are facilities that use biodegradable soaps exempt? No, regardless of the type of soap used in a carwash operation, the wastewater must be managed by the sanitary sewer system or a recycling system. Non-domestic discharges to surface or ground waters are not permitted. What happens to water from cooling towers? Cooling towers are components of larger air conditioning systems. Where there is no contact between the water and the product being cooled, the cooling water may be discharged to disposal wells, drain fields, or percolation ponds, provided that the discharge water meets effluent standards set forth in Section and the facility has applicable permit(s) by the State of Florida. Drainage and condensate facilities shall construct a permanent mechanism to direct wastewater from cleaning the system, facility and drainpipes to the sanitary sewer. Do the cooling towers need a license from Broward County? Unless exempted in Section , owner(s) of property within the geographic boundaries of Broward County upon which new cooling towers that use the water resources of the County are located, including cooling tower replacements, shall obtain from the Division a "Cooling Tower License" to operate a cooling tower. For more information, contact Ashok Raichoudhury (954) What is Domestic Wastewater? Every time you flush your toilet, wash your hands, turn on the dishwasher or do your laundry, you are creating domestic wastewater. Before 1950, most domestic wastewater was disposed of through septic systems or direct discharge from a number of small waste water treatment facilities. Today, while some Broward residents still use septic tanks, most households are connected through the sanitary sewers to a local utility's wastewater treatment plant. Who licenses Wastewater infrastructure in Broward County? The Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division s Domestic Wastewater Program licenses new and rehabilitated wastewater infrastructure, including sanitary sewer pipes, pumps, and treatment plants in Broward County. What is a Wastewater Treatment Plant? The majority of wastewater treatment systems in Broward County utilize the activated sludge method of treatment. The activated sludge treatment method is a biological process which uses microorganisms to digest organic material and to attain an acceptable effluent quality. This treatment method is a secondary treatment process. By 1977, all publicly owned wastewater treatment plants in Broward County were required to meet secondary treatment standards. Refer to Appendix B-12 for a Map of Wastewater Treatment Plant Service Boundaries in Broward County. 7

9 In operation, the activated sludge process takes raw wastewater (effluent) and allows it to settle. The settled effluent is mixed with activated sludge and mechanical aeration is applied. The effluent is then settled in a secondary settling basin, chlorinated (not always required), and discharged. This method is highly efficient and provides a clear wastewater effluent along with a settled sludge residual. The sludge is typically hauled away via trucks for various uses that range from landfill layering to application on agricultural fields. The primary component of the clear wastewater effluent is water along with various concentrations of nutrients, bacteria, and suspended solids. Depending on the level of treatment, the concentrations of these components will vary. Disposal of this clear wastewater effluent varies. Each alternative has associated costs and environmental factors. The disposal methods include deep well injection, ocean outfall, and reuse. What is Underground Injection? Underground injection is the technology of placing fluids underground, in porous formations of rocks, through wells or other similar conveyance systems. While rocks such as sandstone, shale, limestone appear to be solid, they can contain significant voids or pores that allow water and other fluids to fill and move through them. Man-made or produced fluids (liquids, gases or slurries) can move into the pores of rocks by the use of pumps or by gravity. The fluids may be water, wastewater or water mixed with chemicals. Injection well technology can predict the capacity of rocks to contain fluids and the technical details to do so safely. Who handles my wastewater/sewer service? In Broward County, 33 different utilities direct domestic wastewater (sewage) to 15 wastewater treatment plants (Appendix B-12). Broward County also regulates one reuse plant in Pompano Beach and a small package plant at mile marker 35 on I-75. What is the difference between sanitary sewers and storm water sewers? Under the streets of Broward County is a maze of pipes. Each pipe has a specific function, such as transporting potable water, reuse water, storm water, gas, etc. These pipes are sized to meet the service needs of a given area. Sanitary wastewater (sewer) pipes convey wastewater (domestic sewage, wash water, and anything else you put down the drain in your home) to a local utility's wastewater treatment plant. A pipe from your home (lateral) connects to a larger pipe (gravity main) in the street, alley or other utility easement. Maintenance of the lateral is generally the homeowner's responsibility. The contents of the gravity main flow to a lift station which pumps the wastewater into a force main. Under pressure, the wastewater (sewage) is conveyed to the treatment plant. The system is constructed to protect the public health by preventing untreated wastewater from leaking out into the environment. Unlike the sanitary sewer system, the storm water system is an open system designed to collect runoff and prevent flooding. Grates, gutters, and outfalls in the roads convey rainfall to large gravity pipes which eventually lead to surface water bodies, such as a canal or lake, or the rainwater percolates down into the ground water. Both of these systems are designed for a specific purpose. They are meant to keep sewage and storm water separate and manage storm and wastewater in a responsible manner. What is Surface Water Management? Many of the earlier developments in Broward County were built on filled wetlands with storm sewers or ditches draining directly from the streets to our local waterways. Houses and businesses often flooded and untreated storm runoff impacted water quality in our canals and rivers. Today, regulatory criteria for surface water management systems are designed to provide adequate flood control (water quantity) and remove pollutants from storm runoff (water quality). Surface water management (drainage) systems can contain storm drains, street gutters, weirs, sluice gates, dams, pumps, swales, French drains (a.k.a. exfiltration trenches), culverts, 8

