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Pictures: SRWMD WFNF Open House, UF IFAS, Live Oak, FL 2026-03-19

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Many people were disappointed in the informational tables about Water First North Florida (WFNF), the plan to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville into the Suwannee River Basin.

For much more about WFNF, see

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

[Pictures: SRWMD WFNF, Open House, UF IFAS, Live Oak, FL, Thursday, March 19, 2026]
Pictures: SRWMD WFNF, Open House, UF IFAS, Live Oak, FL, Thursday, March 19, 2026

WCTV’s subhead is incorrect about the Community Open House by SRWMD, 6-8 PM, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at UF-IFAS in Live Oak, Florida:

“This project wouldn’t happen until 2039”

According to their own schedule, many parts of WFNF are already happening, such as the three-year consultant wetland pilot study and siting study funded by SJRWMD in November 2025. The first pipes would start going in in 2028: “Transmission Mains to Wetland.” Pipes to recharge facilities, i.e., those in the Suwannee Basin, would start going in in 2032. It’s only the final complete turn on of the entire project that might not start until 2039. Continue reading →

NCFRPC against WFNF 2026-03-26

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The NCFRPC will take up its own resolution against the WFNF project to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville into the Suwannee Basin.

For all the other local and regional government resolutions and letters and more, see:

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

[NCFRPC against WFNF, Thursday, March 26, 2026, After its Task Force, Against treated wastewater from JAX]
NCFRPC against WFNF, Thursday, March 26, 2026, After its Task Force, Against treated wastewater from JAX

There will be a meeting of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council on March 26, 2026. The meeting will be held as a hybrid meeting in-person at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites, Suwannee Room, 213 Southwest Commerce Boulevard, Lake City, Florida, and via Communications Media Technology at 7:00 p.m.

To join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:

https://meet.goto.com/193371933

DIAL IN NUMBER: Toll Free: 1.866.899.4679

ACCESS CODE: 193 371 933

MEETING STARTS AT 7:00 P.M.

Please email koons@ncfrpc.org by March 25, 2026 to let us know if you will be attending the meeting in-person or via communications media technology. THANK YOU.

Of particular interest:

VIII. A. Executive Committee –

1. Water First North Florida Aquifer Recharge Project Resolution No. 2026-14

…

VIII. C. Middle and Lower Suwannee River and Withlacoochee River Task Force Update

Before we get to that, in the Minutes from January 26, 2026:

PUBLIC COMMENTS –

Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson discussed the Water First North Florida Project Continue reading →

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

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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]
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 Continue reading →

WFNF Update, an interactive WWALS Webinar 2026-03-25

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A more interactive than usual WWALS Webinar update about what happened in the previous week’s meetings on Water First North Florida (WFNF), the plan to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville into the Suwannee River Basin.

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

Hailey Hall will give a brief rundown.

Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman will expand, especially on modern desalination examples.

Then we will keep it casual and conversational. We will field and pose questions, and “popcorn share”. We will call on various people if they are present, and others can chime in.

When: 6 PM, Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Put In: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/zDdB5oQARxeUvH8U7ypW4A

[WFNF Update, an interactive WWALS Webinar, Online by zoom, 6 PM, Wednesday, March 25, 2026]
WFNF Update, an interactive WWALS Webinar, Online by zoom, 6 PM, Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Continue reading →

Madison County against WFNF 2026-02-27

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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]
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: Continue reading →

Town of Branford Resolution against WFNF 2026-03-01

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Branford is at the mouth of the Santa Fe River, and downstream of the Ichetucknee River, both of which Water First North Florida (#WFNF) purport to help.

