Florida's Water Crisis: Understanding Pollution Levels

Florida has long been plagued by water pollution, with sources ranging from sewage and stormwater runoff to fertilizer and nutrient pollution. In 2022, Florida was ranked first in the US for the highest total acres of lakes too polluted for swimming or healthy aquatic life. The state also has the second-highest square miles of polluted estuaries. While the percentage of polluted water in Florida is unclear, the state's water quality is undoubtedly impaired, with dead oysters, fish kills, and toxic algae blooms being common occurrences. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), initiated in 2000, aims to restore the natural hydrology of the Everglades, but progress has been slow, and less than 10% of the work has been completed.

Florida's polluted lakes

Florida's lakes are suffering from severe pollution, with the state ranking first in the US for the highest total acres of lakes too contaminated for swimming or healthy aquatic life. This amounts to nearly 900,000 acres of impaired lake water, with issues such as high levels of fecal matter, low oxygen levels, and harmful bacteria. The main causes of this pollution are agricultural and stormwater runoff, with fertilizer use in farming being a significant contributor.

Florida's water pollution problem is not a new issue. The 1972 Clean Water Act aimed to address the industrialization that had polluted the nation's waters, making it a federal crime to discharge pollution from point sources and requiring states to monitor water quality. However, the Act did not adequately address the problem of runoff from cities, neighborhoods, and agricultural practices, which has led to decades of pollution in Florida's lakes.

Lake Okeechobee, covering about 450,000 acres, is a major driver of Florida's lake pollution. The lake has been contaminated by decades of agricultural and stormwater runoff, leading to toxic algae blooms that threaten local wildlife and human health. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), initiated in 2000, aims to restore the natural hydrology of the Everglades, which is another area of Florida severely affected by water pollution.

The state has implemented measures such as the Best Management Practices (BMPs) for farms to control pollution. However, enforcement of pollution limits is largely voluntary, and agencies responsible for environmental protection have faced staffing shortages. As a result, Florida continues to struggle with water pollution, and efforts are now focused on raising awareness and advocating for government action to reduce pollution and enforce stricter standards.

Sewage and fertilizer runoff

Florida has the second-most square miles of polluted estuaries in the United States. Sewage and fertilizer runoff are significant contributors to this pollution. Nutrient pollution from sewage and fertilizer runoff can worsen algae blooms, which are toxic to wildlife and can cause health issues for people who swim or drink the water. According to a study published in the journal Marine Biology, led by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Looe Key, higher nutrient levels in Florida's waters are a key cause of coral bleaching and death.

Miami-Dade County has adopted a Florida-Friendly fertilizer ordinance to help reduce nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways and improve the health of Biscayne Bay. The ordinance includes regulations such as skipping fertilizer during the summer rainy season, using phosphorus-free fertilizer, and applying fertilizer away from storm drains and surface water bodies.

Some areas in Florida are also incentivizing the transition from septic to sewer systems to reduce nutrient runoff from homes. Municipalities test for leaks and make necessary repairs or replacements, while individual homeowners are encouraged to have their septic tanks checked and pumped out regularly.

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), signed in 2000, is a suite of 65 water projects aimed at restoring the natural hydrology of the Everglades wetland. While the plan was supposed to take 20 years, less than 10% of the work has been completed. A reservoir and stormwater treatment area (STA) under construction south of Lake Okeechobee are expected to take 20% of the polluted water from the lake, improving the health of coastal rivers.

Water quality standards

While there is no catch-all unit of measurement to determine the percentage of Florida's water that is polluted, the state has been facing significant water pollution issues. Florida's water bodies, including streams, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters, have been impacted by various pollutants, such as sewage, stormwater runoff, and fertilizers, leading to concerns about water quality standards.

Florida's water quality standards are established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), which is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. The FDEP conducts periodic reviews of these standards, with a Triennial Review mentioned in 2024, to ensure compliance with federal regulations and protect the state's natural resources.

The Clean Water Act (CWA) serves as the statutory basis for state water quality standards programs, and the regulatory requirements are published in 40 CFR 131. Florida has adopted Site-Specific Alternative Criteria (SSACs) and variances to comply with the CWA, and these are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The state has six classes for its surface waters, ranging from Class I for potable water supplies to Class III for fish consumption, recreation, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The water quality standards also include narrative criteria for pollutants and site-specific criteria that replace statewide default values when supported by site-specific information. For example, the Everglades have alternate phosphorus criteria due to their unique environmental characteristics. Additionally, Florida has implemented initiatives such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) to restore the natural hydrology of the Everglades wetland.