10 drainage wells, dry retention areas, and storm runoff treatment lakes or wetlands. A combination of these facilities is typically utilized to design a surface water management system to meet water quality and water quantity criteria. Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division Surface Water Management Program licenses new developments and major redevelopment projects in those areas of the county outside of independent drainage districts. Please refer to Appendix B-8 for a Map of Drainage Districts. 9

11 BROWARD COUNTY S WATER RESOURCES PROGRAMS The planning for and protection of the County s water resources is the shared responsibility of a number of Broward County departments and agencies. However, the regulatory and planning functions of the County s water resources programs are primarily located within three Divisions of the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department (EPGMD). Planning for the County s water resources is the responsibility of the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division s Water Resources Policy & Planning Section which includes three main programs: the Water Resource Assessment Program, the Water Planning Program, and the Water Use Efficiency Program. The Water Resource Assessment Program helps to evaluate the status of Broward County s water resources to ensure threats of climate change, pollution, or over use are mitigated and our primary supply of water, the Biscayne Aquifer, remains sustainable. The Water Planning Program administers the Water Matters, NatureScape Broward, and Conservation Pays programs which are focused on county-wide water conservation and water quality protection efforts. The Water Use Efficiency Program administers the NatureScape Irrigation Service which provides technical evaluations of irrigation systems to improve irrigation efficiency. Additional support within EPCRD is provided by the Environmental Monitoring Laboratory through its Ambient Water Quality Program which measures the chemical, physical and biological conditions of the County s surface waters and gathers baseline data to assess overall conditions in each major waterway. Permitting, regulation, and enforcement for use of the County s water resources is primarily the responsibility of the Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division s Environmental Engineering and Licensing Section. The Section protects the water resources of Broward County through the regulation of surface water management systems, domestic wastewater discharges, non-domestic wastewater discharges and non-point source pollution. The Wellfield Protection Program is administered by the Compliance Assistance Program within the Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Division. The Wellfield Protection Program establishes protected areas around public and private wellfields and regulates the storage, handling, use, and production of regulated substances at facilities within the wellfield protected areas. The program s mission is to prevent hazardous chemicals from being released into the environment where the chemicals can migrate into our potable water supply. Additionally, within Broward County s Public Works Department, Water and Wastewater Services serves as both a utility, providing potable water to approximately 60,000 residents and wastewater services for approximately 1/3 of the County s residents, and as a water management district, operating and maintaining a network of canals. Other state and Federal agencies that provide support for managing and studying the County s water resources include the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Health, the United States Geological Survey, and the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Organizational charts, on the following pages, outline these Divisions and senior staffing. Program summaries, staff, and primary responsibilities are presented later in this document. 10

