WASHINGTON, D.C.--The United States is using less water than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, according to water use estimates for 2005. Despite a 30 percent population increase during the past 25 years, overall water use has remained fairly stable according to a new U.S. Geological Survey report. Assistant Secretary of the Interior Anne Castle announced the report, Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005, as part of her keynote speech today at the Atlantic Water Summit in the National Press Club. The report shows that in 2005 Americans used 410 billion gallons per day, slightly less than in 2000. The declines are attributed to the increased use of more efficient irrigation systems and alternative technologies at power plants. Water withdrawals for public supply have increased steadily since 1950--when USGS began the series of five-year trend reports--along with the population that depends on these supplies.

http://www.hrwa-fl.org

Fall issue is now available!! Great articles including: "Business of the Bay is Changing" "$7.6 Million in Stimulus Funds Energize Hillsborough County" "Port of Tampa Roised for Growth"

Sylvia Earle grew up in Pinellas County playing and exploring in the bay and gulf waters as a child. Bobbie O'Brien interviews her during this PODCAST.

Please follow the link below to listen to the PODCAST.

http://www.wusf.usf.edu/wusf-fm/news/News_Detail_TVLk.cfm?ID=1518

This EPA notice announces the availability of an EPA decision identifying water quality limited waterbodies and associated pollutants in Florida to be listed pursuant to the Clean Water Act. Public comment is requested not later than October 23, 2009. A copy of the notice with contact information along with the list of water bodies to be added or removed from the impaired waters list can be found at the link below.

http://www.epa.gov/region4/water/tmdl/florida/index.html

The 2010 AAP calendar is now the Stormwater Environmental Programs Calendar. This year it's open to water bodies in our other programs as well! We are now accepting submissions for the 2010 calendar. Deadline for submission is Oct. 15. Please include photographer's name, date of photo, location, and one line description. Digital is preferred (300dpi or greater). 8x10 prints are also accepted. (prints will not be returned.) Submitters of selected photos will be notified. All submissions will be retained and may be used in other publications. Send to mcgeej@hillsboroughcounty.org Link Attachment:

Contact

John McGee, Stormwater Environmental Programs Coordinator Hillsborough County Specialized Services, mcgeej@hillsboroughcounty.org, 2420 N Falkenburg Rd., Tampa, FL. 33619
phone:813-744-5671.

On Wednesday, September 9, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the International City/County Management Association, and Rhode Island Sea Grant, released “Smart Growth for Coastal and Waterfront Communities.” The guide includes an overview of the unique development challenges and opportunities along the water and provides specific approaches to development that include a description of the issues, tools and techniques, and case studies. For more information and a PDF version of the publication, visit the web site below.

http://coastalsmartgrowth.noaa.gov

The pace and scale of climate change may now be outstripping even the most sobering predictions of the last report of the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC). An analysis of the very latest, peer-reviewed science indicates that many predictions at the upper end of the IPCC's forecasts are becoming ever more likely. Meanwhile, the newly emerging science points to some events thought likely to occur in longer-term time horizons, as already happening or set to happen far sooner than had previously been thought.

Follow the link below to access the Climate Change & Florida Component. The report is the last in the list of links.

http://www.sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/education/#ClimateChange

Hillsborough County's Solid Waste Management Department has unveiled a new education campaign designed to catch attention and drive curbside bin requests, with the ultimate goal of increasing recycling in the County by 10 percent. To give residents even more incentive to recycle, the contest challenges residents to solve easy picture riddles that will appear on billboards, bus sides.

Check out the web site below to participate in the contest.

http://www.HillsboroughRecycles.org

The residents of Lake Morley are doing a big restoration on this small lake in north Tampa. They have asked if anyone could give a few hours to help them tackle another section. This is the perfect opportunity for scout troops, school groups, church groups, service clubs, and people looking to gain restoration experience. If you'd like to help, please contact John McGee at 813-744-5671 and he will connect you with the resident who is heading up the restoration to make arrangements.

Tallahassee — In order to better assist land owners, sellers, buyers and interested members of the public, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Division of State Lands recently launched a redesigned Web site that streamlines access to state lands resources. The improved Web site demonstrates the Department's commitment not just to the environment, but to customer service as well, offering clear and navigable information in a 'one stop shop.'

Check out the new site at the link below

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/lands