VALUE OF GROUNDWATER TO PUBLIC SUPPLY IN WEST-CENTRAL FLORIDA

This study provides a monetary value for groundwater by estimating the cost for the year 2020 to replace its use in public supply for the population of west-central Florida, USA. Alternatives include building reservoirs, desalinization plants, water reuse, and conservation measures, with the most expensive being building more reservoirs at US$4.5 billion and least is conservation at US$840 million. This region’s regulators recognize the need to reduce the reliance on groundwater and have implemented programs to promote the above alternatives. While water conservation is the most sustainable option, barriers related to policies and investment reduce the effectiveness of this approach.