City of Gainesville - File #: 130190.

• File #: 130190.
• Version: 1
• Type: Discussion Item
• Status: Filed
• File created: 8/6/2013
• In control: General Manager for Utilities
• On agenda: 8/15/2013
• Final action: 8/15/2013
• Title: Minimum Flows and Levels and Consumptive Use Permitting (B) Staff recommends City Commission receive a presentation from the Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) on the Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. In addition, GRU staff will provide a brief update on the status of the Consumptive Use Permitting (CUP) renewal.

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
8/15/2013	1	City Commission	Heard

Title
Minimum Flows and Levels and Consumptive Use Permitting (B)

Staff recommends City Commission receive a presentation from the Executive Director of the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) on the Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs. In addition, GRU staff will provide a brief update on the status of the Consumptive Use Permitting (CUP) renewal.


Explanation
MFLs are established to protect water resources from significant harm resulting from permitted water withdrawals. MFLs are developed using available meteorological, hydrological, and ecological data. The MFL is the minimum amount of flow or the minimum water level that ensures the health of the water body for which it is established. MFLs are important in the assessment of water resources and can impact decisions to grant or deny a consumptive use permit, or declare a water shortage. The SRWMD has developed a draft MFL for the Lower Santa Fe River. The MFL for the Lower Santa Fe River could impact decisions regarding local water supply and GRUs consumptive use permit. The District is currently conducting a public review/comment period and peer review process. GRU is engaged in this review process and may provide comments on the proposed MFL.

GRU has been working with the SRWMD and St. John’s River Water Management District (SJRWMD) in developing a consumptive use permit application for GRU. GRU presented the general basis for the permit application to the City Commission on October 4th, 2012. GRU Staff and the water management districts have met numerous times to ensure that the proper information and demonstrations are included in GRU’s CUP application. The application demonstrates a reasonable-beneficial water use that does not interfere with existing legal users and is consistent with the public interest. These elements are considered the three primary elements that must be demonstrated to receive a permit...