Challenges and Improvements:

Despite these standards and initiatives, Florida's water quality has faced challenges. In 2022, the state ranked first in the nation for total acres of lakes deemed too polluted for aquatic life and swimming. Issues such as nutrient pollution, including nitrogen and phosphorus, have contributed to toxic algae blooms and impacted aquatic ecosystems. However, there have been improvements as well, with a consistent decline in miles of impaired streams observed from 2018 to 2022.

Florida's water quality standards aim to protect the state's abundant surface waters, including rivers, streams, lakes, and estuaries, which are vital for human use and ecological health. While challenges remain, ongoing efforts by the FDEP and initiatives like CERP demonstrate a commitment to improving water quality and safeguarding Florida's natural resources.

Stormwater management

Florida's water pollution problem is causing issues for the state's fisheries and ecosystems. A number of factors contribute to this, including sewage, stormwater runoff, and fertilizers. The Florida Stormwater Association and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) are two organizations working to address these issues and improve water quality.

The FDEP is the state's primary agency for environmental management and stewardship. It aims to protect Florida's air, water, and land through initiatives such as the NPDES Stormwater Program. This program is designed to address the issues of stormwater, which is a significant contributor to water pollution in the state. Stormwater picks up pollutants as it flows, including oils, greases, chemicals, fertilizers, dirt, and bacteria, carrying them into lakes, rivers, and oceans.

One of the major challenges facing Florida's water management is the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Signed in 2000, the CERP is a complex suite of 65 water projects designed to restore the natural hydrology of the Everglades wetland. The project has faced delays, with less than 10% completed as of 2024. A reservoir and stormwater treatment area (STA) are under construction south of Lake Okeechobee, which is expected to treat 20% of the lake's polluted water, currently causing issues in coastal rivers.

The FDEP also examines streams, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters for water quality and works to identify the root causes of pollution. According to their reports, a growing number of Florida's water bodies are impaired and do not meet water quality standards. This is reflected in Florida's ranking in terms of polluted water bodies, with the state ranking first for total acres of lakes too polluted for swimming and aquatic life, and second for the most square miles of polluted estuaries.

Effective stormwater management is crucial to addressing Florida's water pollution issues. This involves implementing strategies to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff, as well as treating and managing the runoff to remove pollutants before they reach water bodies. This can include the use of stormwater treatment areas, as well as best management practices such as infiltration, filtration, and source control. By improving stormwater management, Florida can work towards improving its water quality and reducing the negative impacts on its ecosystems and fisheries.

Water infrastructure and government regulations

Florida's water quality has been a concern for decades, with agricultural and urban areas lining waterways and contributing to pollution. While there are no specific percentages available for the overall pollution of Florida's water, the state has consistently ranked high in polluted water bodies.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for monitoring and addressing the state's water quality. In 2018, the department reported that 2.5 million acres of estuaries were polluted and unfit for drinking or recreation. This issue is particularly prominent in Southwest Florida, which relies on a surficial aquifer system for drinking water.

To address water pollution, the state has implemented several measures:

• The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP): Initiated in 2000, this plan involves 65 water projects aimed at restoring the natural hydrology of the Everglades wetland. While it was supposed to be completed in 20 years, less than 10% of the work has been accomplished. Funding and land acquisition issues have slowed down progress.
• Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs): The state is constructing a vast reservoir and STA south of Lake Okeechobee. This project is designed to treat 20% of the polluted water from the lake, reducing the impact on coastal rivers.
• Wetlands Expansion: Over the last decade, Florida has expanded its wetlands, which provide natural filtration of pollutants. This expansion has been facilitated through additional state legislation and an agreement with the EPA in 2012, which called for more stormwater treatment areas and water storage.
• Collaboration with Sugar Growers: Environmental groups have worked with politically powerful sugar growers to address water pollution. While there are concerns about the lack of clarity in the operation of wetlands, the collaboration has resulted in a significant reduction in water pollution, exceeding the state law mandates.
• Local Ordinances: County and city governments are encouraged to adopt stringent ordinances to limit the harmful impacts of stormwater and fertilizers on waterways. This includes improving stormwater management and addressing nutrient pollution, which is a prevalent issue in Southwest Florida.

Despite these efforts, Florida's water pollution remains a challenge. The state has seen an increase in nutrient pollution, which contributes to toxic algae blooms and poses risks to both wildlife and human health. Experts attribute this to various factors, including agricultural runoff, sewage, and inadequate stormwater management.

In summary, while Florida has implemented various water infrastructure projects and government regulations to address water pollution, the issue persists. The state continues to face challenges in effectively managing and reducing water pollution, particularly from nutrient and agricultural sources.

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