From the desk of our Executive Director...

Is your system being impacted by SB 64 elimination of surface water discharge? Here is a link to the entire contents of the bill, click here. Let us know what challenges you are facing with this rule.

Protecting Underground Utilities from directional drill contractors is a theme we are hearing from many of you. If you are faced with challenges for Sunshine 811 ticket response please let us know so we can advocate for future changes in rulemaking.

Training Topics for water and wastewater systems are needed. Please let us know what areas you and your system could use training that is not your standard water/ wastewater course. Please email us at frwa@frwa.net and share your insight with us.

Collection System Action Plans are the new rule being implemented into your wastewater permit renewal. Are you prepared for this? FRWA is working on a template to provide to you for use with your CSAP’s. Stay tuned to our website for a link to the template.

Did you know as a member of FRWA you are entitled to free services? FRWA will help you with your needs even if you aren’t a member. We strive to take care of everything you need with no cost.

• Did you know that we provide leak detection and water loss audits, complete evaluations of your systems?
• Did you know that we provide wellhead protection plans required by DEP and help with other ground water quality issues?
•  Did you know that we provide engineering help? We are only a call away.
• Did you know that we provide mapping, fire hydrants and valve exercising plans and programs?
• Did you know that we provide Energy Audits, funding help, rate studies, impact fees report?

These are only a small taste of what FRWA does and can do. FRWA has a motto of never saying no, if you need help we are here. If you don’t see your circuit rider, then call the office and we will get them in touch with you or find you the help you need. FRWA does not want you to pay someone for anything that we can provide.

Please take a moment to go to our website at www.frwa.net and take a look at all the services we provide, if you have a need and don’t see it, or not sure we do, give us a call and we will find a way to help you. We are your one stop shop and we want to help you with all of your needs. 

If you have a water, distribution systems, or wastewater license in the state of Florida, April 30th is the deadline for completing the courses that are needed to keep your license active.

If you have questions about your license, you can access this information online. Scan the QR code on the left with the camera on your phone to access detailed information on your license (number, level, how many CEUs your have in this cycle). Scan the QR code on the right to see how many CEUs you need.

When disaster strikes Rural Water is on the ground to help you pick up the pieces and get your system online. Click on the graphic below for some examples on how Rural Water is there for you!

The deadline of March 31st is fast approaching for submitting your application for this year's Curtis E. Lloyd Scholarship. The Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) offers five scholarships for up to $1,000 each to assist outstanding high school and college students realize their potential in tomorrow's water and wastewater industry. FRWA will award one scholarship to a deserving individual in each Water Management District annually. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, educational fees, books, and/or room and board.  

The Curtis E. Lloyd Scholarship Program was created by the FRWA Board in 2008 in memory of one of its longest serving Circuit Riders. Mr. Lloyd joined the FRWA staff in 1980 and worked for the association for seventeen years. He retired in 1997 and stayed active until his untimely death in December 2007.

For more detailed information and to complete an application click here. If you need further assistance, please email Amanda.Read@frwa.net.

Remember, the deadline for applying is March 31st so get your application in today!

We are less than a month away from our first Focus on Change in Haines City. Remember, CEUs earned at Focus on Change will be submitted to DEP by FRWA by the 2025 CEU deadline as required by DEP. CEUs earned at this class cannot be applied to the 2027 cycle.

To register online, click on the location below. To complete a registration form and register by mail, click here. For complete information, click here.

See you there!

NATIONAL NEWS

Epa's Pfas Enforcement Plan Advances as Two Pfas Reporting Requirements Set to Go Into Effect-On January 6, 2025, the EPA published a final rule adding nine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) section 313 list of reportable chemicals (more commonly known as the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)). more

STATE NEWS

JEA crews to begin 3-month water main replacement on San Jose Boulevard that will involve lane closures-JEA crews will begin replacing a 24-inch water main along San Jose Boulevard between Old River Road and Claire Lane. more

Fort Lauderdale beaches open for swimming after tar balls washed ashore Saturday; Coast Guard investigation ongoing-South Floridians enjoying a pleasant Saturday at the beach found themselves stepping in dark, greasy balls of oil, possibly due to a spill offshore, officials said Saturday. more

Funding Programs-The District provides grant funds and assists in developing funding opportunities for projects that help protect, maintain, or improve water resources in northwest Florida. more

Over $12.5 Million In Projects Underway In Century, Including Freedom Road Bridge Replacement-About $12.5 million in grant and loan projects are underway in Century, including the replacement of a bridge on Freedom Road that has been closed for five years. more

Bill would ban fluoride being added to drinking water in Florida-With the backing of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, a Senate Republican on Thursday filed a wide-ranging bill that would bar public water systems from adding fluoride to water supplies. more

February 10, 1990: New York Times headline— Perrier Recalls Its Water in U.S. After Benzene Is Found in Bottles. by George James “The company that made bottled mineral water chic is voluntarily recalling its entire inventory of Perrier from store shelves throughout the United States after tests showed the presence of the chemical benzene in a small sample of bottles.

The impurity was discovered in North Carolina by county officials who so prized the purity of Perrier that they used it as a standard in tests of other water supplies.

The Food and Drug Administration said it is testing supplies in California and other states. In a written statement issued last night, Ronald V. Davis, president of the Perrier Group of America Inc., said there was no significant health risk to the public. But the statement did not go into the details of the recall, how it would work, the number of bottles to be recalled and the impact on a company that has built its success on its product’s image of purity and stylishness.

William M. Grigg, a spokesman for the Food and Drug Administration, said his agency’s Hazard Evaluation Board had collected samples of Perrier and found no immediate risk to the public from the benzene in the water.”

FLORIDA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION http://www.frwa.net

2970 Wellington Circle | Tallahassee FL 32309

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