40A-21.401. Monitoring

(1) This section applies to the collection and analysis of data which the District may undertake in anticipation of and during a declared water shortage or water shortage emergency. Data obtained from monitoring efforts may be used to determine:

(a) Whether a water shortage warning should be issued;

(b) Whether an area should be designated a Water Use Caution Area;

(c) Whether a water shortage should be declared;

(d) Whether a water shortage emergency should be declared;

(e) Whether existing restrictions are needed or are sufficient to protect the water resources and users within the affected area, in light of existing and anticipated climatological and hydrologic conditions;

(f) Whether the restrictions in effect require additional enforcement efforts; or,

(g) Whether the restrictions in effect may be rescinded.

(2) Data may be obtained from any reliable source available, including:

(a) The District, including information on permitted quantities, relevant pumpage and meter records, general hydrological, meteorological, and biological information and all other relevant information;

(b) Other water management districts;

(c) Permittees who are required to submit data as a condition of their permit;

(d) Any local, state, or federal agency;

(e) Any other source available.

(3) Resource Monitoring. When appropriate the District will collect and analyze data concerning any aspect of the water resource. Data which may be collected include:

(a) Any existing management levels;

(b) Historical, current, and anticipated levels in surface and ground waters, including potentiometric heads in unconfined, confined, and semi-confined aquifers;

(c) Historic, current, and anticipated flows in surface waters;

(d) Historic, current and anticipated water quality in surface and ground waters;

(e) The extent to which water may be transferred from one source class to another;

(f) The extent to which present water use restrictions may enhance future supplies or postpone more stringent restrictions;

(g) Historical, current, and anticipated demand of natural systems, including losses due to evapotranspiration and seepage and needs of fish and wildlife;

(h) Historic, current, and anticipated seasonal fluctuations in rainfall;

(i) Other water quantity and quality factors affecting present and anticipated available water supply.

(4) Demand Monitoring. When appropriate, the District will collect and analyze data concerning any aspect of user demand upon the water resources. Data which may be collected include:

(a) Historical and estimated current and anticipated water use of permitted users;

(b) Historical and estimated current and anticipated water use of users exempt from permitting, but subject to the provisions of the water shortage plan;

(c) Historical and anticipated seasonal fluctuations in water use;

(d) The extent to which user demands may be met from other source classes; and

(e) Other factors affecting present and anticipated water use.

Rulemaking Authority 373.044, 373.113 FS. Law Implemented 373.175, 373.246 FS. History–New 3-29-92.