The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board discussed on July 11 the critically low level of Lake Okeechobee and the prospect of augmenting the lake by pumping water from the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). According to district staff, up to 300,000 acre feet of water could be pumped into the lake this summer, which could raise the lake level by nearly one foot. Backpumping is highly controversial, and is opposed by environmental groups.

Robert Underbrink of King Ranch and Tom McVicker, representing growers in the region, presented information to the board to support the backpumping.
Phosphorus concentrations in the EAA are lower than that of the lake and lower than that of all other surface water sources to the lake.

Therefore, the EAA water is the cleanest water available to augment the lake except for rainfall. Underbrink also emphasized the importance of taking immediate action because water can only be pumped during the summer wet season when surface water is available.

After considerable discussion and a failed motion to move forward with the backpumping, the board directed staff to expedite a study of the environmental and economic considerations. Staff members were asked to report back to the board with their findings and recommendations in the next two weeks. Staff members also were directed to initiate discussions with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the governor’s office to determine if they would approve the backpumping should the board choose that option.

Augmenting lake levels is critically important to prevent a serious water supply shortfall that is likely to occur next year. For further information, Producer Members may contact the FFVA Government Affairs Office at (850) 521-0455.