Florida's Water Pollution: Causes And Concerns

Florida's water pollution problem is worsening, threatening its fisheries, beaches, and coastal ecosystems. The state's sewage infrastructure is inadequate, with age and heavy rainfall inhibiting performance and causing major spills. This, in combination with agricultural and urban development, is causing an excess of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, leading to harmful algal blooms that cloud both fresh and coastal salt waters. These algal blooms cause fish kills and coral reef die-offs, as well as respiratory issues for beachgoers.

Sewage spills and failing infrastructure

Florida's sewage infrastructure is ageing and inadequate, with some parts of the system up to 80 years old. The state's wastewater infrastructure is failing due to old age, poor maintenance, increased populations, and rising sea levels in already low-lying communities. Sewage lift stations without generators shut down, causing untreated sewage to back up and overflow, usually through simple manhole covers. This ends up in waterways where people swim, fish, and boat. Between 2015 and 2020, more than 1.6 billion gallons of sewage spilled into local communities and waterways in Florida.

These sewage spills have devastating effects on the environment. Untreated sewage contains high levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which, when in excess, cause the excessive growth of certain types of plants and algae. Sewage spills fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs) that cloud both fresh and coastal salt waters, blocking out sunlight that is vital to seagrass health. Seagrass is depended on by all of Florida's marine fish and other organisms, and to a lesser extent, oysters and other shellfish. Sewage spills also cause a rise in fecal bacteria levels, which can make people ill.

The performance of sewers is also inhibited by Florida's heavy rain and tropical storms. The regular rainfall and common deluges almost guarantee major spills. As Florida averages 55-60 inches of rainfall a year, with about two-thirds of that coming in the wet season from June to November, the likelihood of sewage spills is increased.

In addition to ageing infrastructure and heavy rainfall, Florida's sewage problems are exacerbated by lax or unenforced regulations, as well as the drainage and filling of wetlands, which naturally provide filtration of pollutants.

Stormwater runoff

The polluted stormwater runoff then flows into Florida's lakes, rivers, and wetlands, eventually making its way into the groundwater aquifers that supply drinking water to the state's residents. This type of runoff is considered the greatest threat to clean water in the United States. Florida's unique geography and high rainfall make it particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of stormwater runoff. The quick shunting of rainwater, along with the pollutants it collects, directly into water bodies without adequate treatment, poses a significant challenge to maintaining water quality.

Nutrient pollution, specifically excess nitrogen and phosphorus, is a prevalent issue in Florida's stormwater runoff. These nutrients can originate from untreated sewage, leaking septic tanks, and inadequately treated wastewater. When excess nutrients enter water bodies, they can fuel harmful algal blooms (HABs) that cloud both fresh and coastal salt waters. These algal blooms block sunlight, which is vital for the health of seagrass meadows and underwater plants. The excessive growth of algae also consumes oxygen in the water, leading to fish kills and coral reef die-offs.

To address the issue of stormwater runoff, proper management, treatment, and regulations are essential. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida advocates for new and existing developments to utilize sufficient mechanisms for stormwater treatment. Additionally, local governments should adopt protective ordinances to limit the harmful impacts of stormwater on waterways. By implementing effective stormwater management practices and enforcing regulations, Florida can mitigate the negative effects of stormwater runoff and improve the overall quality of its water resources.

Nutrient pollution

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus can come from various sources. One significant source is untreated sewage and leaking septic tanks. Florida's ageing sewage infrastructure, combined with heavy rainfall and tropical storms, leads to frequent sewage spills and backups, with untreated sewage ending up in waterways. Another source of nutrient pollution is stormwater runoff. Florida's high rainfall, averaging 55-60 inches per year, results in stormwater collecting pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides from lawns, roadways, and industrial activities, which then flow into lakes, rivers, and wetlands, contributing to nutrient pollution.

