Tag Archives: Suwannee River Water Trail

Crafting Effective Public Comments @ Live Oak Library –WWALS Workshop 2026-03-18

Update 2026-03-19: Residents raise concerns over WFNF and Suwannee River –WCTV 2026-03-18.
Much more about WFNF here: https://wwals.net/issues/wfnf

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

Come to a WWALS Workshop to prepare to make public comments.

The workshop will be 5-6:30 PM, Wednesday, March 18, 2026,
at the Live Oak Public Library, 1848 Ohio Ave S, Live Oak, FL 32064.

[Crafting Effective Public Comments @ Live Oak Library --WWALS Workshop 2026-03-18]
Crafting Effective Public Comments @ Live Oak Library –WWALS Workshop 2026-03-18

Here is a facebook event to remind you, and so you can invite people:

https://www.facebook.com/events/694551033680363/

This workshop is conveniently the day before the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) will hold a public meeting at its Live Oak headquarters on Water First North Florida (WFNF), the plan to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville into the Suwannee River Basin.

But there are always opportunities to make public comments, written, by telephone, or in person.

When you do, be polite, be brief, be specific, say something different from what everybody else said, tie it to your experience and to evidence, and connect to the larger picture.

All in a memorable way, of course.

As an example, read how the Columbia County Observer wrote up Hailey Hall’s comments on WFNF to the Columbia County Commission on February 21, 2026. Continue reading →

WFNF bill in Florida Senate Rules Committee 2026-03-03

Update 2026-03-04: WFNF unanimous aye from Florida Senate Rules Committee 2026-03-03.

Please come to the WFNF ratification meeting of the Florida Senate Rules Committee, at 9 AM, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. That’s at the Pat Thomas Committee Room, 412 Knott Building, 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/RC/

If we’re lucky, they’ll be done by lunchtime. There is no way to predict when they will take up SB 7034.

All of you who in meetings and online have opposed the Water First North Florida (WFNF) project to pipe treated Jacksonville wastewater into the Suwannee River Basin: here’s a chance to stop it.

[Call to stop WFNF bill 2026-03-03, Florida Senate Rules Committee, No JAX wastewater into Suwannee Basin]
Call to stop WFNF bill 2026-03-03, Florida Senate Rules Committee, No JAX wastewater into Suwannee Basin

If you can’t come in person, please call or write your Florida state Senator.

Either way, please be polite but firm.

Two Suwannee River Basin Florida State Senators are on the Rules Committee: Continue reading →

SRWMD rescheduled, not Hamilton County 2026-03-19

Update 2026-03-11: SRWMD has changed the location of their meeting, to UF-IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley, 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060. It’s still 6-8 PM, Thursday, March 19.
Also, there will be no speakers addressing everyone or taking general questions.
There will be tables with materials and SRWMD personnel.
Please take pictures and videos and post with hashtag #WFNF.

Update 2026-02-26: Aquifer recharge is needed, but Jacksonville pumping is the biggest problem –Dennis J. Price, P.G. 2026-02-22.

Hamilton Rivers posted on facebook 2026-02-25, Public Clarification on the Water First North Florida Meeting

Hamilton County officials want to make it clear that we have not cancelled the upcoming meeting to discuss the Water First North Florida project.

The Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) — not the County — has rescheduled the meeting at their request, and it will now take place at the District’s offices [changed again; see below], as announced by the SRWMD.

New Meeting Details (hosted by SRWMD):

📅 Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026

🕕 Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

📍 Location: SRWMD Headquarters, 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak, FL 32060

Update 2026-03-11: SRWMD has changed the location of their meeting, to UF-IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center – Suwannee Valley, 8202 County Road 417, Live Oak, FL 32060. It’s still 6-8 PM, Thursday, March 19.j

[SRWMD rescheduled, not Hamilton County 2026-02-25, WFNF moved to SRWMD HQ, Thursday, March 19, 2026]
SRWMD rescheduled, not Hamilton County 2026-02-25, WFNF moved to SRWMD HQ, Thursday, March 19, 2026

SRWMD is still sending Amy Brown to speak Thursday evening at the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council. You can attend in person in Lake City or online.

https://wwals.net/?p=69492

For much more information on WFNF and how it’s good for JEA and Jacksonville, not so much for the Suwannee River Basin, see Water First North Florida at Columbia County Commission 2026-02-19.

