Polk County Receives Funding for Water Infrastructure Development
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Polk Regional Water Cooperative received a significant boost on Wednesday to ensure that the county’s rapidly growing population has access to sufficient drinking water for decades to come.
“Holy cow,” exclaimed Polk County Commissioner George Lindsey, as he held a check for $305 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program.
This loan, combined with a $293 million grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), will be used for the further development and construction of two lower Floridan aquifer wellsites in Lakeland and Lake Wales, as well as a water treatment facility.
Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The funding received by the Polk Regional Water Cooperative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. These goals include:
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 13: Climate Action
The implementation of this water infrastructure development project contributes to the achievement of these SDGs, ensuring access to clean and sustainable water resources for the growing population of Polk County.
Utilizing the Lower Floridan Aquifer
The project involves drilling into the lower Floridan aquifer, which is a first for the Bay area. By extracting water from this deep aquifer, the project aims to minimize the impact on the surface while meeting the increasing demand for drinking water.
“You drill really big and really deep wells, 3,000-6,000 feet deep compared to a 300-foot well in the upper Floridan,” explained Brian Armstrong, executive director of SWFWMD.
Currently, much of Polk County’s drinking water comes from the upper aquifer. However, with the projected population growth in the next 20-30 years, it is estimated that an additional 30 million gallons of water per day will be needed.
Addressing Water Supply Challenges
Commissioner Lindsey emphasized the need for an alternative water supply plan, stating that the upper Floridan aquifer has been oversubscribed. The development of the lower aquifer wellsites and water treatment facility will provide a sustainable solution to meet the future water demands of Polk County.
Officials anticipate that the lower aquifer water will be flowing through Polk County pipes by 2027, ensuring a reliable and sufficient water supply for the county’s residents.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses the need for drinking water infrastructure development and construction to meet the growing population’s demand. This aligns with SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The drilling project into the lower aquifer also relates to SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the need for an alternative water supply plan to address the overuse of the upper Floridan aquifer, which connects to SDG 11’s goal of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
The targets identified are relevant to the issues discussed in the article. The need for efficient water use and sustainable freshwater supply aligns with SDG 6.4. The development of infrastructure for water treatment facilities and drilling deep wells corresponds to SDG 9.1. The goal of ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water for the growing population connects to SDG 11.1.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Investment in water infrastructure development and construction
- Increase in water production capacity
- Implementation of reverse osmosis systems for water treatment
- Reduction in reliance on the upper Floridan aquifer
- Availability of lower aquifer water in Polk County pipes by 2027
The article mentions the investment of $305 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act program, as well as a $293 million grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. These financial investments can be used as indicators of progress towards SDG targets. The projected increase in water production capacity by 30 million gallons per day also serves as an indicator. The implementation of reverse osmosis systems for water treatment is mentioned as a method to treat highly mineralized water from the lower aquifer, indicating progress towards sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater. The article also highlights the need to address the overuse of the upper Floridan aquifer, implying a reduction in reliance on this water source. Finally, the availability of lower aquifer water in Polk County pipes by 2027 can be used as a specific indicator of progress.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity. | – Investment in water infrastructure development and construction – Implementation of reverse osmosis systems for water treatment – Reduction in reliance on the upper Floridan aquifer – Availability of lower aquifer water in Polk County pipes by 2027 |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | – Investment in water infrastructure development and construction – Increase in water production capacity |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Investment in water infrastructure development and construction – Availability of lower aquifer water in Polk County pipes by 2027 |
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Source: wfla.com
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