Here is the letter against WFNF and for sustainable water solutions that Columbia County approved on March 5, 2026.

For much more about WFNF, including all the other local government letters and resolutions, see:

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

Opposition to Water First North Florida by Columbia County BOCC, March 5, 2026

District No. 1 – Kevin Parnell
District No. 2 – Rocky Ford
District No. 3 – Robby Hollingsworth
District No. 4 – Everett Phillips
District No. 5 – Tim Murphy

Board OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS @ COLUMBIA COUNTY

March 5, 2026

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 Columbia County Board of County Commissioners formally opposes the proposed Water First North Florida project. We believe the project poses unacceptable risks to the long-term welfare of our county and region. Our key concerns are as follows:

1. Environmental Impact
   Our springs and rivers are already under stress. Additional withdrawals or impacts could cause irreversible damage. We need clarity on which contaminants are monitored and what treatment wetlands cannot remove.
2. Public Health and Water Security
   Residents have expressed uncertainty about the safety of purified reclaimed drinking water. Protecting the reliability of local wells and public water systems remains essential.
3. Economic Consequences
   Our economy depends on healthy natural resources, including eco-tourism, agriculture, and recreation. Any harm to spring systems could impose significant financial costs. We request clear evaluation of these risks,
4. Lack of Local Benefit
   Current documentation shows limited benefit to our community while placing disproportionate risk on Columbia County. We cannot support a project that may compromise local resources without clear, direct value to our residents.

For these reasons, the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners opposes the Water First North Florida project in its current form. We urge reviewing agencies and decision-makers to pursue sustainable alternatives that protect the long-term health of our water resources.

Sincerely,

Tim Murphy, Chair
On behalf of the Columbia County Board of County Commissioners

www.columbiacountyfla.com

P.O. BOX 1529 LAKE CITY, FLORIDA 32056-1529 PHONE (386) 755-4100

Opposition to the Water First North Florida Project, 2026-03-05 –Columbia County BOCC
PDF

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

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