Water Pollution's Impact On Brevard County's Environment

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Brevard County, Florida, which has a substantial waterline of 8,000 miles. The county's water quality is threatened by various factors, including excess nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants carried by stormwater. In 2013, four major problems were identified with the water quality in the Indian River Lagoon, including excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizer runoff, septic tank failure, and invasive species. Storms and heavy rainfall can also contaminate the water supply, posing risks to public health. To address these challenges, Brevard County has implemented initiatives such as the Environmentally Endangered Land (EEL) Program and the Watershed Management Pollution Prevention program, and is working towards reducing pollutants and improving water quality.

Storms and flooding can contaminate the water supply

If you have a private well, it may need to be disinfected and tested after floodwaters recede. The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (DOH-Brevard) can provide guidance on testing private wells.

Water contaminated by heavy rainfall should not be used for drinking, cooking, washing dishes, brushing teeth, or preparing food. Boiling water for at least one minute can kill harmful bacteria and parasites, but it is important to follow proper procedures to ensure safe drinking water.

The quality of water in the Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns River has declined due to excess nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants carried by stormwater. To prevent the contamination of these waterways, residents should avoid blowing lawn clippings into the street or dumping them down the storm drain. Yard waste and tree branches should not be piled on storm drains, and plastic bins should not be placed on or near them, as they can spill during rainstorms.

Composting is an effective way to reuse yard waste, and Florida native plants are recommended for landscaping as they require less fertilizer and are better adapted to the local environment. Properly maintaining swales, which are commonly used for stormwater management, can also help to reduce the volume of pollutants reaching the river or lagoon.

Septic tank failure

Septic systems are commonly used in areas where central sewer systems are not available. While they can be a safe means of disposing of domestic waste when properly maintained, they can become a major source of pollution when installed over sand or other poor soils close to the groundwater table or open water. Leaky tanks and failing drain fields contribute to water pollution by releasing nutrients, bacteria, and viruses into the groundwater.

In Brevard County, the impact of septic tank failure is particularly concerning due to the presence of the Indian River Lagoon, a sensitive aquatic ecosystem. Failing septic systems increase the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the groundwater, which can lead to excessive algae growth and harm the diverse plant and animal life in the lagoon.

To address this issue, Brevard County has implemented initiatives such as the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan (SOIRLPP). This project aims to reduce the impact of septic systems on the lagoon by upgrading to advanced treatment systems or connecting to local sewers. The county has identified high-risk properties and is providing funding to convert these properties from septic to sewer systems, reducing the nutrient load contribution from septic systems.

Additionally, heavy rainfall and storms can cause problems with septic tank systems. During and after storms, it is important for residents to limit water use and refrain from using water in their homes as much as possible, especially if there is a power outage, to prevent sewage backup and potential contamination.

Construction, farming, and erosion cause muck that settles at the bottom of the lagoon

Construction, farming, and erosion cause muck that settles at the bottom of the Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County. This muck prevents growth and consumes vital oxygen essential to marine flora and fauna.

Muck is a significant pollutant in the Indian River Lagoon, and it is important to understand its sources to address this issue effectively. Construction activities can generate large amounts of sediment and debris that can be washed into the lagoon, especially during heavy rains or flooding. Farmers also contribute to the problem when they use excessive amounts of fertiliser, which can run off into the lagoon, adding nutrients that contribute to the growth of harmful algae.

Erosion is another factor, as it washes away soil and sediment from the land, carrying it into the lagoon. This is particularly true for areas with construction or farming activities, as these activities can leave the land vulnerable to erosion. Additionally, dead plants and other organic matter from the surrounding environment can also accumulate in the lagoon, adding to the muck.

The muck at the bottom of the lagoon has severe ecological consequences. It prevents the growth of marine plants and other organisms by smothering them or blocking their access to sunlight. Additionally, as the muck decomposes, it consumes oxygen, creating oxygen-depleted zones in the water. This can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms, further degrading the health of the ecosystem.

To address this issue, Brevard County must implement measures to reduce the amount of sediment, fertiliser runoff, and organic matter entering the Indian River Lagoon. This can include stricter regulations on construction and farming activities, as well as initiatives to stabilise eroding soils and improve water quality. By tackling these sources of pollution, the county can improve the health of the lagoon and preserve its delicate aquatic ecosystems.

Invasive species eat clams and fish larvae

How Invasive Species Affect Brevard County

In Brevard County, invasive species are a significant threat to the local ecosystem and economy. One of the most pressing issues is the presence of invasive species that eat clams and fish larvae in the Indian River Lagoon. This body of water is a vital habitat for many species and is also a major tourist attraction, contributing to the local economy.

The Asian green mussel, South American charru mussel, and the Australian spotted jellyfish are just a few examples of invasive species that have been introduced to the Indian River Lagoon. These species feed on clams and fish larvae, outcompeting native species for food and resources. The introduction of these invasive species has disrupted the natural balance of the ecosystem, threatening the survival of native species and the health of the entire food web.

The impact of these invasive species is far-reaching. Clams and fish play a crucial role in the lagoon's ecosystem. Clams act as natural filters, helping to keep the water clean and clear. Fish are a key part of the food web, and their presence supports the existence of other species, including birds and larger marine animals.

The decline in clam and fish populations has had a ripple effect on the environment. Water quality has deteriorated, with the lagoon's water turning from crystal clear to murky green. This degradation poses a threat to the fisheries and tourism industries in Brevard County, as it affects the appeal of the area for visitors and the productivity of local fisheries.

Invasive species are just one aspect of water pollution in Brevard County, but they have a significant impact on the environment and local industries. It is important to address this issue through effective management strategies and conservation efforts to restore and maintain the natural balance of the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem.

Cars can cause water pollution

Transportation and the infrastructure that facilitates it, including roads, parking lots, and driveways, account for a significant proportion of all paving in cities and towns. This has contributed to the fragmentation of land, making it difficult for animals to find habitats and complete their migration routes.

Additionally, driving vehicles emit pollution into the air, which eventually falls back to the earth and is transported by runoff and groundwater into water sources. This form of pollution can also be carried over long distances and affect water sources far from the initial emission point.

To mitigate the impact of car pollution on water sources, residents of Brevard County can consider carpooling or using public transportation to reduce the number of cars on the road and the amount of pollution released during commutes.

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