Season’s Greetings from the
Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County!
As the year draws to a close, we’re filled with gratitude for our supporters, volunteers, and partners who have helped protect and preserve the waters that sustain us all. Your dedication has made a real difference in ensuring our waterways remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come.
This season of reflection reminds us of the beauty and peace clean water brings to our community. It’s a gift that we treasure year-round and one that we work tirelessly to protect. With your support, we can continue to champion this vital cause into the new year.
If you’re inspired to make a lasting impact, consider a year-end donation to support our efforts. Every drop of generosity helps us continue this critical work.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season,
The Clean Water Coalition of Indian River County
Indian River County (County) has experienced significant historical population growth - expected to continue for the foreseeable future. CWC recognizes the demands and impacts of this growth. In April 2022, CWC requested that the County “develop and implement a comprehensive and holistic hydrologic analysis and plan for all County water resources”.
In September 2024, the Board of County Commissioners substantially responded to CWC’s request by authorizing the development of an Integrated Water Master Plan (Plan). The Plan is to include “a comprehensive analyses and assessment of the future County demand for water, wastewater, and reuse services, and to define …capital improvements projects to manage the County’s water resources.”
This extensive and important effort includes opportunities for public input through “Community” and “Stakeholder” meetings. Plan development is planned over the next 16-months with a budget of up to $3,218,590. The Plan has the potential to:
develop responsible measures to meet future water resource needs of the County’s growing population, and
significantly contribute to restoration of these precious and life-giving water resources.
Stay tuned for opportunities to be involved in Plan development.
Update: Poultry Production Facility, Morning Star Fields
FDEP has recently concluded that construction by Morning Star Fields requires FDEP permits upon reasonable assurance of water quality protection as required by the Clean Waters Act. The farm is also applying for a floodplain permit from Indian River County to address potential run off from the property into State waters. Because the facility is located in such an environmentally sensitive area, the CWC will monitor the development and permitting process along the way.
With IRNA, PIAS, and the St. Johns Riverkeeper, CWC:
notified FDEP regarding our intent that the Project be developed so as to not adversely impact County groundwater or surface waters;
visited the site on December 11th - thanks to Commissioner Susan Adams and Owner, Bruno Ramos - to get a first-hand look at some of the construction and technology; and
is actively following the FDEP permit application process to assure preservation of County water resources.
The link below will take you to notes from our site visit – as lead by Mr. Ramos. This Project will be tracked and addressed in future CWC newsletters.
Can you save 50 gallons of water a week??
Ways you can reach your daily goal:
Turning off water while brushing your teeth, saves an average of 4.5 gallons of water per brushing.
Not using the toilet to just flush a tissue/or other item saves an average of 1.5 gallons of water.
Turning off the shower while lathering and washing hair saves an average of 5-10 gallons of water.
Washing vegetables and fruit in a container then water your flowers with used water. saves an average of 1 gallon and also uses the water twice.
CAN YOU SAVE MORE THEN 50 GALLONS?
Challenge your friends and family while together this holiday season. And tell us if you saved water in other ways!
Save the Date: Indian River Lagoon Symposium 2025
📅 When: February 20-21, 2025
📍 Where: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Fort Pierce, FL
🎯 Theme: The IRL in a Changing Climate
Join scientists, decision-makers, students, and the public to explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Indian River Lagoon amidst global change.
Key Details:
Feb 20: Technical sessions (all-day) and poster session (5:30-8:00 p.m.).
Feb 21: Half-day IRLS Forum: Collaboration and Communication (8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.).
Registration Deadlines:
Early registration closes Jan 17, 2025.
Late registration closes Feb 5, 2025.
📢 Live Stream Available – Register online for remote access.
For more details and registration links, visit: Indian River Lagoon Symposium.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the future of the IRL!
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