Page 7 - Talk of Tequesta - May '21
P. 7
The Talk Of Tequesta, Page 7
northern notes
Importance Of Reducing Water Pollutants
By Katie Roundtree, Finance Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District
Wa t e r pol l ut i on i s $110 billion per year. Florida’s warm climate and miles of
unwelcomed in any community; beautiful beaches are very appealing to tourists. Unfortunately,
however, in Florida there is an increase of pollutants in Florida’s bodies of water such as
additional urgency since it is fertilizer runoff and inadequately treated sewage have resulted
a peninsula and surrounded in algal blooms, red tides, and the deterioration of ecosystems,
by water on three sides. Water all of which may turn tourists away.
pollution has devastating effects Unique ecosystems like coral reefs and the Everglades carry
on ecosystems, the economy out integral roles in Florida’s environment. Coral reefs provide
and the tourist industry. Pre- shelter for more than 4,000 species of fish and almost one-
pandemic, the tourism industry quarter of all known marine species. Additionally, coral reefs
was Florida’s largest industry, protect coastlines from erosion and attract tourists to witness
accounting for an average of the stunning, vibrant views coral reefs offer. Due to the increase Source: wlrn.org
of water pollution, Florida has lost about 98 percent of its coral
reefs. Coral reefs need clean, clear water to survive. When
sediment and other pollutants enter the water, they smother
coral reefs, speed the growth of damaging algae, and lower
water quality. Pollution can also make corals more susceptible
to disease, impede coral growth and reproduction, and cause
changes in food structures on the reef. Excess nitrogen, mainly
from fertilizers and improperly treated sewage, feeds blooms
of algae that block out the light. It also throws off the nutrient
balance in the water in ways that disrupt the coral’s life cycle.
South Florida is the home of the largest subtropical
wetland ecosystem in the United States, more commonly
known as the Everglades. The Everglades provides one-third
of Florida’s drinking water and shelters endangered and rare
wildlife. Water pollution containing nitrates and phosphates
from fertilizer and improperly treated sewage trigger algal
blooms and are particular concerns for the Everglades. The
algal blooms decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the
water. Fish and other wildlife are deprived of essential oxygen
in the water. Native plants used to lower nitrogen levels do not
survive, allowing for non-native invasive species to take hold
and thrive.
The urgency to decrease and prevent water pollution is only
rising. The first step is to raise awareness. Educating others on
the harmful effects of water pollution on coral reefs and the
Everglades increases public awareness to cause change. This
is not only a problem caused by large industrial plants and
farms; pollution from residents and businesses are just as, if not
more, harmful to the environment. Industrial plants and farms
are regulated on how much chemicals they can use. Residents
and businesses are as well, but to a smaller degree. People must
be aware of what they are doing to the environment with each
and every choice that they make. What you can do to decrease
water pollution:
• Use fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides containing
nitrates and phosphates with care.
All Natural Pain Medicine • Leave a “ring of responsibility” around retention areas
like local ponds, canals or lakes by not fertilizing close to the
Ask Us!!! water. This untreated area will serve as a natural buffer zone.
• Avoid disposing household chemicals or other pollutants
into sinks.
• Pick up litter and throw it into a garbage can, not down a
storm drain.
Reducing and preventing water pollution from reaching
Florida’s ecosystems will protect not only wildlife, but
Florida’s economy as well.
• Compounded Medications Sources: floridatoday.com, miaminewtimes.com, npr.org,
sfwmd.gov
made for you and your pets! NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
around your home helps lock rainwater in the ground, reducing
• Compression Hosiery the flow of pollutants and poisons into the drains. Using organic
fertilizers and pesticides in your garden further protects and
• Wheelchairs, Walkers, Canes brings health to your yard and all the species living there.
TequesTa Drugs anD Editorial copy appearing herewith is not necessarily the viewpoint of
Seabreeze Publications of Central Florida. Most editorial copy is created by
the homeowners and is edited by their appointed editor.
CompounDing 1102 W. Indiantown Rd., Suite 5, Jupiter, FL 33458
(561) 746-3244
FAX (561) 746-2509
The Pharmacy With A Seabreeze Publications
Publisher
M. Sean Reid
J. Reid
Sales
Tom English, Laura Berrio, Bret McCormick
See answer in this paper. www.seabreezepublications.com