SRWMD press release, District announces public meeting to discuss Water First North Florida
Posted on February 23, 2026 | Last Updated on February 23, 2026

LIVE OAK, FLA., FEBRUARY 23, 2026 — Following feedback received from its residents, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) has announced an upcoming public meeting to provide a venue to discuss the project specifics, hear concerns, and respond to questions around the Water First North Florida project.

Continue reading →

Consent Order on JEA Buckman Wastewater Treatment Plant –FDEP 2025-09-15

Update 2026-02-17 FL SB 64: Reclaimed Water, JEA Buckman Wastewater Plant, and WFNF 2021-06-29.

This is an FDEP Consent Order on the plant that is supposed to pipe treated wastewater from Jacksonville to wetlands in the Suwannee Basin in the Water First North Florida (WFNF) project. How can such a plant be safe to water the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe Rivers and their springs? Through the Floridan Aquifer which is the source of all local water for drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation?

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the JEA Buckman Wastewater Treatment Plant exceeded limits on Chronic Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET), Aldrin and Total Cyanide, Fecal Coliform, Enterococci, and Ultraviolet Light Dosage, Total Recoverable Iron, Nickel, Copper, and Total Suspended Solids.

[Consent Order on JEA Buckman Wastewater Treatment Plant --FDEP 2025-09-15]
Consent Order on JEA Buckman Wastewater Treatment Plant –FDEP 2025-09-15

JEA also had to pay “$24,750.00 in settlement of the regulatory matters addressed in this Order.”

The Consent Order was issued September 15, 2025, so this is a current problem.

So it turns out the JEA Buckman plant is a typical failing wastewater treatment plant.

Does that seem safe to you for replenishing Suwannee Basin groundwater that we use for drinking, agriculture, industry, fishing, swimming, and boating?

Thanks to Joe Squitieri for sending this Consent Order. Continue reading →

Video: Jacksonville Wastewater into Suwannee Basin, WWALS Webinar 2026-02-12

Update 2026-02-17: Consent Order on JEA Buckman Wastewater Treatment Plant –FDEP 2025-09-15.

Thanks to all who participated, this webinar turned into a 45-minute online town hall, after the the two-minute introduction by WWALS Treasurer Sara Squires Jones and the 32-minute slide presentation by Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman.

Many questions were asked about s the plan by the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) to pipe output from the JEA Buckman wastewater treatment plant into wetlands in the Suwannee River Basin, to recharge springs and rivers.

We now know much more about why JEA wants to do this, especially thanks to Joe Squitieri, Rick Lanese, and Hailey Hall.

Here is the zoom video:
https://youtu.be/Df3dJzq2_7Y

[Video: Jacksonville Wastewater into Suwannee Basin, WWALS Webinar, online by zoom 2026-02-12]
Video: Jacksonville Wastewater into Suwannee Basin, WWALS Webinar, online by zoom 2026-02-12

The slides are on the WWALS website in PDF and PowerPoint. The slides are slightly updated to clean up a few glitches and especially to add four slides about what JEA gets out of this project.

Images of each slide are below.

Notes on the Q&A are at the end of this post, and you can see and hear for yourself in the video.

Please remember to Ask for explanations or to stop the projects.

