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HR 661

One Water Approaches to Water Resource Management

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jon Albert

Florida proposes integrated "One Water" management coordinating drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and reclaimed water systems to address resource challenges and environmental resilience.

Died in State Affairs Committee; Companion bill(s) passed, see SR 1846 (Adopted)
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Bill Summary · HR 661

Legislative bill overview

HR 661 proposes implementing a "One Water" integrated approach to Florida's water resource management, which coordinates management across traditionally separate sectors like drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, and reclaimed water. The bill emphasizes holistic planning that considers multiple water uses and environmental impacts simultaneously rather than managing these systems in isolation.

Why is this important

Florida faces significant water challenges including saltwater intrusion, aging infrastructure, competing demands from agriculture and municipalities, and climate-related flooding. An integrated water management approach could reduce costs, improve environmental outcomes, and create more resilient systems—though implementation requires substantial coordination among multiple agencies and local governments with different priorities and funding mechanisms.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation complexity: Coordinating dozens of water utilities, agricultural interests, and environmental agencies with different regulatory authorities and budgets could prove administratively difficult and costly
  • Cost allocation disputes: Determining who pays for integrated infrastructure improvements when benefits are distributed unevenly across sectors and regions
  • Agricultural versus urban water needs: Competing demands between irrigated agriculture (Florida's largest water user) and growing urban populations may resurface in implementation details

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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