12 The general phone number for each agency is: BROWARD COUNTY: Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division Environmental Licensing and Building Permitting Division Pollution Prevention, Remediation and Air Quality Water and Wastewater Services Division OTHER AGENCIES: State of Florida South Florida Water Management District Florida Department of Environmental Protection (Southeast District) Florida Department of Health (Broward) Federal United States Army Corps of Engineers (Jacksonville District) United States Geological Survey (Florida Water Science Center-Fort Lauderdale Office) 11

13 Environmental Planning & Community Resilience Division Director Jennifer Jurado Assistant Director Samantha Danchuck Energy & Sustainability Water Resources Policy & Planning Beach & Marine Resources Land Stewardship Environmental Monitoring Environmental Licensing & Building Permitting Division (Water Programs only) Director Lenny Vialpando Environmental Engineering & Licensing Section Elissa Taylor NPDES/Non- Domestic Wastewater Domestic Wastewater Surface Water Aquatic/Wetland 12

14 Pollution Prevention Remediation and Air Quality Division Compliance Assistance Program (Wellfield Protection Program only) Director Jeff Halsey Environmental Licensing Manager Ali Younes Environmental Response and Wellfield Protection 13

15 The mission of the Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division is to protect, restore, and enhance, for the benefit of Broward County residents, visitors and ecosystems, the quality, abundance and diversity of the County s natural resources through coordinated management efforts, including research, planning, monitoring, project implementation, and outreach activities. This is accomplished through a number of Divisional programs. The Energy and Sustainability Program plays a central role in addressing the County s Climate Change Action Plan and managing regional climate and energy projects. Internally, Division staff participate in the Climate Change Government Operations Work Group looking for opportunities to reduce the carbon emissions caused by County government activities. The Water Resource Policy and Planning Section participates in policy development to optimize the beneficial uses of Broward County's water resources through review, oversight, and guidance of regional planning efforts and assessments. This section coordinates regional water resource management strategies through the development and application of models and best practices and the administration of the Water Matters and NatureScape Broward Programs focused on county-wide water conservation and water quality protection efforts. The Urban and Natural Lands Management Section administers the land stewardship program designed to provide funding support for the ecological restoration of publicly owned natural lands, and capital improvement of passive recreational areas. The program also monitors conservation lands, green space and open space sites in Broward County acquired through the 2000 Safe Parks and Land Preservation Bond Program. The Beach and Marine Resources Section administers programs which provide for beach erosion evaluation and prevention, artificial reef development and monitoring, coral reef management, endangered and threatened sea turtle conservation, marine habitat damage evaluation and restoration, and manatee protection. The Environmental Monitoring Lab is responsible for designing and conducting scientific surveys and investigations; supporting agency efforts in resource protection and environmental compliance; serving as a County-wide environmental laboratory resource; and providing technical and scientific support for other governmental and private sector entities. The Lab is NELAC-certified which ensures that the highest standards of environmental sample analyses are met. 14