For more about WFNF, including the other local and regional government opposition, see:

https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

[Town of Branford, Resolution against WFNF 2026-03-01, Water First North Florida, JAX treated wastewater]
Town of Branford, Resolution against WFNF 2026-03-01, Water First North Florida, JAX treated wastewater

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-003

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF BRANFORD, FLORIDA, OPPOSING THE FIRST NORTH FLORIDA (WENF) PIPELINE PROJECT AS CURRENTLY PROPOSED; REQUESTING AN IMMEDIATE MORATORIUM PENDING INDEPENDENT STUDY; AND DIRECTING TRANSMITTAL TO STATE OFFICIALS

WHEREAS, the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Suwannee River Water Management District approved elements of the Water First North Florida (WFNF) project in November 2025, which includes a proposed approximately 90-mile pipeline to transport highly treated reclaimed water from facilities in the Jacksonville metropolitan area to wetlands within the Suwannee River Basin for purposes of aquifer recharge; and

WHEREAS, the project is estimated to cost between $1.0 and $1.1 billion, including approximately $400 million in funding from JEA, and proposes to recharge the Floridan Aquifer with more than 40 million gallons per day; and Continue reading →

SRWMD WFNF Open House @ UF IFAS, Live Oak, FL 2026-03-19

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Come walk around informational tables about Water First North Florida (WFNF), the plan to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville into the Suwannee River Basin.

That’s the Community Open House by SRWMD, 6-8 PM, Thursday, March 19, 2026, at UF-IFAS in Live Oak, Florida. For details see the SRWMD press release below.

Don’t forget the other two WFNF meetings the previous day, Wednesday, March 18, 2026:

Much more about WFNF here: https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf/

The Thursday meeting started as one that SRWMD was going to hold in Jasper, Hamilton County, on February 26.

SRWMD changed it on February 23 to SRWMD HQ in Live Oak.

On March 6, SRWMD changed the location to UF IFAS.

Either on March 6 or by March 10 when I heard about it in the SRWMD Board meeting, SRWMD changed the format from speakers and audience to tables with materials and staff to walk by.

Whether intentional or not, this format change makes it difficult for attendees to hear what other attendees say, or to hear all the answers from SRWMD.

This is why WWALS recommends people take pictures and videos and post them with hashtag #WFNF.

SRWMD PR, March 12, 2026, Water First North Florida Community Open House to take place March 19,

[Water First North Florida Community Open House 2026-03-19, by SRWMD @ UF-IFAS, 8202 CR 417, Live Oak, FL 32060]
Water First North Florida Community Open House 2026-03-19, by SRWMD @ UF-IFAS, 8202 CR 417, Live Oak, FL 32060

LIVE OAK, FLA., MARCH 12, 2026 — The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) is reminding residents of the upcoming Water First North Florida Community Open House from 6-8 p.m. on March 19.

The event will take place at the UF-IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center — Suwannee Valley, 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL, 32060.

Written public comments will be received at the event. Informational tables will be set up throughout the venue, focusing on specific topics related to Water First North Florida, and allow residents to learn more about each aspect of the project. Experts will be available to answer any project questions that attendees may want answered.

Continue reading →

Dozen Florida Counties Task Force Resolution against WFNF and for Desalination 2026-03-18

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Update 2026-03-19: Residents raise concerns over WFNF and Suwannee River –WCTV 2026-03-18.

Update 2026-03-18: The Task Force did not get a quorum at 10 AM. They are trying again for noon.

The Task Force originally formed to deal with Valdosta wastewater is meeting next Wednesday to decide on a resolution opposing WFNF and prefering desalination.

Remember the other two related meetings:

MEETING NOTICE

MIDDLE AND LOWER SUWANNEE RIVER
AND WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER
TASK FORCE

There will be a meeting of the Middle and Lower Suwannee River and Withlacoochee River Task Force on March 18, 2026. The meeting will be held virtually via communications media technology at 10:00 a.m.

