Hometown Democracy takes on water ... sort of

Recent testimony that Florida will have problems supplying enough water to satisfy the needs of its 18 million residents provided talking points to supporters of Amendment 4.

Despite receiving more than 54 inches of rain per year, Florida is facing chronic water shortages, experts told the Senate Select Committee on Florida's Inland Waters.

Hometown Democracy advocates, who want to clamp down on growth by subjecting all comprehensive-plan changes to local referendums, say that a return to the old water-intensive build-and-pave suburban model will tap out Florida for good. FHD proponents, led by Palm Beach attorney Lesley Blackner, are using the water report to pump for votes in the Nov. 2 election.

But the latest findings provide cover for the development industry, too. Citing inefficient and water-management systems, scientists noted that much of the state's water is lost to tides. About 1.7 million gallons a day flow out through canals -- enough to supply the needs of 9 million (more) people