16 The mission of the Water Resources Planning and Policy Section is to: Preserve, protect and enhance the sustainability of County water resources through policy recommendations and advocacy. Develop and coordinate the County-wide Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP) and associated projects. Evaluate current and future water supplies and environmental standards designed to protect surface and groundwater quality. Promote environmental stewardship and water conservation initiatives that fulfill the Broward Board of County Commissioner s vision to provide "A Pristine, Healthy Environment." The Water Resources Policy and Planning Section s activities is guided by the County-wide Integrated Water Resource Plan. The Water Resources Policy and Planning Section includes three principle programs: the Water Resource Assessment Program, the Water Planning Program, and the Water Use Efficiency Program. The Water Resource Assessment Program helps to evaluate the status of Broward County s water resources to ensure threats of climate change, pollution, or over use are mitigated and our primary supply of the Biscayne Aquifer remains sustainable. The Water Planning Program administers the Water Matters, NatureScape Broward, and Conservation Pays programs focused on county-wide water conservation and water quality protection efforts. The Water Use Efficiency Program administers the NatureScape Irrigation Service which provides technical evaluations of irrigation systems to improve irrigation efficiency. The three programs will be described in more detail below. Central to the Water Resources Policy and Planning Section s guiding framework is the Broward County-wide Integrated Water Resource Plan (IWRP). The IWRP is the ten-year plan of Broward County s water management community for meeting the needs of Broward s water users. It has been developed to coordinate the sources and users of water for effective and efficient local water management and to assist the local water suppliers in meeting the County s present and future urban and natural systems water needs. The IWRP was developed through the combined efforts of numerous Broward County stakeholders including municipalities, water utilities, drainage districts, environmental interest groups, and other local & state agencies involved in water management and which have participated in the process to shape water resource planning for the current and future water needs of the County. The IWRP offers local water managers a framework for helping to achieve long-term water supply and resource goals. The IWRP has four principle water management goals: To make the most of our local water resources, so that Broward s long-term water supply needs are met; To coordinate a diverse water management community, ensuring the efficient and effective management of our water resources; To match up local water sources and users to ensure that water supplies are available when and where they re needed; To diversify water supplies to create flexibility and options so that the needs of urban and natural systems are met under wet and dry conditions. To accomplish these goals, the IWRP was developed in a phased approach with a focus on four plan components: canal system integration, natural system integration, utility system integration, and policy integration. 15

17 This process resulted in a number of studies, programs, and ongoing efforts that have shaped, and continue to shape, the IWRP. Among these have been utilities & secondary canal needs assessments, wetlands needs assessments, secondary canal integration projects, hydrologic model development and application, and a targeted public outreach program. Although the original intent of the IWRP was to make more efficient use of local rainfall and stormwater runoff, concerns about regional water availability and increasing population pressures has resulted in greater emphasis on the identification and pursuit of alternative water supply (AWS) projects in short-term planning efforts. Hence, while the IWRP continues to support the efficient use and management of existing water resources, the County is also actively involved in efforts to identify and pursue sub-regional AWS projects that are multi-jurisdictional and have the potential to assist multiple communities in meeting future water needs while reducing the County s reliance upon the Everglades system. Source: Water Resources Policy and Planning Section Program Descriptions The Water Resources Policy and Planning Section includes three principle programs: the Water Resource Assessment Program, the Water Planning Program, and the Water Use Efficiency Program. The Water Resource Assessment Program helps to evaluate the status of Broward County s water resources to ensure threats of climate change, pollution, or over use are mitigated and our primary supply of the Biscayne Aquifer remains sustainable. The Water Planning Program administers the Water Matters, NatureScape Broward, and Conservation Pays programs focused on county-wide water conservation and water quality protection efforts. The Water Use Efficiency Program administers the NatureScape Irrigation Service which provides technical evaluations of irrigation systems to improve irrigation efficiency. The three programs will be described in more detail in the following sections. The Water Resources Assessment Program (WRAP) provides a technical foundation for activities undertaken by the Policy and Planning Program. WRAP consists of technical staff with expertise in the areas of hydrologic modeling and Geographic Information System applications who organize, analyze, and synthesize information on the County s water resources. Responsibilities include technical review and comments on the hydrologic implications of regional and local water supply and resource management plans; technical analysis of surface and groundwater hydrology, including the development and application of hydrologic models to aid in planning activities; and, the coordination of efforts related to climate change, salt water intrusion monitoring and management, wellhead protection zone modeling, and recharge studies. Staff in the WRAP provides critical support in implementation of the IWRP as the County seeks to refine its water management strategies to achieve multiple water management objectives. Much of staff s efforts are dedicated to identifying ways for optimizing the use of our surface waters, regardless of the source, to maintain groundwater levels and provide aquifer recharge. These activities are critical to the County s ability to meet current and future water supply needs while maintaining and enhancing our natural areas and protecting the integrity of the Biscayne Aquifer. Staff has overseen the development of County-wide hydrologic models that are used to develop and analyze regional alternative water supply projects and water management strategies as well as variable density hydrologic models used to assist in local efforts to better manage and abate saltwater intrusion.through water quality modeling. These hydrologic modeling tools and resources have broad application and staff is available to provide municipalities and water utilities with modeling support to help investigate the benefits of various sub-regional water supply and drainage projects. 16