Members of Congress & Statehouse
http://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/

SRWMD and SJRWMD Board
https://www.mysuwanneeriver.com/134/Current-Board-Members
https://www.sjrwmd.com/about/organization/directors/

County Commissioners and City Councils
https://www.fl-counties.com/2025-fac-directory/

Florida Counties Task Force about wastewater
https://wwals.net/?p=68081

Follow the QR code or the link below for a change.org petition you can sign. Continue reading →

Jacksonville Wastewater into Suwannee Basin, WWALS Webinar 2026-02-12

Update 2026-02-13: Video: Jacksonville Wastewater into Suwannee Basin, WWALS Webinar 2026-02-12.

2026-02-06: JEA approved $400 million for WFNF treated wastewater into Suwannee Basin 2025-11-19.

Come hear some questions about SRWMD and SJRWMD’s billion dollar plan to pipe treated wastewater into the Suwannee River Basin.

The Suwannee River Basin in Florida is downstream from Valdosta’s wastewater spills. Should it also be downstream from Jacksonville?

That’s the plan by the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) to pipe output from the JEA Buckman wastewater treatment plant into wetlands in the Suwannee River Basin, to recharge springs and rivers.

But what about the PFAS forever chemicals, drugs, and artificial sweeteners wastewater plants do not remove?

Since Jacksonville withdraws more groundwater than anything else in the affected area, why not have JAX limit its own withdrawals? Maybe by seawater desalination, like California, Texas, and south Florida already do?

Come hear these and many more questions, such as eminent domain for that 60-plus-mile pipe, who would pay, and effects on tourism.

Register for the zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XKKtXMvEQCaTCN4_rHSuyQ

At noon, Thursday, February 12, 2026, WWALS Board member Sara Squires Jones will introduce Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman.

He will speak for about 45 minutes.

Questions and answers will be at the end.

[Jacksonville Treated Wastewater into Suwannee Basin, WWALS Webinar 2026-02-12, Questions by Suwannee Riverkeeper]
Jacksonville Treated Wastewater into Suwannee Basin, WWALS Webinar 2026-02-12, Questions by Suwannee Riverkeeper

Continue reading →

High Springs sewage spill, Railroad Ave. near SE Douglas Street 2026-02-02

Update 2026-02-06: Clean Alapaha, Withlacoochee, and Santa Fe Rivers 2026-02-04.

Received yesterday from FDEP:

[High Springs sewage spill, Railroad Ave. near SE Douglas Street, 4,500 gallons, 4,000 recovered, Not near any waterway 2026-02-02]
High Springs sewage spill, Railroad Ave. near SE Douglas Street, 4,500 gallons, 4,000 recovered, Not near any waterway 2026-02-02

Pollution Notice

Thank you for submitting a Public Notice of Pollution for a reportable Incident in compliance with Section 403.077, F.S.

All information displayed was submitted by the reporting party.

Type of Notice: Initial Report Date of Notice: 02/02/2026

Incident Information
Name of Incident: 2026-1112
State Watch Office Case Number: 2026-1112
Start of Incident: 02/02/2026 06:30
End of Incident: 02/02/2026 11:00
Incident Description: Break in 6″ Ductile Iron Pipe, believe caused by the freeze that occurred overnight. Leak has been repaired, dig site is backfilled, has lime and signs posted.
Wastewater Type: Untreated
Cause: Extreme Weather
Spill Volume: 4500
Volume Recovered: 4000
Waterbodies Impacted: NA
Clean-up Status: Complete
Clean-up Actions: Vacuumed/pump truck, Applied lime, Signs posted
Agencies Notified: Alachua County Environmental Protection

Incident Location
Facility/Installation Name: High Springs WWTF
Address Line 1: 23007 NW Railroad Ave
Address Line 2:
Directions: SE Douglas St
City: High Springs
State: FL
Zip Code: 32643
Coordinates (in decimal degrees):
Lat: 29.821958862943603, Long: -82.58891036880728
Impacted Counties: Alachua

Incident Reported By Continue reading →

Video: Okefenokee Swamp leaks into the Floridan Aquifer peer-reviewed evidence, WWALS Webinar, 2026-01-15

Thanks to UGA Professors Jaivime Evaristo (isotope data) and Todd Rasmussen (water levels) for reviewing their two lines of evidence that the Okefenokee Swamp leaks through the underlying limestone into the Upper Floridan Aquifer.

