The Palm Beach Post - Community Foundation Editorial Opinion
Editorial Opinion from Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin counties published in Palm Beach Post
Sunday, July 26
Regional counties thirsty for proper management
The editorial of July 13, "Watering rule: No surrender," underscores how little progress has been made. We cannot seem to muster the political will to ensure future generations the blessings of an abundant and sustainable water supply Instead, we leave it to the serendipity of having rain or no rain to drive decision-making.
There are few measures of accountability for the long-term consequence of failing to protect and conserve water resources. If our public leadership approached disaster planning this way, we would all be hanging onto palm trees in a Category 5 storm.
As The Post put it, water managers have "moonwalked away" from the good idea of a permanent rule that would restrict lawn watering to two days a week. The quality of debate and discussion The Post deplores is one more example of how commitment driven by convenience can lead only to outcomes unlikely to stand the test of time.
An independent study recently commissioned by the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties through its Environmental Endowment Fund invites serious consideration. "Envisioning Alternative Futures for Water Resources in Palm Beach and Martin Counties" was undertaken by Dr. Lance Gunderson of Emory University and Stephen Light of Adaptive Strategies, and takes a critical view of our counties' water situation and current resources, laying out solid scenarios for consideration.
Despite the rainfall during hurricane season, the study notes, one of our challenges is a chronic lack of water. There's the seeming paradox: Facing an unpredictable climate, will we be hit by drought or by flood? And will those tasked with managing water think imaginatively enough to protect us?
Our ecosystems and estuaries are under siege on a regular basis. During last year's hurricane season alone, approximately 250 billion gallons of fresh water from canals in Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie were released into the sea. These releases caused algae blooms and harmed the marine populations of our rivers and estuaries. Continued dumping from Lake Okeechobee is another issue of great concern.
The study looks at three factors: climate, human demand and infrastructure. Our ability to adapt to these factors will play a critical role in managing the inevitable droughts and floods. We now have just a few strategies to cope with variations in rainfall. Unfortunately, with climate changes likely coming fast and furious for South Florida, incremental adjustments to this predicament won't be enough.
In seeking an honest appraisal of our readiness to deal with drought or floods, the study raises the question as to whether our regional agencies and South Florida in general can adapt, and deal with dramatic and unforeseen change. Respected scientists believe that Florida will see new super hurricanes within 20 years. Oil prices and economics will change. So, there is potential for abrupt shifts.
Community awareness around our regional issues of drought and flood protection is vital. To that end, the study's release could not be more timely. Its contents should get the widest possible public airing now, before the choice of water scenarios becomes even bleaker. You are invited to download the study, view videos and discuss our region's water issues on Palm Beach County's Digital Public Square at www.yourpbc.org/water. The stakes are high. "Moonwalking away" is not the answer.
LESLIE LILLY, president and CEO,
Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
