recognize relationships between water pollution and water use and these relationships must be

considered when developing long-term plans. Finally, consumptive use must be regulated

(Maloney et al. 1972).

 The Model Water Code (Chapter 373, Florida Statutes) envisioned statewide planning, but

also envisioned scientific planning based on hydrologic boundaries rather than political

boundaries. This seeming contradiction was resolved by the creation of five regional water

management districts, collectively covering the state. These districts would be responsible for

local issues within their boundaries but would not have the authority to prepare independent

water-use plans (Tj oflat and Quincey 2001). Therefore, scientific research could be conducted

and district water control structures and lands could be owned and managed on a regional basis,

but a single state entity would be responsible for adopting a state water plan. The five districts

are the Northwest Florida (NWFWMD), Suwannee River (SRWMD), St. John's River

(SJRWMD), Southwest Florida (SWFWMD), and South Florida Water Management (SFWMD)

Districts (Figure 1). Statewide oversight was initially granted to the Division of Natural

Resources and now resides with the re-named Florida Department of Environmental Protection

(DEP) .

 Water Management in Florida; Quality not Quantity (1972-1997)

 The 1972 Water Resources Act gave broad powers to the regional Water Management

Districts (WMDs) and to the Division of Natural Resources (now, DEP). The new law allowed

for consumptive use permitted on a reasonable-beneficial use basis. Defining reasonable and

beneficial use proved to be difficult however, and before the turn of the 21s~t century some areas

of the state would be over-permitted for withdrawals. The law also required that each district

formulate a water shortage plan and establish minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for surface

waters and minimum levels for aquifers.