South Lake Regional Water Initiative

Water Resource Associates (WRA) was recently awarded the Alternative Water Supply Strategic Services project by the South Lake Regional Water Initiative (SLRWI).  The SLRWI is made up of South Lake County communities including Clermont; Groveland; Mascotte; Minneola; and Montverde; Lake County Government; and Lake Utility Services, Inc.  The SLRWI was created to foster a cooperative approach to solving the South Lake Cities current and future water resource demands. This study will analyze and determine water demand projections; potential water conservation initiatives; environmental mitigation strategies for impacted water bodies; and water supply projects to meet future water needs.

The St. John’s River Water Management District, SJRWMD, has developed a groundwater model for the Central Florida service area and is in the process of refining the model output. Preliminary results show that the South Lake County area is currently being impacted by groundwater withdrawals from both local and remote wells.  Established Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) on South Lake County lakes are being exceeded by groundwater pumpage.  This project will further analyze these impacts and develop alternatives for a collective approach to resolving these environmental issues while at the same time assuring South Lake County’s future water supply.