18 Current Projects C-51 Reservoir The C-51 reservoir is a proposed alternative water supply project which would capture stormwater runoff in the C-51 basin in Palm Beach County. This would help reduce harmful runoff of stormwater to the Lake Worth Lagoon while also providing a source of water that could be released and routed to municipal wellfields, including those in Broward County, in the dry season. With this augmentation of freshwater sources, water utilites will be able to make expanded use of stranded capacity at existing treatment facilities, a water development strategy that is recognized to be more economical than alternative treatment requirements for brackish Floridan Aquifer sources. For these reasons the multi-purpose C-51 reservoir merits strong consideration as a primary future alternative water source. Saltwater Intrusion Modeling Many of Broward County's oldest and largest cities are found along the coast where their drinking water supplies are threatened by saltwater intrusion and sea level rise. Broward County, in collaboration with the USGS, has been developing variable density models to help better manage this threat. The models are calibrated to historic data sets, and subject to sensitivity analyses are used to determine which natural and anthropogenic stresses have most affected the historical movement, and are used to perform predictive analyses to test future conditions both with and without adaptation strategies. Climate Change/ Storm water Modeling With increased flooding in response to high tides and or high rainfall storm events the County is expanding its groundwater modeling to include a new Urban Runoff Package. The modeling focuses on two representative areas of Broward County: 1) a tidally influenced community and 2) an inland community dependent on downstream drainage. The model will be used to assess the effects of downscaled climate data and projected sea level rise scenarios and the testing of potential adaptation strategies. Floridian Aquifer Feasibility Study The use of the Floridian Aquifer as an alternative water supply with increasing population and possible loss of traditional sources (to saltwater intrusion) has prompted additional studies for optimal and sustainable use. Work by the County was conducted in two phases. The completed Phase 1 of the Upper Floridan Feasibility Study gathered all available well information and commissioned a new well to be drilled, cored, and logged. Through the use of borehole geophysical data in conjunction with core sample data, the hydrogeologic framework of the Floridan Aquifer system in Eastern Broward County was then delineated. In total, 84 wells at 33 sites were utilized to help construct the cross-sections and maps representing the stratigraphic and hydrogeologic units of the Floridan Aquifer in urban Broward County. An additional component of the project was to complete seismic profiling along approximately 14 miles of the Hillsboro Canal. This resulted in seismic reflection data that were then correlated to the borehole geophysical data. Phase II of the Upper Floridan Feasibility Study is currently underway to further refine the hydrogeologic framework and regional extent developed from Phase I. The current status of the project includes the completed acquisition and processing of an almost 60 miles of seismic-reflection data which will be used to complement the original 14 miles previously obtained along the Hillsboro Canal. The newly acquired seismic-reflection profiles locations include reaches of the C-9, C-11, C-13, L-36, L-35A, and North New River Canal. Enhanced technology and data collection methods now allow for the viewing of the part of the surficial aquifer, Upper Floridan, Avon Park Permeable Zone, Lower Floridan, Boulder Zone, and possibly upper Cretaceous limestone. Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Broward County, the U.S. Geological Survey, the South Florida Water Management District, and numerous municipalities fund the collection of water quality as part of regional networks to evaluate (chlorides and nutrients) and quantify (groundwater and surface water elevation) data. 17

