Welcome to the North Florida Water Utilities Authority

The purpose of the North Florida Water Utilities Authority is to oversee and manage the provision of water services to the residents of Columbia and Suwannee Counties. The North Florida Water Utilities Authority was formed on April 16, 2024.

WHEREAS, the Counties have determined that it is in the best interests of the Counties that a single, separate legal entity known as the North Florida Water Utilities Authority (“NFWUA”) be formed to make all policies necessary in the discretion of that entity and to contract for and to provide for the operation and maintenance of their respective water, wastewater, and reclaimed (i.e., “reuse”) water facilities located within the Counties or either one of them;

WHEREAS, the Counties are authorized pursuant to section 163.0 l, Florida Statutes, to enter into Interlocal Agreements to cooperatively make the most efficient use of their powers to their mutual advantage, and to provide services and facilities in accordance with geographic, economic, demographic, and other factors influencing the needs and development of the local community; and

WHEREAS, the Counties are authorized pursuant to section 125.01(1), Florida Statutes, to independently exercise the powers they agree to jointly exercise through this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises set forth herein, the Counties agree as follows:

1. RECITALS
   1. The above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by reference.
2. PURPOSE AND GOALS
   1. PURPOSE: The purpose of this Interlocal Agreement is to create the NFWUA as an independent special district and interlocal government agency pursuant to section 163.01, Florida Statutes, and the terms of this Interlocal Agreement, and to establish the constitution of the Board of Directors.
   2. GOALS: The goals of the NFWUA pursuant to this agreement are:
      1. To provide citizens of the Counties reliable, cost effective, and regulatory compliant maintenance, service, and operations of the Counties’ respective water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities;
      2. To provide the citizens of the Counties sustainable, clean, and safe potable water distribution service, operated by competent, courteous, and well trained employees;
      3. To provide the citizens of the Counties sustainable, treated, and properly discharged or conserved wastewater collection and effluent management;
      4. To provide the citizens of the Counties sustainable, properly treated, and regulatory compliant reuse water for irrigation and any other lawfully permitted purpose;
      5. To provide the citizens of the Counties responsive, efficient, and accountable maintenance and operational management of the Counties’ respective water, wastewater, and reclaimed water facilities