Alachua, Columbia and Gilchrist counties will see their aquifers get lower over the next 20 years while demand for water increases - meaning there might not be enough water for the population, according to a recently issued regional report.
Springs and streams could even dry up, according to the report issued by the Suwannee River Water Management District.
The 2010 Water Supply Assessment evaluates existing and projected water uses over a 20-year period and the impact of those demands on water resources and natural systems.
The assessment also examines the availability of alternative water supplies and conservation measures to meet water needs.
The low-range water demand projections -- based on average population growth and water use trends -- indicate that by 2030, water demands will increase District-wide by 10.3 million gallons per day for all water use categories.
The high-range projection, which accounts for a peak growth scenario, indicates an increase of 62.8 million gallons per day.
The assessment shows a decline in groundwater levels in parts of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Suwannee and Union counties.
"The assessment indicates that the northeastern portion of the District may not have sufficient groundwater supplies to meet water demands and protect natural systems, such as stream and spring flows, over the next 20 years," said Carlos Herd, the District's water supply project manager.
The Alapaha River, Upper and Lower Santa Fe River and Upper Suwannee River basins were identified as water supply planning regions.
Water supply plans will identify strategies to offset projected water resource impacts.
The District is required by law to develop regional water supply plans for areas where groundwater sources are unable to meet demands over 20 years.
The report can be downloaded in its entirety in PDF format from: http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/northfloridaherald.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/5/c4/75b/5c475bbc-0ddc-11e0-a7c4-001cc4c03286-revisions/4d12132c6
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