New UF Water Institute to coordinate extensive research effort on water

July 27, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida has a long history of research on water-related issues; now it is consolidating its efforts under a new Water Institute approved by President Bernie Machen.

“The university has been a leader in using science to better understand the social, environmental and economic impacts on Florida’s water resources,” said Machen. “Through the Water Institute we seek to maximize our ability to address serious challenges to our state’s water resources.”

A recent report by the state Department of Environmental Protection cited population growth as a significant threat to the state’s water resources.

While a faculty committee ramps up efforts to put in place the Water Institute’s administrative pieces, such as hiring a full-time director, scientific research across campus and around the state continues apace.

For example, researchers with UF’s 20-year-old Lakewatch program coordinate the monthly collection and testing of water samples from more than 600 lakes around the state. Some 1,800 volunteers trained by Lakewatch staff collect samples that the scientists use to assess essential indicators of lake health, such as water clarity, nutrient concentration and salinity.

“The database is more than simple water chemistry — a lot of times it gives you information about plants, fish and bathymetric maps,” said Mark Brenner, a UF associate professor of geology and director of UF’s Land Use and Environmental Change Institute. “It’s a very handy source of information.”

Another group of researchers is working with farmers and state and local government agencies to reduce nitrate levels in the Suwannee River Basin. In some areas, nitrate levels
are two or three times the federal safety standard level of 10 parts per million. Septic systems and fertilizers and animal waste from the many farms in the region are the primary sources of the excess nitrates.

“All of these activities have the potential to adversely affect water quality in the basin,” said Don Graetz, a professor in UF’s soil and water science department. “The agricultural community, which is key to the area’s economy and green space, is just as concerned about protecting water quality as anyone else, and we’re all working together without finger pointing or blame.”

At UF’s Levin College of Law, experts in environmental law are working to strengthen protection for Florida’s springs. Model legislation drafted by a team of UF students evolved into the “Florida Springs Protection Act” introduced during the 2005 legislative session by state Sen. Nancy Argenziano, R-Dunnellon, and state Rep. Dwight Stansel, D-Wellborn.

Although the legislation stalled as the session expired, UF environmental law professor Richard Hamann said the bill was an important first step.

“We weren’t looking to propose something that was politically possible, we were looking to do something that was needed,” Hamann said. “This kind of legislation doesn’t happen overnight, but the fact that we set in motion serious consideration of the problem and potential solutions is an achievement.”

“Water is Florida’s most precious resource. We depend on a clean, reliable supply of water, not only when we turn on the faucet, but as the foundation of our economy,” said UF Vice President for Research Win Phillips, whose office will oversee the institute. “UF has been a leader in this field for years. Now the Water Institute will serve as a focal point for water-related research and education and an entry point for outside stakeholders seeking water-related expertise.”

More information about the Water Institute can be found at http://waterinstitute.ufl.edu/index.html.