Coordination of land use and water supply within the Wekiva Study Area.

(1) In their review of local government comprehensive plan amendments for property located within the Wekiva Study Area pursuant to s. 163.3184, the Department of Commerce and the St. Johns River Water Management District shall assure that amendments that increase development potential demonstrate that adequate potable water consumptive use permit capacity is available.

(2) Local governments located within the Wekiva Study Area shall coordinate with the St. Johns River Water Management District and other public and private utilities, on a countywide or multicounty basis, to implement cooperative solutions for development of alternative water sources necessary to supplement groundwater supplies consistent with the St. Johns River Water Management District Regional Water Supply Plan.

(3) In recognition of the need to balance resource protection, existing infrastructure and improvements planned or committed as part of approved development, consistent with existing municipal or county comprehensive plans and economic development opportunities, planned community development initiatives that assure protection of surface and groundwater resources while promoting compact, ecologically and economically sustainable growth should be encouraged. Small area studies, sector plans, or similar planning tools should support these community development initiatives. In addition, the Department of Commerce may make available best practice guides that demonstrate how to balance resource protection and economic development opportunities.