Michael Peltier: Water, water everywhere but ...

Yet recent calls by Florida businesses to review the way the state allocates water resources and cries from the state's agricultural community to ensure adequate supplies for future farming generations may likely bring the issue to the surface when lawmakers return this spring.

That's because separate initiatives by separate interests may be heading on a collision course as state officials mull over how to protect one of Florida's most precious resources, sustain agriculture and provide the long-term stability for a state that has added a million residents since the 2000 Census was taken a few short years ago.

Last week, House members heard a report prepared by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services that focused on the state's agricultural water needs, which do not always coincide with those of urban water users.

Nearly half of Florida's 35 million acres is used for agriculture, yet farmers, ranchers and other agricultural interests represent a tiny fraction of the state's population. And while most Florida residents are aware of the large quantity of water used by agriculture, they are less aware of the critical role agriculture plays in conserving water and recharging the aquifers that provide the state with most of its drinking water.

Unlike the Florida Council of 100, which came out its own water policy report in September, the ag department does not support a statewide water board. Instead, it encourages, counties, cities and local water management districts to work together to set water policy and ensure that agricultural interests get their fair share.

The report also calls on officials to review rural water policy frequently to take into account changing climatic conditions that play a more crucial role for farmers because they lack the infrastructure to transport water long distances.

The ag department survey provides another perspective on an issue that was propelled back into the public spotlight when the Council of 100 issued its report that called for a number of changes to the way water is regulated. The council is calling for stakeholders from all camps to hold a "thoughtful public debate" over how to quench Florida's growing thirst as the state's population rises by 25 percent over the next 15 years.

The council recommendations include setting up a board to oversee the distribution of water throughout the state and a technical panel to address more scientific concerns. The statewide board would set overall water policy and mediate disputes between regional water districts.

One of the report's more controversial proposals would make it easier for private companies and public entities to develop water supply sources. Such sources include leasing land for water generation and paying private companies or local governments to pump it.

In addition, the report says it should be easier to transfer water between local communities and regions. With roughly 80 percent of Florida growth occurring south of Interstate 4 and 80 percent of the state water supply located north of I-4, policy makers must make it easier for South and Central Florida communities go outside their geographic regions for water.

So when lawmakers return in March, they likely will debate not only the allocation of state funds, but also how the state's water reserves should be divvied up.

Michael Peltier is the Daily News' Tallahassee correspondent. Computer users may reach him at mpeltier1234@comcast.net.