19 Ground Water Links United States Geological Survey (USGS) South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) National Ground Water Association (NGWA) For more information about the Water Resource Assessment Program, contact: Mike Zygnerski (954) Central Everglades Planning Project The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). It is a packaging of projects with the goal of delivering a finalized plan, Project Implementation Report (PIR), for a suite of restoration projects in the central Everglades for congressional authorization, as part of the CERP. Broward County participated in the project development team meetings and sub groups such as the water supply group to review plans, make suggestions, voice concerns, and verify results. The CEPP initiative involved linking many previously planned projects into an integrated project planthat could be implemented sequentially to provide immediate, environmental benefits, including the restoration of traditional sheet flows through the central Everglades. Wellhead Protection Modeling The Water Resources Assessment Program has developed a computer model to simulate groundwater flow around each water supply well. The model is used to determine the dimensions of wellfield zones as defined in Broward County Code Article XIII. Certain activities are restricted or prohibited in these zones to prevent hazardous materials from entering our water supply. For more information about wellfields and Broward County's Wellfield Protection Program see Appendix B-14 and the County s wellfield page at: Saltwater Monitoring Network The Water Resources Assessment Program has been monitoring saltwater intrusion since the 1980's. Nearly a hundred monitoring wells have been designed and built specifically for measuring groundwater chloride levels. Chloride levels are measured quarterly or monthly, trends are identified and chloride changes are easily detected. Early detection of changes in the groundwater can aid in protecting our potable water supply wells from salt water contamination. See Appendix B-7. Integrated Modeling The Water Resources Assessment Program has completed a computer simulation model which integrates the interaction of surface and groundwater flows, rainfall, and well pumpage, and simulates the aquifer's response to various external stimuli. That model is now being used for flood control and water management. 18

20 WATER RESOURCES ASSESSMENT PROGRAM EMPLOYEE INFORMATION Vacant Water Resources Manager Water Resource Assesment Program Mike Zygernski NRS IV Katie Lelis Engineer II The Water Resources Planning Program administers the policy, planning, and outreach components of the IWRP. With our growing urban population, increasing demands for water, and the unpredictability of rainfall from year to year, managing our water resources is the only way we can ensure an adequate water supply is available when we need it most. And while we will have to look at alternatives such as reverse osmosis and wastewater reuse in the future to meet our demands, making better use of our existing water supplies through conservation makes sense and is the most cost-effective and efficient means of reducing our water demands and making more water available for natural systems, drinking, recreation, and commerce. Staff oversees the County s water conservation efforts through a series of programs that focus on both indoor and outdoor water conservation. These include: Water Matters, NatureScape Broward, and the Water Conservation Incentives/Conservation Pays program. Water Matters Program - A Public Outreach Campaign The IWRP has shaped the programmatic approach of the Policy and Planning Section. Of the four (4) principle strategies of the IWRP (secondary canal integration, utility integration, natural resources integration, and policy integration), the policy integration portion of the plan cultivated an important outreach program known as Water Matters. The Water Matters outreach campaign is designed to produce long-term water demand reductions along with improvements in water quality by demonstrating that individuals can make a tremendous difference in water quantity and water quality. Water Matters outreach programs, targeted at various users, include Water Matters Day, Know the Flow, NatureScape Broward, and Conservation Pays. Source: WATER MATTERS DAY Water Matters Day is an annual community outreach event that educates homeowners about the role they play in managing water resources in their homes, yards and communities and encourages greater environmental stewardship. The event is supported by a number of sponsors including various municipalities, drainage districts, and the SFWMD. Water Matters Day features several water related educational booths, giveaways (trees, native plants, rain gauges, etc.), workshops and family entertainment to help residents understand the 19

