OCALA -- There are two certainties for Florida: The population will grow, but the water supply won't.
To address both issues, the state Legislature in 2005 created The Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida with the purpose of developing a vision for Florida for the next 25 and 50 years, and to make recommendations to lawmakers how best to use Florida's resources. The commission issues a report to the Legislature and governor each January.
In this year's report, the need for a reliable water supply for this and future generations was at the top of the list of problems lawmakers must face and address. To that end, the Century Commission will host a water summit Sept. 25 and 26 in Orlando with 120 delegates from around Florida.
Marion County will be represented by Commissioner Stan McClain. Alachua County will have four representatives from Gainesville.
Delegates were selected by the Century Commission and come from the scientific community, local government, agriculture, law and business. The meeting is open to the public.
During the meeting, delegates will discuss Florida's existing water resources, consequences of water shortages, best use of water resources and building codes for water efficiency.
McClain said it was important for Marion County, which recently fought off efforts by other counties to siphon water from the lower Ocklawaha River, to participate in any process that might influence water use laws.
"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu," McClain said. "And there are some major issues coming out of this summit."
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