Payne's Prairie Sheetflow Restoration

Using reclaimed water for environmental restoration

GRU is working with the City of Gainesville Public Works Department on an ambitious plan that will improve water quality in the Alachua Sink and restore more than 1,300 acres of wetlands in Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park. Our project partners include the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, The St Johns River Water Management District, The Florida Department of Transportation and Alachua County.

The project includes improvements to GRU’s Main Street Water Reclamation Facility and the construction of a 125-acre water enhancement wetland. The improvements will reestablish the natural sheetflow of low-nutrient water from Sweetwater Branch onto Payne's Prairie. It will provide protection for the Floridan Aquifer and offer outstanding wildlife habitat and opportunities for public recreation and wildlife study. Construction on the project is expected to begin in fall 2011.

Video: Payne's Prairie Sheetflow Restoration (17 minutes)

Learn more about the project from the Public Works' website.