And they keep on building……..

The River of Grass could once again pay the price for South Florida’s sea of lawns.

State water managers want permission from the federal government to use more Everglades water than usually allowed to restock drought’strained drinking water supplies — half of which typically ends up irrigating landscapes.

That would lower the Everglades water conservation areas beyond limits set to protect wildlife habitat. Just how badly fish, bird and alligator populations would suffer depends on how low the water goes and for how long.

It would be a “painful” decision to dip deeper into Everglades water, but one of the worst droughts in history might require it, said Carol Ann Wehle, executive director of the South Florida Water Management District.

“The need for drinking water must take precedence over the need for habitat,” Wehle said.

Shrinking fish populations, wading birds forced to nest elsewhere and alligators wandering into urban areas to look for water are among the potential ramifications. Long-term concerns include muck fires burning away habitat, and melaleuca and other non-native plants further invading natural areas.

Read more at the Sun Sentinel