Small Flows Quarterly Winter 2005

12 This white paper was commissioned by the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association, Inc. (FOWA), a nonprofit corporation, and is intended to examine the status of Florida’s water recycling efforts and offer sound choices for future water management efforts. A stated purpose of the organization’s bylaws is “to protect and maintain the environment of the state of Florida . . ..”[1]. Likewise, developing open communication channels about sustainable protection of Florida’s environment is the underlying purpose of this white paper. However, the issues of managing water resources are extremely complex and dynamic, encompassing diverse commercial interests, economic impacts, and sociopolitical climates. This paper addresses three main areas of concern: • public and political perceptions and the influence they exert upon policies and practices relating to water conservation and recycling; • the necessity for advancements in education and management efforts relating to water reclamation in order to implement standards for efficient and sustainable onsite wastewater treatment and water recycling; and • the need for statewide communication, understanding, and relationship-building among all those concerned with Florida’s environment and water management issues.