Avoiding Florida's Water Pollution: Tips For A Cleaner Environment

Florida's water systems are suffering from decades of poor management, drainage, pollution, and overuse. These issues have led to a decline in water quality and the health of the state's estuaries, wetlands, springs, rivers, and lakes. While it can seem like a daunting task to tackle, there are many ways that individuals can contribute to improving Florida's water systems. From properly maintaining local stormwater management systems to supporting local conservation organizations, individuals can make a difference in protecting Florida's natural resources and wildlife.

Avoid using too much fertiliser, especially near water

Fertilisers are a common source of nutrient pollution in Florida's water systems. When excess fertiliser enters local waterways through surface water runoff, it causes algae to bloom much faster than normal. As the algae break down, the bacteria involved in their decomposition consume oxygen, causing the water's oxygen levels to deplete to unhealthily low levels. This process, known as eutrophication, often results in the death of fish and other aquatic organisms due to oxygen deprivation.

To avoid contributing to this issue, it is essential to use fertilisers sparingly and cautiously, especially near water bodies. Here are some specific guidelines to follow:

• Only use fertiliser when necessary. Most established lawns, for example, do not need additional fertiliser.
• Test your soil before applying fertiliser. Only use fertiliser to provide specific nutrients that are lacking.
• If using fertiliser near a waterbody, such as a river, stream, creek, wetland, or storm drain, leave an untreated buffer zone. This area will act as a natural barrier, preventing the fertiliser from reaching the water. The recommended buffer distance is at least 15 feet, but this may be reduced to 10 feet if a drop spreader, rotary spreader with a deflector, or targeted spray liquid is used for application.
• Avoid applying fertiliser when heavy rainfall is expected. Rain can wash away fertiliser into storm drains and nearby water bodies, contributing to pollution and wasting your money.
• Store fertiliser in a closed, waterproof container, placed indoors or raised above the ground.
• Follow recommended application rates for different types of fertiliser. For example, for nitrogen-based fertilisers, use less than 0.7 pounds of water-soluble nitrogen per 1,000 square feet and less than 0.9 pounds of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
• Consider using slow-release fertilisers, which typically need to be applied only once or twice a year.
• Practice conservation tillage to reduce soil erosion and runoff, thereby minimising the risk of nutrients reaching nearby waterways.
• Plant cover crops or perennial species to prevent periods of bare ground when soil and nutrients are more susceptible to erosion and loss into waterways.
• Engage in watershed efforts by collaborating with stakeholders, organisations, and community groups to reduce nutrient pollution in your area.

Properly maintain local stormwater management systems

Stormwater management systems are essential for managing runoff from storms in Florida. With an average of 40-60 inches of rainfall annually, the runoff contains oil and gas, pesticides, fertilizer, bacteria, and heavy metals. Properly maintaining local stormwater management systems is crucial to prevent flooding and protect the environment by filtering the collected water. Here are some ways to properly maintain local stormwater management systems:

Vegetation Management

Vegetation control is essential to keep stormwater infrastructure clear and functioning properly. Overgrown vegetation can obstruct stormwater flow and compromise the system's efficiency. Expert horticulturists can carefully select and maintain vegetation to facilitate water flow and positively impact the local ecosystem. Native vegetation, for instance, helps stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and naturally filter stormwater.

Debris and Trash Removal

Debris and trash in stormwater drains can interfere with flood prevention and decrease water quality. Advanced techniques are employed to minimize the environmental impact of trash removal while maintaining the integrity of the stormwater system and preventing clogs. Regular maintenance ensures that accumulated debris is cleaned out, and the water can flow freely.

Erosion Repair

Erosion is a common concern in Florida's dynamic climate, and it can impact water quality and local ecosystems. Erosion repair services are crucial to fortify stormwater structures and prevent soil erosion. By strengthening these structures, erosion repair helps maintain the overall effectiveness of the stormwater management system.

Sand Filter Bed Maintenance

Sand filter beds play a vital role in removing pollutants from stormwater before it's released back into the environment. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to prevent clogging, which can lead to a decline in water quality and potential flooding. Maintenance includes assessing the condition of the sand media, cleaning accumulated debris, and replacing sand as needed to ensure optimal filtration.

Responsible Mowing Practices

Implementing responsible mowing practices can enhance the performance of the stormwater management system. Proper mowing techniques promote the growth of native plants and support local wildlife. This, in turn, contributes to a healthier ecosystem and more effective stormwater management.

By following these maintenance guidelines, individuals and communities can play a crucial role in ensuring the proper functioning of local stormwater management systems, thereby reducing the risk of flooding and minimizing the impact of pollutants on Florida's precious water resources.

