(1)A comprehensive watershed approach provides an important tool for managing the cumulative impacts of human activities. Where possible, the Department and Districts shall promote a watershed management approach for addressing water quality, water supply, natural systems, and floodplain management and flood protection issues, and shall encourage the development of comprehensive watershed management plans.
    (2) It shall be a goal of watershed management programs to protect, preserve and restore the quality, quantity, and environmental values of surface and ground water resources; to prevent existing environmental, water quantity, and water quality problems from becoming worse; to reduce existing flooding problems; improve existing water quality; promote and protect the availability of sufficient water for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and natural systems, and preserve or restore natural systems.
    (3) As part of SWIM plans or other watershed management plans, programs, or rules, the Department, water management districts, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and local governments are encouraged to implement protection measures as appropriate to enhance or preserve surface water resources. Protection measures shall be based on scientific evaluations of targeted surface waters and the need for enhancement or preservation of these surface water resources. Protection measures shall include a combination of nonstructural pollution prevention best management practices and structural best management practices.
Rulemaking Authority 373.026(7), 373.036(1)(d), 373.043, 373.171 FS. Law Implemented 373.023, 373.026, 373.036(1)(d), 373.171, 373.1961, 373.223, 373.418, 373.451, 373.453, 403.064, 403.067, 403.0891 FS. History-New 5-7-05.