|
Records show 2006-2007 were the driest back-to-back calendar
years Florida has experienced, based on data dating back to
1932.
Over thousands of years such events are both natural and
regular. However, from a human perspective, they are an extreme
event: something likely to occur only once every 200 years. Droughts
affect the way we live, work and play. They also give
us a fresh look at our environment. During the 1998-2007
drought, federal, state and local
governments, along with concerned citizens from every region of
Florida, worked together to develop and implement strategies
that effectively managed the environmental and economic
consequences of the drought. These coordinated efforts ensured
continued protection for public health and the environment.
The Department of Environmental Protection addresses drought
conditions using a combination of management strategies. These
include regulation, enforcement, research and education, land
acquisition and protection.
Florida has experienced droughts before, and will again in
the future. Today, Florida is home to 17 million people and
hosts over 40 million visitors every year. Over the next 20
years, Florida's population is projected to increase by nearly
50 percent and millions more tourists will make the state their
vacation destination. Today, Florida is home to 17 million
people and hosts over 40 million visitors every year. Over the
next 20 years, Florida's population is projected to increase by
nearly 50 percent and millions more tourists will make the state
their vacation destination. As the state grows, so will the demand for
water.
|
 |
|
Floridians and visitors alike can make the
difference in our ability to move beyond drought. There is
no shortage of ways to can help.
Using water wisely reduces costs, protects the
environment, and promotes public health at home, work,
at play, or in your community. |
2010 State of Florida