Florida's Water Bill of Rights

The quantity, quality and reliability of Florida waters shall be preserved so that the human use of water does not compromise the long-term sustainability of aquatic and associated ecosystems. All Floridians are responsible for the integrity of state waters, and the costs of providing and protecting these resources must be fairly allocated among users.

We, the people, believe that Water is a Public Resource.

The surface and ground waters of the State of Florida are public resources - vital areas held by the State as a trustee charged with the duty to manage these waters in the best interests of the public.

We, the people, believe that Water Resource Use Must Be Sustainable.

Each Floridian has the right to expect that the waters of the State on and below the surface of the earth will be conserved and maintained as a perpetual blessing to the State's people and ecological systems.

We, the people, believe that We All Live Downstream.

Management of the State's water resources must ensure the integrity of these resources by acknowledging the natural flow of waters through the watersheds and aquifers, from the mountains to the sea.

We, the people, believe that Economic Prosperity Depends on Clean Water.

Clean surface water and pure groundwater are essential to Florida's health, welfare and prosperity; Floridians no longer accept the assertion that polluted water is a necessary price for economic progress.

We, the people, believe that Water Policy Decisions must be Just and Equitable.

No person or community should bear a disproportionate share of any burden resulting from the water use of others.

We, the people, believe in Property Rights that Ensure Environmental Protection for All.

The citizens of Florida have a right to use the surface and groundwater resources on their properties, but the use must be reasonable, in a manner and to the extent that the water supply is not depleted or degraded to the detriment of the health of people and wildlife.

We, the people, believe in Water Resource Protection Through Law Enforcement.

Floridians have the right to the full, timely, and equitable enforcement of local, state and federal environment laws, which rightfully require protection of water quality and all life dependent on that quality.

We, the people, believe in the Public's Right to Know.

All decisions by government officials, the public trustees of Florida waters, shall be made in open forums, after full disclosure through public discussion and deliberation of all scientific, political and economic facts and associated impacts.

Citizens shall have readily available and unrestricted access to such information.

We, the people, believe in Accountability.

Our government shall be held accountable for the proper management of Florida's waters.

For more information, please contact the Apalachicola Riverkeeper Inc. at (850) 653-8936 or riverkeeper@apalachicolariverkeeper.org

Florida's Bill of Rights is Under Construction