Miami's Water Conservation: Strategies To Reduce Pollution

Miami's water quality is under threat from pollution, storms, and climate change, which are endangering the city's wild habitats and world-famous beaches. The city's drinking water is sourced from the Biscayne Aquifer, a 4000-square-mile underground water supply beneath Miami-Dade County and Fort Lauderdale. With the aquifer so close to the surface, Miami's water is highly vulnerable to contamination from farm and street runoff, sewage leaks, and the overuse of residential lawn care chemicals. To address these issues, Miami has implemented initiatives such as the 1000 Eyes on the Water program, which trains the public to document and report pollution, and the Florida-friendly fertilizer ordinance, which prohibits the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer during the summer rainy season.

Miami's drinking water is vulnerable to saltwater intrusion

The Biscayne Aquifer is a shallow, porous limestone formation that has historically provided all urban and agricultural freshwater supply to South Florida. It is particularly vulnerable to contamination due to its porous nature and proximity to the ocean. As sea levels rise, the underground line of saltwater is pushed inland, threatening the freshwater sources that communities rely on. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, in some of South Florida's most vulnerable spots, the rate at which the saltwater moves inland is expected to double due to rising sea levels.

Miami-Dade County is already taking measures to address the issue of saltwater intrusion. They have developed a 20-year Water Use Efficiency Plan to promote water conservation among residents. This includes financial rebates for the use of high-efficiency fixtures in homes and businesses, as well as educational outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation. Additionally, the county has enacted legislation such as permanent landscape irrigation restrictions and the requirement for Florida-Friendly landscaping in new construction projects.

However, the threat of saltwater intrusion is expected to worsen. South Florida's sea level is projected to rise by about 2 feet by 2060 due to the warming atmosphere caused by the emission of carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels. This will result in a corresponding movement of the saltwater front inland, threatening freshwater sources. Broward County, for example, expects to lose 41% of its coastal well field capacity to saltwater intrusion within 50 years.

To address this growing threat, South Florida may need to invest in costly alternative water supplies and treatment plants. This includes establishing new inland wells and developing desalination plants capable of treating saltier water. However, these measures will likely result in increased water costs for customers. Additionally, there is a need to develop alternative water sources, such as storing and using more rainwater and constructing reservoirs to hold water instead of draining it out to sea.

In conclusion, Miami's drinking water is indeed vulnerable to saltwater intrusion, and while efforts are being made to mitigate this threat, the issue is expected to worsen with rising sea levels. Addressing this challenge will require a combination of conservation efforts, alternative water sources, and investments in infrastructure to ensure a reliable and safe drinking water supply for the future.

Climate change and storms threaten water quality

Climate change poses a significant threat to water quality, and Miami is particularly vulnerable to its effects. The city's drinking water supply comes entirely from the Biscayne Aquifer, a shallow and porous limestone formation that is easily contaminated by human activities and susceptible to saltwater intrusion as sea levels rise.

As global temperatures rise, the volume of the sea increases, causing sea levels to rise and reducing groundwater storage capacity. This leads to increased flooding, which, in turn, results in higher risks of surface contaminants reaching the Biscayne Aquifer. Heavier rainstorms, intensified by climate change, also contribute to increased surface runoff, which can pick up pollutants and flush them into nearby water bodies, compromising water quality.

The impact of climate change on water quality is not limited to Miami. Globally, changes in precipitation patterns are expected, with some areas experiencing more intense storms and heavy rains, while others face prolonged droughts. These changes threaten the quality of water sources such as rivers, lakes, springs, and groundwater.

The consequences of compromised water quality are far-reaching. Contaminated water can endanger human lives, damage crops, hurt the economy, and harm fish and other wildlife. For example, fertilizer runoff can cause algae blooms that suffocate aquatic life and create unpleasant conditions for recreational activities.

To build resilience against climate change and protect water quality, Miami-Dade County is taking several measures. These include regulating land use, monitoring and remediating soil and water, implementing stormwater management plans and infrastructure, and restoring natural resources. Additionally, Miami has adopted fertilizer regulations that prohibit the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers during the rainy season to reduce the risk of nutrient runoff into water bodies.

Fertilizer use, septic tank leaks, and sewage spills cause pollution

Miami-Dade County has implemented various measures to address water pollution caused by fertilizer use, septic tank leaks, and sewage spills. Here are some key strategies:

Fertilizer Use

Miami-Dade County recognizes the impact of fertilizer use on water quality, particularly in the Biscayne Bay area. Excess fertilizer can kill seagrass, cause algae blooms, and reduce oxygen levels in the water, leading to fish kills and ecosystem destruction. To mitigate this, the county adopted the Florida-Friendly Fertilizer Use on Urban Landscapes ordinance in April 2021. This ordinance includes the following key regulations:

• Prohibition of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer use during the summer rainy season (May 15 – October 31) to prevent stormwater runoff carrying nutrients into the bay.
• Requirement to use only phosphorus-free fertilizer.
• Encouragement to use slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, ensuring a consistent supply to plants and reducing nutrient loss.
• Application of fertilizer must be at least 20 feet away from storm drains and surface water bodies.
• Proper management of yard clippings to prevent them from entering stormwater drainage systems.
• Training for professionals who apply fertilizers on best management practices to protect water resources.

