Either I just didn’t seen it when I looked a few days ago, or they added it since I looked:

VI. NEW BUSINESS

9. Approval of Opposition Letter- Water 1^st N Florida; Sara Little

Even though that’s on the agenda as “Info Only”, the Agenda Item Request Form on page 157 says “2. Recommended Motion/Action: Approve the opposition letter as submitted.” and “ASAP”

The Baker County Commission meeting started at 5 PM today, so presumably they have already approved this letter.

Thanks to St. Marys Riverkeeper Emily Floore for the tip.

Baker County opposes Water First North Florida 2026-04-07, Environment, Public Health, Agriculture, Economy

For similar letters and resolutions from other counties and regional bodies, for who you can contact, including a peitition, and for much more about WFNF, see:

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

Here is the Baker County agenda for today and the relevant pages from the board packet:

https://www.bakercountyfl.org/board/agenda/CountyCommission_472026_1.pdf

Baker County
Board of Commissioners
55 NORTH THIRD STREET
MACCLENNY, FLORIDA 32063
(904) 259-3613 @ (904) 259-7610
SARA LITTLE, COUNTY MANAGER
RONALD MANN, CHAIRMAN

April 7, 2026

Ms. Virginia Johns, Chair
Suwannee River Water Management District
9225 CR 49
Live Oak, Florida 32060

Re: Opposition to the Water First North Florida Project

Dear Ms. Johns:

The Baker County Board of County Commissioners respectfully writes to formally oppose the proposed Water First North Florida Project. On behalf of our residents, we have significant concerns regarding the potential adverse environmental, public health, and economic impacts associated with this project.

While we recognize the importance of ensuring sustainable water resources for North Florida, the proposed approach raises substantial concerns. The plan to transfer large volumes of treated wastewater into the Floridan Aquifer introduces uncertainty regarding long-term negative impacts. As demonstrated through similar concerns raised by neighboring counties, the scale and methodology of this project differ significantly from prior efforts and have not been sufficiently proven safe for our region.

Additionally, the proposal to transport this water over long distances through extensive pipeline infrastructure introduces further risk. A failure, leak, or rupture at any point along the system could result in the catastrophic uncontrolled release of wastewater into surrounding lands, wetlands, or waterways. Such an event would have immediate and lasting environmental consequences and pose devastating risks to neatby communities. Given the length and complexity of the proposed conveyance system, the potential for mechanical failure or unforeseen incidents cannot be ignored.

Our primary concerns include:

1. Environmental Impact
   The springs, rivers, and aquifer systems that support Baker County are already under stress. Introducing treated wastewater at the proposed scale could result in unintended and potentially irreversible negative ecological consequences. Additional clarity is needed regarding contaminant removal and long-term monitoring.
2. Public Health and Water Security
   Residents rely heavily on clean groundwater for drinking water. There remains uncertainty about the safety and reliability of even treated wastewater entering the aquifer, and insufficient assurance has been provided to guarantee protection of public health.
3. Economic Consequences
   Baker County’s economy depends on agriculture, natural resources, and outdoor recreation. Any degradation of water quality will negatively impact these sectors and impose long-term financial burdens on our community.
4. Uncertain Risk vs. Local Benefit
   Current information does not clearly demonstrate a direct benefit to Baker County that would justify the potential risks.

Once implemented, the consequences of this project may not be easily reversed. Given the magnitude of uncertainty, including the risks associated with long-distance transport infrastructure, and the potential for widespread impact, we believe it is not prudent to proceed with the project in its current form.

For these reasons, the Baker County Board of County Commissioners strongly opposes the Water First North Florida Project. We respectfully urge the Suwannee River Water Management District and all relevant agencies to reconsider this proposal and pursue alternative solutions that prioritize the long-term protection of our water resources and communities.

Sincerely,

Ronald Mann, Chair
District 1, County Commissioner

Oliver J. Anderson, District 2
Tyler Mobley, District 3
Blake Iverson, District 4,
Mark Hartley, District 5

Re: Opposition to the Water First North Florida Project, 2026-04-07 –Baker County BOCC
PDF

For these reasons, the Baker County Board of County Commissioners strongly opposes the Water First North Florida Project, 2026-04-07 –Baker County BOCC
PDF

AG

9. Approval of Opposition Letter- Water 1st N Florida; Sara Little, 2026-04-07 –Baker County BOCC
PDF

AS

Agenda Sheet, 2026-04-07 –Baker County BOCC
PDF

Baker County Logo

BOCC

Ronald Mann, 2026-04-07 –Baker County BOCC

 -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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