JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The JEA Board of Directors approved on Tuesday millions of dollars in funding for a project that aims to recharge the Floridan Aquifer, restore springs and river flows, and ensure the region’s sustainable water supply.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the board gave its approval to participate in the Water First North Florida Partnership, a long-term project that will help North Florida meet the upcoming Minimum Flows and Levels (MFL) rule by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
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According to JEA, minimum flows and water levels stipulate how much water can be drawn from certain sources to avoid environmental damage from groundwater pumping. Because the Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers have not met those MFLs, the region has created Water First as its solution.
JEA said the project will use high-quality reclaimed water and further treat it through a wetland filtration system before recharging it to the Floridan Aquifer.
The project is a collaborative effort of the St. Johns River Water Management District, Suwannee River Water Management District, and other key stakeholder organizations, including FDEP and local utilities.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the board also approved a $260.3 million increase to a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Florida Power & Light, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.
JEA will purchase 100 megawatts in order to meet growing energy demand, adding to the previous agreement for 200 megawatts.