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Florida's largely urban population of approximately 6 million
grows by 1000 people every day. The cities which are the homes
of these people are located along a coastal strip that is adjacent
to a very complex ecosystem known as the Kisseme-Okeechobee-Everglades
watershed. Every South Florida resident depends heavily on the
health of this ecosystem for his or her supply of fresh water
which averages 200 gallons per day.
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A
system of 1800 miles of canals is responsible for controlling
the quality, quantity, timing and distribution of fresh water
to South Floridians. This system was completed in the 1950's and
was intended to serve a population of 2 million in the year 2000.
A new plan is necessary to accommodate the needs of the current
six million people and the projected 13 million that will be living
in South Florida by the year 2050.
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