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Second Annual Florida Water Forum Addresses Florida’s Water Crisis

June 2, 2011

TALLAHASSEE – Headlined by keynote luncheon speaker Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam, tomorrow’s 2011 Florida Water Forum in Orlando will tackle some of the most pressing issues affecting the state’s “water future.” Scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rosen Shingle Creek, the second annual Florida Water Forum will focus on the increasing scarcity of groundwater supplies especially in some of the state’s largest urban areas, the future of Florida’s Water Management Districts, federal Numeric Nutrient Criteria and the status of the Florida Everglades. The 2011 Florida Water Forum is co-hosted by Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) and the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FS/AWWA).

“A healthy water supply is incredibly important to the business community and, for years, AIF has advocated for sound water policies that will ensure our state’s greatest natural resource is plentiful and sustainable. Our quality of life and our ability to attract new businesses to the state are intrinsically tied to our water systems,” said Jose L. Gonzalez, AIF Vice-President, Governmental Affairs. “We are pleased to co-host the Florida Water Forum again this year with the FS/AWWA and to bring together our state and federal elected officials who have taken a leadership role in water issues.”

2011 Florida Water Forum presentations will include:

  • Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam addressing his Vision of Florida’s Water Policy.
  • Rep. Trudi Williams (R-Ft. Myers) discussing the goals of the new House Select Committee on Water Policy and the committees’ upcoming hearings around the state.
  • Melissa Meeker, South Florida Water Management District Executive Director, outlining Gov. Scott’s new direction for Water Management Districts.
  • U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL 12) providing a taped video update on the current status of the EPA’s Numeric Nutrient Criteria with an introduction by David Childs (Hopping Green & Sams).
  • Eric Draper (Audubon of Florida)and Ernie Bartnett (South Florida Water Management District) providing an update on the Florida Everglades.


“Florida is facing a changing economic, political, and regulatory climate that may have long-term effects on the future of Florida’s water supply. It is imperative to our state’s economy and environment that we find sustainable solutions to ensure we have an abundant supply of water for future generations,” said Richard Anderson, Chairman of the FS/AWWA. “We are honored to once again partner with AIF and have the opportunity to inform Floridians on this critical topic.  The future of Florida depends on the availability of safe, sustainable and affordable water resources.”

Sponsors of the 2011 Florida Water Forum include: AWWA Florida’s Utility Council & Manufacturers/Associates Council; CH2M HILL; CF Industries; Florida Farm Bureau; Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association; Nestle Waters North America; Pepsico; and Rayonier.

Currently, more than 150 local government representatives, employers and business and community leaders are registered to attend.  The cost of the event is $30 and includes lunch. For more information on the 2011 Florida Water Forum, visit www.flawaterforum.com, and for more information on AIF, visit aif.com. 

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