Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
April 23, 2018 1:30 p.m.
Fernandina Beach has officially proclaimed April 2018 as Water Conservation Month in the city. In reading the official proclamation delivered at the April 17, 2018 Fernandina Beach City Commission meeting, Mayor John Miller urged all water users, including commercial industrial, agricultural, institutional, hospitality, private citizens and schools to make positive contributions to reduce water use and protect Florida’s water resources, thus promoting a healthy economy and community.
In accepting the proclamation City Utilities Department Chief Water Plant Operator Bill Pittman said, “We take great pride in providing quality drinking water to the citizens of Fernandina Beach.” He reminded homeowners of their approved watering days: odd street addresses, Wednesday and Saturday; even street addresses, Thursday and Sunday. Commercial property owners should water on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Geoffrey Samples, Intergovernmental Coordinator of the St. Johns River Water Management District, thanked the commission for the proclamation. He said that over the years the city has been a very good partner with the District and he looks forward to continuing such work into the future. “Fernandina Beach is not a big user of water,” he said. “But it’s at the individual level where there is more potential for conservation. We thank you for helping to get that message out to the public.”
The St. Johns River Water Management District is an environmental regulatory agency of the state of Florida whose work is focused on ensuring a long-term supply of drinking water, and to protect and restore the health of water bodies in the district’s 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. While the district works closely with utilities on water supply issues, the district is not a water supplier.
The district’s staff includes biologists, geologists, hydrologists, engineers, planners, financial officers, information technology specialists, land managers, laboratory technicians and others from scientific and nonscientific fields. Many staff have advanced academic degrees and years of experience in their fields, both in the private and public sectors. In addition, many have been recognized for their work in the state, nationally and internationally.
Not really helpful to read this with only a week left in the month.