A pullquote:

Finally, the Board must note the utter disrespect that has been shown to the Board and citizens of Hamilton County.

Hamilton County Commission against the utter disrespect of SRWMD and JEA about WFNF 2026-03-24

For much more about this project to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville into the Suwannee River Basin, see:

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

Hamilton Rivers, facebook, March 31, 2026, Public Statement: Water First North Florida Project,

To address recent questions and speculation, the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners wants to be clear:

On March 24, 2026, the Board unanimously voted to formally oppose the proposed Water First North Florida Project.

We remain committed to protecting the citizens and natural resources of Hamilton County.

— Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners

Here is that letter from Hamilton County to SRWMD:

Office of
Board of County Commissioners

March 24, 2026

Mr. Hugh Thomas
Executive Director
Suwannee River Water Management District
9225 County Road 49
Live Oak, Florida 32060

Re: Hamilton County’s Objection to Water First North Florida Project

Dear Mr. Thomas:

Following a specially called meeting, the Board of County Commissioners in and for Hamilton County, Florida (“Board”), unanimously voted as a Board and on behalf of the citizens of Hamilton County to register its strong objection to the Water First North Florida Project (“Project”). Although the Board appreciates and supports the policy of the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act of 2016 to protect and restore aquifer waters through the promotion of reclaimed water reuse and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) systems, the proposed Project fails to address several critical concerns.

The Project will entail allowing the City of Jacksonville to pump its treated wastewater for injection into the aquifers of Hamilton and Suwannee Counties. The established scientific literature indicates that treated wastewater contains nitrates, phosphates, ammonia disinfection by-products such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and halo acetic acids (HAAs) as well as trace metals and micropollutants. There have been no valid, peer-reviewed studies on how the chemicals in treated wastewater may affect the ecosystems in the Suwannee River Valley region. These components will likely have a deleterious affect on the ecosystem and pose potential carcinogenic risks for the men, women and children who draw water from the aquifer for household use.

The aquifer system and surface waters in our area also support tourism and recreational enjoyment. To our knowledge. no studies have been performed or consideration given to how pumping Jacksonville’s wastewater to our area for injection into the aquifer will affect these activities.

Hamilton County’s Objection to Water First North Florida Project

Further, the Board is not aware of any consideration given to alternative water reclamation plans. Hamilton County is 90 miles from Jacksonville while there are areas to receive reclaimed water much closer such as the Ocklawaha River and the springs that feed it as well as the Upper Florida aquifer which is currently tapped by approximately 130 wells operated by the JEA. It would be less expensive and less likely to experience spills or leaks for Jacksonville’s treated wastewater to be injected into the aquifers in the Jacksonville vicinity.

Finally, the Board must note the utter disrespect that has been shown to the Board and citizens of Hamilton County. We were promised the opportunity for public hearings so that the JEA or District or other responsible bodies could explain the wastewater treatment process; how the wastewater will be pumped; the route involved; and the long-term effects on our ecosystems and families who draw water from the aquifers of injecting such treated wastewater. The promised presentations were unilaterally and on little or no notice canceled with no indication that these meetings will be ever re-scheduled. In our national, state and local systems of self-government, the people are entitled to participate in governmental decisions. Sadly, it seems that those involved in this Project care little about allowing the citizens a voice to express their concerns and obtain information. These concerns are especially vital for a state like Florida which places a high value on transparency, open meetings and the full availability of agency records.

SRWMD WFNF Meeting cancelled by SRWMD, 2026-02-26 –Hamilton County Commission

In closing, the Board reiterates its grave concerns for the health of its citizens, the integrity of our region’s many ecosystems and the economic impact on tourism and businesses. We expect our local Suwannee River Water Management District through its governing board to carefully scrutinize this Project and be a voice for the citizens in our area and not the self-interest of the people in Jacksonville.

Sincerely yours,

Robby Roberson, Chair
District 2

Travis Erixton
District 4

James Howell
District 3

Richie McCoy
District 4

Jimmy Murphy
District 1

the utter disrespect that has been shown to the Board and citizens of Hamilton County.

FYI, the Notice for the March 24 Special Meeting says nothing about WFNF or SRWMD, and there are no minutes nor audio nor video posted, which is why I missed this letter.

Thanks to Hamilton County for posting the letter on facebook, and to the Commissioners for approving it.

Hamco, 2026-04-01 Board Pictures, 2026-04-01 –Hamilton County Commission

 -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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