WATER

[ConeyIsBabe]

A friend knows I'm researching central FL and he said there's some sort of water "shortage", "problem", "questionable drinking quality"....... I DUNNO! So, I'm coming right to the source of knowledge and experience and asking y'all.

Please tell me 'bout the water in central Florida !! (If this has already been discussed, I'm sorry to regurgitate it again) ::)

[redwitch]

We're in a drought. Not as bad as Atlanta area, but water is rationed. We can only water lawns once a week and plants have to be water conservative. The drinking water tastes pretty foul (at least to me) but that's easy to get around -- either get a fridge that dispenses water (they have filters in them) or get a Britta or buy a water softening system for the entire house.

[The Great Fumar]

We are north of 466 and our drinking water is fine from the tap...........But true we do only water once a week but it seems to be sufficient.........
fumar

[JohnN]

well, taking showers with your SO may not be a bad idea,

I have read that The Villages actually has very high quality water for drinking

we should be careful with it anyway, it will be the "new oil" in a few years

[golfnut]

We are south of 466 and have no issues with the water, tastes fine to me. We do use a brita for drinking water and cooking, not to change taste just to remove any unseen gremlins.

[redwitch]

Hey, water tastes bad to me in general. Have yet to find one I like but I really don't like the water here -- too much chlorine to my nose.

[Muncle]

Do not ~~ I repeat ~~ DO NOT believe the spiel of the plethora of water treatment people who contact all new homeowners. :yikes: First of all, their tests and "statistics" are totally bogus. :yikes: Second, more than likely you will not receive the "gift" promised to you for letting them in. The water here is fine, if scarce. It's a bit too hard for me, but that seems to be a preference issue. Certainly not a problem requiring thousands of bucks for equipment and yearly supplies and services. :yikes:

Regardless, you don't want to drink water. Fish . :edit: . . sorry

[ConeyIsBabe]

JohnN...... May I ask........ what do you mean water will be the "new oil" in a few years; is it a permanent shortage or seasonal or ? THANKS FOR ALL REPLIES.

[Mikitv]

Coney:

I have lived in TN and Ark for the past 11 years and most of that time we have had a drought. My sister has had same experience over in South Carolina. Most of the southern states are in some kind of drought stress.

[redwitch]

Water is becoming a prime commodity all over the world. Having lived through a few droughts in California, I've truly come to appreciate how important it is. I've also learned that it is not an unlimited resource. I don't know what the story is in Florida but in California the aquifers are being used up at a tremendous rate. Every year the reservoirs are going down 2-5%. So are the rivers. So, I agree with JohnN -- the countries with excess water will have a major source of revenue. Those that don't will suffer severe hardships (look at Africa over the past 50 years -- it's a frightening picture).

This is not a problem with just a state or two or even an area or country. It is a worldwide issue that is going to become a very serious problem in the future.

(Okay, I'll get off my soapbox, but I think you get the basics.)

[JohnN]

CIB,
I'm not clever enough to make that up, read it somewhere recently.
As redwitch says, out west , and in Georgia, and here in Arkansas/Tennessee, plenty of droughts and seems to be spreading. More people and less water.

I hope we can desalinize the oceans at some nominal cost, that may help.
But there is plenty of interest in water, all over the world.

But... given our age, not likely to overly affect us except to conserve.

[another Linda]

You all know of course that Sybericuse will be reborn! Plenty of water and come global warming ...



(but we still want to be in TV)

[784caroline]

Although it is rationed it is expensive......not sure I could afford twice a week sprinkler service for the lawn!!

[mmclover]

What is the average water bill? Is there a sewer charge?

[chuckinca]

In Marion County, our water bill for just the landscape on a 7500 SF lot (we only visit about three weeks a year until next year when I retire) runs about $60 a month.
It includes sewage for the same quantity of water going thru the water meter - even tho normally none of it gets into the sewer.

In California our water bill is about $50 every two months and maybe 2/3 of that is in home use by the wife and I. The sewers are billed with the property tax and I haven't looked at what portion of the property tax is for sewers.

[billethkid]

First of all there is no shortage!!!
The water tables are down like they are in most areas that have not had normal rain fall for the past year.
Water quality is a matter of taste...as far as chemically correct....it is. Go to many parts of the country and they have smelly water, sulphur tasting....but chemically safe to drink.
Some areas have hard water or soft water.
Water is not an issue in FL....it will be in other states long before FL.
Water shortage while still allowing watering lawns? Unlimited hose watering? No consumption restrictions? Many, many, MANY new housing permits approved every day! New developements being approved!!
I know of not a single solitary person in FL who has been inconvenienced by lack of water...
Endless supply? Of course not. Here in FL or anywhere else. Water availability a factor whether to move to FL or not....I don't think so.....your friend is incorrect!!!

C'mon down with the other thousands per month coming in.


Maybe your friend was referring to the extreme lack of snow melt here :joke:

BTK

PS if there ever was a water shortage here we could just have the snow birds bring lots back with them :joke:

[SteveZ]

Florida is a peninsula which draws most of its fresh water from the aquifer. The aquifer has a finite capacity to provide fresh water, and the population of the state is increasing. This situation has been going on for many years and the various water management agencies across the state control the public "tap" on water.

The St. John's River Water Management District (http://sjr.state.fl.us/) is the overseer of the TV water supply. If you really want the low-down about the water situation in the area, that's the place to go.

There is a lot of concern about water levels in the Southeast US, especially in South FL where Lake Okeechobee is the major reservoir for that area. The US Army Corps of Engineers controls that lake and monitors its levels.

[ConeyIsBabe]

SteveZ...... after asking my friend to be more specific about water concerns...... it was exactly what your post has described -AQUIFER long-term impact issues.