[Johnd]

The posters so far may be a little ahead of the facts.

According to the referenced news story, the 2 springs from which the water would come presently have a flow rate of 11.8 million gallons a day. I think that means the 2 springs dump 11.8 million gallons of water a day onto the ground. The company proposes to take .5 million gallons a day. So, 4% of the water dumped on the ground will instead be put into bottles.

The company seeks a 20 year permit. In addition, I think in an emergency, the St. John’s Authority has power to limit users on a blanket or class basis. References to “water rights” seem to be a non starter.

The article also mentions a hydrogeologic analysis indicating a 3 inch drop in the Florida aquifer and 5 inches in the surficial aquifer. Doesn’t sound like the stuff of sinkholes but I’m not sure.

As to the Marion county approval for the “cattle rancher (billionaire)”, I’m pretty sure even a billionaire couldn’t drink 1.46 million gallons a day. It’s probably for cows. Is it fair to wonder if the request would be more respectable if it came from a rancher who was just getting by. Just asking.

Now a little research indicates this is not a new taking, but, according to the Authority, “officials said the permit, the subject of lengthy debate and legal proceedings, combines two existing water use permits for the land and does not allow any increase in water use by the ranch.” Wow, lengthy debate and legal proceedings. No increase in use. What’s up with that? Well, “the District's decision was required by law to be based solely on the record of the administrative proceedings.” Turns out an administrative law judge reviewed the “lengthy record” and ruled for the company.