The St. Johns River Water Management District is responsible for managing ground and surface water supplies in all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. More than 700 dedicated staff members perform operations each day from offices in Palatka, Jacksonville, Altamonte Springs and Palm Bay, Fla. The district issues permits for various water activities that have potential to adversely impact water resources and adjacent lands. The St. Johns River Water Management District also buys land to preserve or restore vital wetlands and water resources. The organization conducts research about the quality and quantity of ground and surface resources. It conducts outreach and education programs for the public.