Page 2 - PGA Community News - May '21

Page 2, PGA C.A.N.! May 2021 May 2021

Northern Notes

Importance Of Reducing industry. Pre-pandemic,
the tourism industry was
Water Pollutants Florida’s largest industry,
accounting for an average
By Katie Roundtree, of $110 billion per year.
Finance Director, Northern Florida’s warm climate
Palm Beach County and miles of beautiful
Improvement District beaches are very appealing
Water pollution is to tourists. Unfortunately,
unw elcomed in any an increase of pollutants in
community; however, in Florida’s bodies of water
Florida there is additional such as fertilizer runoff
urgency since it is a and inadequately treated
peninsula and surrounded by sewage have resulted in
water on three sides. Water algal blooms, red tides,
pollution has devastating and the deterioration of
effects on ecosystems, the economy and the tourist ecosystems, all of which
may turn tourists away. Source: wlrn.org
Unique ecosystems like
Editorial Board coral reefs and the Everglades carry out integral roles in others on the harmful effects of water pollution on coral
Florida’s environment. Coral reefs provide shelter for
reefs and the Everglades increases public awareness to
more than 4,000 species of fish and almost one-quarter
industrial plants and farms; pollution from residents
of all known marine species. Additionally, coral reefs cause change. This is not only a problem caused by large
Editor: James A. Cioffi protect coastlines from erosion and attract tourists to and businesses are just as, if not more, harmful to the
james@jcclaw.com witness the stunning, vibrant views coral reefs offer. Due environment. Industrial plants and farms are regulated
Feature Writers: Dawn Levinstein, POA to the increase of water pollution, Florida has lost about on how much chemicals they can use. Residents and
Commissioner Maria Marino 98 percent of its coral reefs. Coral reefs need clean, clear businesses are as well, but to a smaller degree. People
Katie Roundtree
water to survive. When sediment and other pollutants must be aware of what they are doing to the environment
Contributing enter the water, they smother coral reefs, speed the growth with each and every choice that they make. What you can
Reporter: Don Kiselewski of damaging algae, and lower water quality. Pollution do to decrease water pollution:
can also make corals more susceptible to disease, impede • Use fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides containing
Your editors strongly believe that the number coral growth and reproduction, and cause changes in nitrates and phosphates with care.
of people who do become involved with any food structures on the reef. Excess nitrogen, mainly from • Leave a “ring of responsibility” around retention
news medium directly reflects on that medium’s fertilizers and improperly treated sewage, feeds blooms of areas like local ponds, canals or lakes by not fertilizing
excellence, versatility and broad viewpoint. algae that block out the light. It also throws off the nutrient close to the water. This untreated area will serve as a
Therefore, we invite PGA residents to contribute
articles or current, timely news items and/or balance in the water in ways that disrupt the coral’s life natural buffer zone.
“Letters to the Editors.” cycle. • Avoid disposing household chemicals or other
Articles/letters are subject to editing and editors’ South Florida is the home of the largest subtropical pollutants into sinks.
right to publish. Submission must include writer’s wetland ecosystem in the United States, more commonly • Pick up litter and throw it into a garbage can, not
name, address and telephone number. Unsigned articles known as the Everglades. The Everglades provides one- down a storm drain.
/letters will not be published. Opposing views to article third of Florida’s drinking water and shelters endangered Reducing and preventing water pollution from reaching
viewpoints contained in this paper are welcome. and rare wildlife. Water pollution containing nitrates and Florida’s ecosystems will protect not only wildlife, but
Articles do not necessarily represent the viewpoint phosphates from fertilizer and improperly treated sewage Florida’s economy as well.
of the C.A.N.! organization. Submissions should trigger algal blooms and are particular concerns for the Sources: floridatoday.com, miaminewtimes.com, npr.
be mailed or delivered by the tenth of each month Everglades. The algal blooms decrease the amount of org, sfwmd.gov
for the following month’s publication (example: by dissolved oxygen in the water. Fish and other wildlife are NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
January 10 for February publication) to:
C.A.N.! Editors deprived of essential oxygen in the water. Native plants around your home helps lock rainwater in the ground,
Post Office Box 33436 used to lower nitrogen levels do not survive, allowing for reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons into the drains.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420 or non-native invasive species to take hold and thrive. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides in your garden
Contact the publisher for additional information The urgency to decrease and prevent water pollution is further protects and brings health to your yard and all the
regarding submissions, fax (561) 627-9088 or e-mail only rising. The first step is to raise awareness. Educating species living there.
canpga@yahoo.com.
Let’s hear from you.

Pressure Washing & Roof Cleaning

We are ready to exCeed your expeCtationS!
“We Clean Barrel Tile, Metal,
Asphalt Shingle Roofs & Cedar Shake Roofs” • Screen Doors & Window Screens
• Hardware Repacement
• Impact/Non-Impact Glass
• Custom Frameless Showers

• Screen Enclosure Frames
• Driveways • Paver Sealing
• Eco Friendly • Much More! $25 OFF 561-653-0100
Our Guarantee - If your house doesn’t Roof Cleaning
look 157% better than before, we will With this coupon. May not
refund you 100% of your money. be combined with other Buy 1 & Get The 2nd
offers.
Call James for Specials! $
50 OFF

Bear Industry Screen
561-248-1053

7/12/21. 7/12/21. 7/12/21. 7/12/21.
We Are Commercial Specialists!
Workman’s Comp Licensed & Insured www.pwpbg.com