21 importance of protecting our water resources and learn how to maintain beautiful yet environmentally friendly yards, addressing issues such as proper irrigation, landscaping, fertilization, and integrated pest management. The workshops and booths provide an important opportunity for learning in small groups where questions can be answered personally. Water Matters Day provides a unique educational opportunity for organizations to showcase programs that support the critical idea that by working together we can have affordable, high quality water for now and for the future. This event is part of the Broward County Water Matters program, Water for Everyone. People. Plants. Animals. Source: KNOW THE FLOW Part of Water Matters Outreach Program, Know the Flow is a water management course presented monthly and geared towards the thousands of licensed property managers in Broward County, as well as municipal employees, homeowner associations, landscape service providers, and community groups. The Know the Flow Program provides a comprehensive overview of water management systems and operations in Broward County with a discussion of the challenges of providing for the flood control and water supply needs of a largely urban area with little surface topography. The Know the Flow program encourages participants to adopt environmentally-sound landscape practices and implement other Best Management Practices relating to the maintenance of stormwater systems in order to help protect the County s water resources while maintaining essential drainage needs. It provides attendees with the tools necessary to effectively participate and support these critical water management activities. The Know the Flow course is delivered in cooperation with the South Florida Water Management District. Participants are eligible to receive four continuing education credits in the subject of Operation of the Community Association's Physical Property from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Landscape professionals with a pesticide applicator license are also eligible for continuing education credits. To register for Know the Flow, contact: Kimberly Mayo at Source: NATURESCAPE BROWARD It is estimated that 50% of household water use in Broward County is used outdoors for irrigation. Landscape choices and practices drive outdoor water needs and affect water quality. NatureScape Broward is a program designed to help people learn about, create, and maintain attractive, low maintenance, low impact, healthy landscapes that reflect and help protect Florida's natural resources. The goal of NatureScape Broward is to protect water quality and quantity, and create wildlife habitat through appropriate landscaping practices, the prudent use of our water resources, and the planting of native, non-invasive, and other drought tolerant plants in Broward County. NatureScapes are Florida Friendly yards and landscapes that: Conserve water by using native and other drought-tolerant plants; Reduce stormwater contamination caused by pesticides and fertilizers; Use integrated pest control practices; Provide food, water and shelter for resident and migrating wildlife; and Recycle yard waste into mulch and compost Primary NatureScape Broward concepts include: Right Plant, Right Place -stresses the importance of ensuring that plants are selected and planted in appropriate locations based on their intended function and growth requirements. 20

22 Get the Water Right -encourages homeowners to understand the irrigation requirements of their yards. In conjunction with this theme, a companion brochure on Landscape Best Management Practices has been developed to discuss the importance of best management practices and provide homeowners with tips on irrigation, stormwater management, fertilizer application, vegetation management, and NatureScaping. Landscape BMPs emphasizes the minimal and proper use of fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals whilepromoting Integrated Pest Management in order to reduce the runoff of pollutants from our landscapes. NatureScape programs are offered through regularly scheduled classes and at the request of interested groups, such as garden clubs and community associations. As a result of this program, over 3,660 backyards (as of March 2015), schoolyards, workplaces, public properties, and homeowner communities have been certified as NatureScapes in Broward County. NatureScape certifies yards through the National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat and the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Programs. Over 2,700 of Broward s NatureScapes have been certified through the National Wildlife Federal Backyard Wildlife Habitat program. Source: NATURESCAPE/BROWARD SCHOOLS PARTNERSHIP NatureScape Broward has partnered with the School Board of Broward County through an Environmental Partnership Agreement to bring NatureScape principles into Broward public schools. The program includes the provision of environmental programs, trainings, landscape installations, irrigation evaluations, and an annual P 3 Eco-Challenge open to all schools, students, and teachers. Educating school age children about the environment and their role in preserving and protecting the natural resources for the future instills environmental stewardship at an early age. Competitions and events such as the P 3 Eco-Challenge aid in the development of these environmental stewards. Through a partnership with Broward County Public Schools, the sixth largest school district in the nation, County staff are training and educating school students and staff about our environment and how to care for it. Source: BROWARD WATER CONSERVATION INCENTIVES PROGRAM/CONSERVATION PAYS The Broward Water Conservation Incentives Program was developed and implemented by a partnership between the County and 19 municipalities within Broward County. The Incentives Program was launched to help save water, money, and the environment and promote indoor water conservation The partnership has adopted the name Conservation Pays to promote the program. The goal of the program is to achieve a 10% County-wide per capita reduction over 20 years to achieve 30 MGD in savings. The program has two primary objectives: Encourage a stronger water conservation ethic among water users through increased public education and outreach; and Provide incentives and resources to residents for significant water savings through plumbing retrofits The program, which began in late 2011, originated through a recommendation by the Broward County Water Advisory Board in 2009 and was advanced by the Water Resources Task Force in Through Fiscal Year 2014, the program has saved 700 million gallons of water per year through the retrofit of high efficiency toilets and distribution of other water saving devices. 21