Septic Tank Leaks

Septic tank leaks are a significant concern in Miami-Dade County, with over 100,000 properties relying on septic systems. As sea levels rise, the groundwater level also rises, compromising the functioning of septic tanks. The liquid waste from septic tanks is meant to filter through a layer of dry soil in the drainfield. However, when the groundwater rises, the soil becomes soggy, reducing the filtering capacity. This results in wastewater entering the groundwater and aquifer without proper treatment, leading to contaminated drinking water and environmental risks. To address this issue, the county is working on extending sewage lines and transitioning septic systems to sewage lines. While costly, this transition is crucial to protect the Biscayne Aquifer, which provides drinking water to the county.

Sewage Spills

Miami-Dade County experiences sewage spills regularly, with a recent report highlighting 47 Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs) releasing a total of 649,491 gallons of sewage into the environment during a six-month period. These spills can be caused by various factors, including force main breaks, contractor errors, leaking or broken force mains, corrosion, inadequate supervision, and vandalism. To address this issue, the county is investing $1.6 billion in the region's wastewater infrastructure. Additionally, organizations like Miami Waterkeeper are advocating for faster progress in reducing sewage spills to protect the county's beaches, waterways, and communities.

The Biscayne Aquifer is at risk of contamination from surface and underground sources

The Biscayne Aquifer is a shallow, porous limestone formation that serves as the primary source of freshwater for South Florida, including the Florida Keys. With a population of about 3 million people relying solely on the aquifer for drinking water, it is essential to recognize the risks of contamination and take proactive measures to safeguard this vital resource.

The Biscayne Aquifer is highly susceptible to contamination due to its proximity to the surface and the permeable nature of the limestone. This vulnerability is further exacerbated by human activities and the impacts of climate change. Contamination can occur from both surface and underground sources, posing a significant threat to the quality and quantity of drinking water in the region.

Surface sources of contamination include stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants such as litter, fertilizers, oil, grease, and other contaminants into the aquifer. Human activities, such as improper waste disposal, filling or dredging of surface waters, and excessive use of fertilizers or pesticides, can also contribute to surface water pollution, which eventually affects the aquifer. Additionally, the effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and increased precipitation, can lead to flooding and water pooling, increasing the risk of surface contaminants reaching the aquifer.

Underground sources of contamination include saltwater intrusion, which occurs when the balance between freshwater and saltwater in the aquifer is disrupted. Lowered water tables, caused by over-pumping or drainage canals, can allow saltwater to intrude and contaminate the aquifer. Industrial contaminants, such as those found in mining extraction regions or Superfund sites, can also pose a significant threat to the aquifer's health. The proximity of wellfield sites to these contamination sources further increases the risk of underground pollution.

Protecting the Biscayne Aquifer from contamination requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both surface and underground sources of pollution. This includes implementing strategies for water retention and reuse, prioritizing potable water resilience, and enforcing wellfield protection areas to mitigate the risks associated with industrial contaminants and saltwater intrusion. By taking proactive measures, Miami can help ensure the long-term sustainability and safety of its drinking water supply, which is crucial for the health and well-being of its residents and the environment.

Miami Waterkeeper works to ensure clean water for all

Miami Waterkeeper is a non-profit organisation that works to protect Miami's waterways and ensure clean water for everyone. The health of Miami's water is vital to the city's culture, economy, and ecology, and Miami Waterkeeper works to safeguard it through a variety of initiatives and campaigns.

Clean Water Initiatives

Miami Waterkeeper's clean water initiatives focus on preventing pollution, protecting the water from various sources of contamination, and ensuring that it is safe for swimming, drinking, and fishing. They train the public to document and report pollution through their 1000 Eyes on the Water program, which includes tips on what to document and how to report it. They also work to prevent algae blooms by reducing fertilizer use, addressing septic tank leaks, and stopping sewage spills.

Water Quality Monitoring

Miami Waterkeeper conducts regular water quality testing to provide the community with up-to-date information on bacteria levels in their favourite waterways. They sample water every Monday morning, with results available by Tuesday afternoon. In cases of high bacteria levels, they re-run samples daily until the issue is resolved. The results are easily accessible through the free Swim Guide app or website, which helps water lovers identify safe beaches for swimming.

Campaigns

Miami Waterkeeper runs campaigns such as "Protect Florida's Reefs" and "End Sewage Leaks" to address specific issues affecting water quality. They also work to regulate and enforce stormwater runoff violations, fight against proposed rules that would allow more toxic chemicals in Florida's water, and litigate against polluters who break environmental laws.

Education and Leadership Development

Miami Waterkeeper's Junior Ambassador program trains the next generation of environmental leaders. They also monitor popular recreational beaches and waterways for fecal indicator bacteria and report the latest water quality data to the public through theswimguide.org.

Through these efforts, Miami Waterkeeper strives to ensure that Miami's water is clean and safe for all who depend on it, whether for swimming, fishing, or as a source of drinking water.

Frequently asked questions