Efforts to Improve Grassy Waters Water Quality Challenged

November 3, 2016

West Palm Beach, FL - The City of West Palm Beach (City) filed petitions challenging South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) orders requiring the protection and improvement of Grassy Waters Preserve, which is part of the City's water supply.   

In October, SFWMD ordered the City and Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (Northern) to take specific measures to improve Grassy Waters. Despite the fact that the City is the steward of Grassy Waters, the City filed petitions challenging SFWMD requirements. By contrast, Northern notified SFWMD that it will promptly comply with the order to improve the quality of water that discharges into Grassy Waters.

Provisions challenged by the City include a requirement to educate the public on ways to protect Grassy Waters, removal of undesirable vegetation and monitoring.

The City's lodged challenges despite the fact that it was the City's own expert witness at a September hearing that formed the basis of SFWMD's order requiring it to improve and protect Grassy Waters. (Fla. DOAH Case No: 16-001861)

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