Niagara Gets Approval to Nearly Double its Take from Floridan Aquifer
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
By: Amy Green

February 11, 2014 | WMFE Orlando - Niagara Bottling can nearly double the amount of water it draws from the Floridan aquifer. The St. Johns River Water Management District approved the water bottler's permit request Tuesday, with some changes.

The 20-year permit allows Niagara to pump 910,000 gallons of water a day out of the aquifer. The bottling company will have to shift its withdrawals from the upper to lower aquifer by 2024 and demonstrate that doing so will reduce environmental impacts.

Water managers considered public comment before making their decision. Peggy Cox, a trustee on the Lake County Water Authority, says the permit request drew public outcry because it comes at a time when Central Floridians are being asked to conserve.

"And yet you're issuing a permit for 20 years. That's a long time. I don't know anyone who can predict 20 years out. I can't."

The permit can be revoked if the water bottler fails to shift its withdrawals to the lower aquifer.

It also can be modified if there’s a change to Central Florida’s environment or water supply.