NWFWMD Continues to Enhance Monitoring Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2014
CONTACT: NWFWMD Public Information Office (850) 539-2663 or Lauren.Engel@yopmail.com

NWFWMD Continues to Enhance Monitoring Network

HAVANA – The Northwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved a joint funding agreement with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for stage and discharge monitoring at ten stations today.  This agreement includes the continuation of five existing stations, as well as the initiation of five new sites in support of the District’s development of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for Wakulla Springs and St. Marks River Rise.

“Data collection plays an essential role in the District’s efforts to protect our water and natural resources,” said Director of Resource Management Guy Gowens. “By expanding and enhancing our monitoring network, we’re ensuring that we develop MFLs and implement other activities based on sound science and the best information available.”

Monitoring stations provide valuable water resource data that the District can use for a variety of purposes, including MFL development, consumptive use regulation, flood warning and other water resource management functions.

The joint funding agreement includes $170,900 in District funding for Fiscal Year 2014-2015.  The USGS is providing matching funds in the amount of $92,500 to cover the total operational cost of the network of $263,400.   The cost of gauge along Spring Creek is being split evenly between the District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the City of Tallahassee.

“The foundation of all protective environmental rules and policies is science,” said DEP Deputy Secretary of Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration. “The development of sound science begins with a robust dataset.  I applaud the District’s commitment to gathering this data now so additional environmental protections can be set for these extremely valuable water resources.”

Under the agreement, five new stations will be installed at Fisher Creek, Black Creek, St. Marks River Sink and two sites along Lost Creek to collect data that is vital to the development of effective and protective MFLs.

The agreement also includes continued monitoring at Telogia Creek, Yellow River, Spring Creek and two sites along the Apalachicola River.

The USGS will operate all 10 stations for continuous discharge and stage monitoring. The data will be updated in real time and available on the USGS website.

The District continues to expand and enhance its data monitoring network to more effectively manage and protect the water resources of Northwest Florida. Data from the District’s network of rainfall, state and other stations is available on the District’s website at https://nwfwp.sgssys.info//data-publications/hydrologic-data/.