This webinar explains their recent scientific paper on this subject.

Note that this means that nearby water withdrawals draw more water down from the Swamp into the Aquifer.

This paper is more incentive to pass Georgia House Bill 561 to protect the Okefenokee Swamp from mining, at least on its east side. Georgians, please ask your statehouse delegation to pass HB 561. Floridians, please ask your Georgia friends and relatives to do the same. Here’s how to contact Georgia Statehouse members:

https://wwals.net/about/elected-officials/georgia-house/

[Video: Okefenokee Swamp leaks into the Floridan Aquifer, peer-reviewed evidence, WWALS Webinar 2026-01-15]
Video: Okefenokee Swamp leaks into the Floridan Aquifer, peer-reviewed evidence, WWALS Webinar 2026-01-15

Here is the zoom video of this webinar:

https://youtu.be/NPe0D3YUA6M

Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman gave a brief introduction, with questions and answers at the end.

About their 2025 paper: Continue reading →

Six hours and no decision @ Alachua Planning Commission 2026-01-13

Update 2026-01-20: In the next meeting, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the vote was 4:0 to deny, by the City of Alachua Planning and Zoning Commission. So it’s dead for now, but watch for it to come back later.

The City of Alachua Planning Commissioners seemed inclined to approve the Special Exception Permit for the Tara April detention ponds and trails next to I-75.

But after the applicant’s case was countered by the National Speleological Society (NSS) and others, the Commissioners seemed ready to deny.

However, at midnight the court recorder had to leave, so they had to adjourn until Tuesday, April January 20, 2026, at 6 PM, also at Alachua City Hall, 15100 NW 142 Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615.

Get there early. It was standing room only this Tuesday, with some people outside the doors.

[Six hours and no decision, @ Alachua Planning Commission 2026-01-13, They meet again about Tara April, and Mill Creek Sink, 6 PM 2026-01-20]
Six hours and no decision, @ Alachua Planning Commission 2026-01-13, They meet again about Tara April, and Mill Creek Sink, 6 PM 2026-01-20

You can see the relevant parts of the meeting (minus the other two items on the agenda) in this video by Richie Denmark for NSS:

https://youtu.be/g2yNv9MtRBY?si=dtbvAtyaEnXwmvVw

That video does not include the images projected by the various speakers. But I took stills of many of them, which you can see below.

The video starts with me photographing the Tara April Master Plan. You can see my photographs below. Continue reading →

Mill Creek Sink 2025-01-13

Update 2026-01-17: Six hours and no decision @ Alachua Planning Commission 2026-01-13.

It took about 12 days for dye put into Mill Creek Sink to show up six miles northwest in Hornsby Spring. That spring is on the far side of High Springs. It runs into the Santa Fe River.

[Mill Creek Sink, Alachua, FL 2026-01-13, Cave complex connects to Hornsby Spring, Santa Fe River]
Mill Creek Sink, Alachua, FL 2026-01-13, Cave complex connects to Hornsby Spring, Santa Fe River

Anything that goes into Mill Creek Sink could affect drinking water for the city of High Springs, as well as Hornsby Spring and the Santa Fe River. And probably other things nearby over the Floridan Aquifer.

The dye trace is according to MILL CREEK and LEE SINKS DYE TRACE ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA JULY-DECEMBER, 2005,
Prepared for: Alachua County Environmental Protection Department, 201 SE 2nd Avenue, Suite 201, Gainesville, FL 32601;
Prepared by: Peter L. Butt, Stephen Boyes, P.G. and Thomas L. Morris, Karst Environmental Services, Inc., 5779 NE County Road 340, High Springs, FL 32643, June 7, 2006.

There are pictures below of Mill Creek Sink that I took on January 13, 2026. Continue reading →