Water: The Lifeblood of Central Florida’s Future
One of the most significant challenges Central Florida has faced throughout the past half-century of rapid growth, and one that will be even more critical in the decades ahead, is the issue of water supply. In a landscape dimpled with lakes, springs, wetlands, and meandering rivers, it might seem unlikely that water supply should be a top concern – but Florida's freshwater is limited, and a swelling population creates ongoing demand on that limited resource.
The Future: Water Conservation, Water Resiliency, Water Quality
The Ranch – which encompasses several major watersheds in the region – receives more than 50 inches of rainfall annually. This equates to approximately 500 billion gallons of rainwater falling on Ranch property each year. Through solid conservation practices, these precious groundwaters are carefully managed. Deseret Ranch also borders the St. Johns River for 40 miles and contains a portion of the headwaters to the Kissimmee River – two resilient, flourishing water systems. As a steward of these vital resources, we are committed to protecting long-term quality of the water supplies that sustain our ecosystems, and that provide safe drinking water to local communities.
As Central Florida continues to grow, the substantial needs for housing, transportation, health care infrastructure, schools, and so much more are daunting – but without adequate water supply, the area cannot support or sustain the residents and businesses who will call Central Florida home.
Protecting Natural Systems
Deseret Ranch has long protected natural water systems by making the best use of surface water, improving water quality, and creating habitats for native species to thrive. To ensure that future water supply needs are met in an orderly, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable manner, the long-range planning framework includes an integrated long-term water supply planning process.
Whether managing water for long-term sustainability purposes or to create appealing neighborhood features like ponds and lakes, planning is essential. Whether planning for cattle, wildlife, and our cowboys and ranch employees, or for residents who will call Central Florida home in the future, protecting this vital natural resource will remain at the heart of what we do.
Taylor Creek Reservoir – A Regional Treasure, a Regional Resource
The Taylor Creek Reservoir is just one example of Deseret Ranch's dedication to forming regional partnerships focused on providing water supply to the region. Built in the 1960s, the reservoir floods up to 4,000 acres of Deseret Ranch land. The reservoir was made possible by Deseret’s donation of land as a flood easement, with the express purpose of providing land for flood control and agricultural irrigation supply.
More than ever, growth in Central Florida has created demand for alternative supplies of potable water. Deseret Ranch is working with numerous utilities to expand the potential surface water supply available through the Taylor Creek Reservoir – a partnership that will likely involve additional land from Deseret and the expansion of the Taylor Creek Reservoir to increase water supply for crops as well as local communities, new neighborhoods, and new families.