Agricultural and urban development also play a role in nutrient pollution. In South Florida, for example, higher levels of nutrients like phosphorus are introduced through development, leading to excessive vegetation growth, including cattails, which crowd out native plants favoured by wildlife. This alteration in vegetation composition can have cascading effects on the ecosystem. Additionally, increased nutrient levels in surface waters promote the growth of organisms like algae and duckweed, further contributing to the ecological imbalance.

To address nutrient pollution, effective stormwater management is crucial. This includes implementing mechanisms for stormwater treatment and adopting ordinances to limit the impact of stormwater and fertilizers on waterways. Additionally, proper maintenance of local stormwater management systems and responsible use of fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides by individuals and businesses can help reduce nutrient pollution. Protecting and preserving wetlands is also essential, as they provide natural filtration of pollutants.

While nutrient pollution is a pressing issue, it is important to acknowledge that Florida's water quality is influenced by various other factors as well, including sewage infrastructure failures, industrial pollution, and natural occurrences like red tide.

Algal blooms

Florida's water pollution problem is a complex issue with many contributing factors, one of which is algal blooms. Algal blooms, also known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), are caused by a rapid increase in the population of certain algae species. These blooms can have detrimental effects on the environment, economy, and human health.

One of the primary contributors to algal blooms in Florida is nutrient pollution. Excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can fuel the growth of algae. Sources of nutrient pollution include septic leeching, sewage system spills, and stormwater runoff carrying fertilizers from lawns, fields, and agricultural areas. Florida's heavy rainfall and tropical storms can exacerbate the issue by increasing the flow of polluted stormwater into water bodies.

The most well-known type of algal bloom in Florida is the "red tide," caused by the saltwater organism Karenia brevis. This species produces potent neurotoxins called brevetoxins, which can be harmful to both humans and animals. Red tide discolors the water, giving it a red, brown, or green hue, and can cause respiratory issues for beachgoers. It also leads to fish kills and has been linked to manatee deaths.

Another common type of algal bloom in Florida is blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. These blooms are typically found in freshwater systems and can produce cyanotoxins that are released into the air when disturbed. Contact with blue-green algae can cause skin irritation, and swallowing large amounts of contaminated water can lead to illness.

The impacts of algal blooms extend beyond ecological concerns. They can negatively affect Florida's tourism-driven economy and water-related industries. Clean-up efforts, loss of tourist revenue, and disruptions to the fishing industry have cost hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years.

To mitigate the issue of algal blooms, efforts are being made to reduce nutrient pollution. Sarasota County officials, for example, are urging residents to use environmentally friendly landscaping and lawn fertilizer practices during the rainy summer months to minimize their contribution to nutrient pollution. Additionally, researchers at the University of Florida are working to identify specific nutrient pollution sources for algal blooms in affected areas.

Wetlands loss

Florida's wetlands are vital in maintaining the health of the state's water resources. They act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water during floods and releasing it slowly during drier periods. This natural water storage and purification system helps to reduce the risk of flooding and ensures a consistent supply of clean water.

However, the drainage and filling of wetlands for development purposes have disrupted these natural processes. The loss of wetlands means that stormwater runoff, which carries pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, oils, and coolants, flows directly into lakes, rivers, and coastal areas without sufficient natural filtration. This runoff contributes to the pollution of Florida's waterways, leading to issues such as fish kills and harmful algal blooms.

Additionally, the destruction of wetlands exacerbates the problem of nutrient pollution, particularly from excess nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients can come from untreated sewage, leaking septic tanks, and inadequately treated agricultural runoff. Without wetlands to absorb and filter these nutrients, they accumulate in water bodies, fueling the growth of harmful algae and degrading water quality.

The loss of wetlands in Florida is a critical issue that needs urgent attention. Effective wetland preservation and restoration efforts are essential to protect the state's water resources and mitigate the impacts of pollution on the environment and human health. By conserving and restoring wetlands, Florida can enhance its natural water filtration systems and help ensure a sustainable supply of clean water for its residents and wildlife.

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