Be mindful of how household chemicals can enter water systems

Florida's water systems are facing a number of pollution problems, including excess nutrients from fertilizer and stormwater runoff, bacteria, and metals such as copper, iron, and mercury. While large-scale industrial plants and farms are often considered the primary sources of water pollution, residents, businesses, and visitors also contribute to the issue.

Household chemicals and other pollutants can easily be flushed into ground and surface water systems. For example, septic tanks are recognized as significant contributors to streams' pathogen and nutrient loadings. Additionally, increased concentrations of phosphorus (P) from household wastewaters, derived from detergents, can cause eutrophication in water bodies, leading to blooms of harmful bacteria and oxygen depletion.

To address this issue, it is important to be mindful of the types of chemicals used in the home and to properly manage their disposal. Here are some ways to reduce the impact of household chemicals on water systems:

• Choose eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products that are less likely to contain high levels of phosphorus.
• Properly dispose of household chemicals and waste, such as oils, paints, and other toxic substances, by taking them to designated drop-off locations or hazardous waste collection sites.
• Avoid flushing medications, pesticides, or other chemicals down the toilet or sink. These can pass through wastewater treatment plants and enter water systems.
• Maintain septic tanks and onsite wastewater treatment systems properly to reduce the risk of phosphorus and other chemical discharges into surface waters.
• Support policies and initiatives that aim to improve water management and protect water resources, such as those led by organizations like the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and the South Florida Water Management District.

By being mindful of how household chemicals can enter water systems and taking proactive measures to reduce their impact, individuals can play a crucial role in preserving Florida's water quality and natural environments.

Support policies that protect wetlands and environmentally-sensitive lands

Protecting and preserving Florida's wetlands and environmentally sensitive lands is crucial for maintaining the state's water quality and natural resources. Here are some ways to support policies that safeguard these precious ecosystems:

Understand the Role of Wetlands

Wetlands act as natural buffers, storing and filtering floodwaters before they reach waterbodies. They also play a vital role in recharging Florida's aquifer, which supplies groundwater to rivers, estuaries, and springs, and provides drinking water for 90% of the state's population.

Support Organisations Dedicated to Wetlands Conservation

The Nature Conservancy, for instance, has been instrumental in preserving and restoring wetlands across Florida. They have facilitated the protection of 350,000 acres of wetlands, helping to secure vital areas like the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. This connects public and private lands while restoring the natural flow of water to the Greater Everglades. Similarly, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida works to protect the region's water resources and natural habitats.

Advocate for Stringent Water Management and Planning Policies

Support policies that direct development away from wetlands and environmentally sensitive areas. This includes advocating for comprehensive planning policies that prohibit or strictly regulate development within and near wetlands. The First District Court of Appeal's decision in Johnson v. Gulf County reinforces the authority of local governments to regulate and prohibit development in these areas.

Engage with Decision-Makers and Representatives

Reach out to local representatives and government agencies, urging them to approve projects that enhance the environmental health of estuaries and other waterbodies. Stay informed about issues impacting the environment by signing up for action alerts from organisations like the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Your voice and support add weight to their advocacy efforts.

Promote Sustainable Agricultural Practices

Agricultural activities can significantly impact wetlands and water quality. Encourage and support sustainable farming practices that minimise pollution, erosion, and the excessive use of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, which can harm aquatic ecosystems.

Preserve and restore conservation land

Conservation land can be preserved and protected in several ways. One way is through land trusts, where a land trust owns and manages land that is donated or sold to them. This ensures that the land is conserved and protected according to the donor's wishes. Another way is through conservation easements, which are legal agreements between landowners and land trusts that permanently limit the use of an area to protect its conservation values. Landowners can either sell or donate these easements, and they can apply to only a portion of the property. Conservation easements can protect important habitats for wildlife and preserve scenic natural landscapes.

Private landowners can also play a crucial role in protecting conservation land by donating or selling property, or even just development rights, to conservation organisations. Tax incentives are often available for landowners who choose to protect the conservation values of their land through these means. Organisations like The Nature Conservancy work with landowners, communities, and businesses to establish local groups that can effectively protect land.

In addition to these methods, there are also government-led initiatives, such as The Conservation Fund, which acts quickly to secure at-risk land before it is lost to private developers. Over four decades, The Conservation Fund has protected and preserved over 9 million acres of land. They also provide Conservation Loans to help land trusts and other conservation organisations protect key properties, increase access to green spaces, and restore natural habitats.

Through a combination of individual, community, and government efforts, it is possible to effectively preserve and restore conservation land, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the benefits of a healthy and thriving natural environment.

Frequently asked questions