Madison County was the first elected body to oppose #WFNF.

This is the letter posted by Madison County Commissioner Donnie Waldrep Sr. on February 27, 2026.

For all such letters and resolutions and more, see:

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

Madison County against Water First North Florida 2026-02-27, #WFNF: JAX treated wastewater into Suwannee Basin

Suwannee River Water Management District
9225 CR 49
Live Oak, Florida 32060

Subject: Opposition to the Water First North Florida Project

To Whom It May Concern,

The Madison Board of County Commissioners respectfully submits this letter to express our formal opposition to the proposed Water First North Florida project. After reviewing available project materials, we believe the project poses potential risks to the longterm welfare of our county and the surrounding region.

Key concerns include:

1. Environmental Impact
   Our region has already experienced declining spring flows and fragile river systems. Additional strain on these resources may cause irreversible harm. Providing clear information about which contaminants are monitored and what treatment wetlands do not remove would help us better understand the project.
2. Public Health and Water Security
   Concerns regarding the quality of purified reclaimed drinking. water for our residents. Ensuring the reliability of local wells and public water systems must remain a top priority.
3. Economic Consequences
   Our local economy depends heavily on natural resources, including ecotourism, agriculture, and recreation, Negative environmental effects would place unnecessary financial burdens on these industries and the communities that rely on them. How are risks to spring systems being evaluated?
4. Local Benefit
   Based on current documentation, the project appears to serve interests outside our immediate region while leaving our county to shoulder potential risk. We cannot support an initiative that may compromise local resources without clear benefits to our residents.

For these reasons, the Madison County Board of County Commissioners strongly opposes the Water First North Florida project in its current form. We urge all reviewing agencies and decisionmakers to consider sustainable alternatives that protect the longterm health of our water resources.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Ronnie Moore, Chair

(On behalf of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners)

Letter

Alston Kelley, District 1, 2026-02-27 –Madison County BOCC

Donnie Waldrep, District 2, 2026-02-27 –Madison County BOCC

Ronnie Moore, District 3 and Chair, 2026-02-27 –Madison County BOCC

Alfred Martin, District 4, 2026-02-27 –Madison County BOCC

Rick Davis, District 5, 2026-02-27 –Madison County BOCC

Logos

Madison County BOCC Logo

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

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https://wwals.net/donations/

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