Adena Springs Ranch and the like.The Ranch wants to take a huge slice (equivalent to 50,000 population) of a precious natural resource – clean fresh water from the underground aquifer. It might return probably back some portion of it on the surface – seriously contaminated. In our quest for water, we are heavily taxing our water resources. The net result of it is that, for a local example, the amount of close by Silver Springs flow has already gone down 50%. Freshwater in aquifers can be considered a non-renewable resource because it takes decades or hundreds of years (sometimes even longer) to replenish. This is debatable and debated around Silver Springs by experts from both sides as the permit for water withdrawal is being considered (and contested).
According to the free-market economy, the price of a resource should be based on the supply/demand situation determining the commodity market values. Correspondingly, that water permit should cost so much and be so restrictive that the Ranch would think more than twice about the feasibility of its venture. The key question could be: What do we need more, water – or beef ?
(And, considering the precarious Florida water situation – does that beef have to come from Florida ?)
Is the aquifer refill actually as slow as indicated ?
ReplyDeleteAquifer rates of recharge could vary a great deal depending on the amount of surface water available, and also very much on the local geology. Quite frequently, aquifers recharge and flow extremely slowly. Florida porous geology and rich wet seasons contribute to faster aquifer recharging. However, some aquifers represent 'very old' water (millenia) that is practically not rechargeable. In general, our contemporary rates of aquifer pumping tend to exceed their rate of recharge - we are running a net underground water deficit.
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