DIAL IN NUMBER: Toll Free 1.888.585.9008

CONFERENCE CODE: 568 124 316

[Dozen Florida Counties Task Force Resolution against WFNF and for Desalination 2026-03-18]
Dozen Florida Counties Task Force Resolution against WFNF and for Desalination 2026-03-18

The resolution:

RESOLUTION NO. 2026-01

A RESOLUTION OF THE MIDDLE AND LOWER SUWANNEE RIVER AND WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER TASK FORCE OPPOSING THE WATER FIRST NORTH FLORIDA AQUIFER RECHARGE PROJECT AND RECOMMENDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE WATER DESALINIZATION PROJECT

WHEREAS, Continue reading →

Phase II Water Shortage and Springs Protection Awareness Month Proclamation @ SRWMD 2026-03-10

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Update 2026-03-10: SRWMD livestreams its meetings on YouTube. This one will be here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXdoI5qrgXQ

There is nothing on the SRWMD Board agenda about Water First North Florida (WFNF) for 9 AM this Tuesday, March 10, 2026. But there are several items related to that scheme to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville into the Suwannee River Basin.

If you can, please do go to the SRWMD meeting and speak. Don’t forget these other meetings:

[Phase II Water Shortage, Springs Protection Awareness & Water Conservation Month Proclamation @ SRWMD 2026-03-10]
Phase II Water Shortage, Springs Protection Awareness & Water Conservation Month Proclamation @ SRWMD 2026-03-10

The SRWMD agenda for tomorrow has a Public Hearing about declaring a Phase II Severe Water Shortage. That declaration is watered down, with few actual requirements. Although not as much as the Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage already declared by SJRWMD, which appears to eliminate all mandatory water restrictions.

Also on the SRWMD agenda, perhaps ironically, are

  • a “Water Conservation Month Proclamation” and
  • a “Springs Protection Awareness Month Proclamation”.

And of course the monthly SRWMD Hydrologic Conditions Report, which will detail how bad the drought is.

Plus you never know what will be presented in “WATER RESOURCES, Amy Brown, Deputy Executive Director, 9. Water Resources Division Updates.” Continue reading →

Florida Senate Bill would send treated Jacksonville wastewater into the Suwannee River Basin –WTXL 2026-03-03

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Update 2026-03-09: Chance to speak to SRWMD at its Board Meeting, 9 AM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Thanks to Lyric Sloan for a WTXL TV report from the Florida Senate Rules Committee Tuesday.

Environmental advocates are pushing back, warning the plan could introduce contaminants and fails to address what John Quarterman, Suwannee Riverkeeper, calls the root cause of declining river flows: over-pumping from the aquifer.

[FL SB 7034 would send treated Jacksonville wastewater into the Suwannee Basin --WTXL 2026-03-03]
FL SB 7034 would send treated Jacksonville wastewater into the Suwannee Basin –WTXL 2026-03-03

“It’s a risky project,” Quarterman said. “There’s no evidence that it takes out PFAs for other chemicals or drugs, pharmaceuticals, and right now that plant is under a consent order for exceeding all sorts of limits.”

Quarterman and other opponents argue Jacksonville should instead reduce its groundwater withdrawals or pursue alternative water sources, such as the St. Johns River or desalination.

Keep calling your Florida statehouse members, SRWMD, etc. For who and how, see:

https://wwals.net/?p=69583

And there’s a petition you can sign: https://c.org/8CgGBpLv7r

If you want assistance with how to craft a comment, come to the WWALS Workshop,
5-6:30 PM, Wednesday, March 18, 2026,
at the Live Oak Public Library, 1848 Ohio Ave S, Live Oak, FL 32064.

https://wwals.net/?p=69575

And don’t forget SRWMD’s own public meeting,
6-8 PM, Thursday, March 19, 2026,
at SRWMD HQ 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak FL 32060.

https://wwals.net/?p=69504

Lyric Sloan, WTXL TV, 7:42 PM, Mar 03, 2026, Florida Senate Bill would send treated Jacksonville wastewater into the Suwannee River Basin: SB 7034 would pipe treated Jacksonville wastewater into the Suwannee River Basin to stabilize river flows, but critics warn of contamination risks, while supporters believe it could help agriculture,

DOWNTOWN TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — A proposed Florida Senate Bill would allow treated wastewater from Jacksonville to be piped into the Suwannee River Basin in an effort to stabilize water flows in the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers.

Continue reading →