Page 5 - JupiterWest - May '21

Jupiter West, Page 5
Northern Notes

Importance Of Reducing to the water. This untreated area will serve as a natural
buffer zone.
Water Pollutants • Avoid disposing household chemicals or other
pollutants into sinks.
By Katie Roundtree, • Pick up litter and throw it into a garbage can, not
Finance Director, Northern down a storm drain.
Palm Beach County Reducing and preventing water pollution from reaching
Improvement District Florida’s ecosystems will protect not only wildlife, but
Water pollution is Florida’s economy as well.
unwel c om ed i n a ny Sources: floridatoday.com, miaminewtimes.com, npr.
community; however, in org, sfwmd.gov
Florida there is additional NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
urgency since it is a peninsula around your home helps lock rainwater in the ground,
and surrounded by water on Source: wlrn.org reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons into the drains.
three sides. Water pollution Using organic fertilizers and pesticides in your garden
has devastating effects on South Florida is the home of the largest subtropical further protects and brings health to your yard and all the
ecosystems, the economy wetland ecosystem in the United States, more commonly species living there.
and the tourist industry. Pre-pandemic, the tourism industry known as the Everglades. The Everglades provides one-third
was Florida’s largest industry, accounting for an average of of Florida’s drinking water and shelters endangered and rare
$110 billion per year. Florida’s warm climate and miles of wildlife. Water pollution containing nitrates and phosphates Outstanding
beautiful beaches are very appealing to tourists. Unfortunately, from fertilizer and improperly treated sewage trigger algal
an increase of pollutants in Florida’s bodies of water such as blooms and are particular concerns for the Everglades. The
fertilizer runoff and inadequately treated sewage have resulted algal blooms decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in Natural Area
in algal blooms, red tides, and the deterioration of ecosystems, the water. Fish and other wildlife are deprived of essential
all of which may turn tourists away. oxygen in the water. Native plants used to lower nitrogen
Unique ecosystems like coral reefs and the Everglades levels do not survive, allowing for non-native invasive Family Day
carry out integral roles in Florida’s environment. Coral species to take hold and thrive.
reefs provide shelter for more than 4,000 species of fish The urgency to decrease and prevent water pollution is
and almost one-quarter of all known marine species. only rising. The first step is to raise awareness. Educating May 8 From 10 a.m. To 2 p.m.
Additionally, coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion others on the harmful effects of water pollution on coral Families explore history and nature at our waterfront
and attract tourists to witness the stunning, vibrant views reefs and the Everglades increases public awareness to cause site on May 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jupiter Inlet
coral reefs offer. Due to the increase of water pollution, change. This is not only a problem caused by large industrial Lighthouse & Museum! Get outdoors and explore the
Florida has lost about 98 percent of its coral reefs. Coral plants and farms; pollution from residents and businesses are ONA.
reefs need clean, clear water to survive. When sediment just as, if not more, harmful to the environment. Industrial Children receive free admission and a Lighthouse
and other pollutants enter the water, they smother coral plants and farms are regulated on how much chemicals they activity backpack (limited quantities available). The
reefs, speed the growth of damaging algae, and lower water can use. Residents and businesses are as well, but to a smaller backpack includes a nature hunt, a junior ranger book
quality. Pollution can also make corals more susceptible to degree. People must be aware of what they are doing to the and crayon, and Lighthouse binoculars.
disease, impede coral growth and reproduction, and cause environment with each and every choice that they make. Adult admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors and
changes in food structures on the reef. Excess nitrogen, What you can do to decrease water pollution: veterans; Free: Children 18 and under, Lighthouse
mainly from fertilizers and improperly treated sewage, • Use fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides containing members and active duty United States military.
feeds blooms of algae that block out the light. It also nitrates and phosphates with care. History:
throws off the nutrient balance in the water in ways that • Leave a “ring of responsibility” around retention areas On May 8, 2008, President George W. Bush signed
disrupt the coral’s life cycle. like local ponds, canals or lakes by not fertilizing close Congressional legislation declaring the 120-acre
Lighthouse site a part of the National Conservation
Lands as an Outstanding Natural Area, a protected
heritage landmark for current and future generations
within the Bureau of Land Management.

Photo by Captain Kimo

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