Page 12 - The Islander - May '21

Page 12, The Islander

northern notes

Importance Of Reducing Water Pollutants

By Katie Roundtree, Finance Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Water pollution is Reducing and preventing water pollution from
unwe l c om ed i n a ny reaching Florida’s ecosystems will protect not only
community; however, in wildlife, but Florida’s economy as well.
Florida there is additional Sources: floridatoday.com, miaminewtimes.com, npr.
urgency since it is a peninsula org, sfwmd.gov
and surrounded by water on NPDES tip: Planting a rain garden with native plants
three sides. Water pollution around your home helps lock rainwater in the ground,
has devastating effects on reducing the flow of pollutants and poisons into the
ecosystems, the economy drains. Using organic fertilizers and pesticides in your
and the tourist industry. garden further protects and brings health to your yard
Pre-pandemic, the tourism Source: wlrn.org and all the species living there.
industry was Florida’s largest
industry, accounting for an average of $110 billion per
year. Florida’s warm climate and miles of beautiful New Small Business in
beaches are very appealing to tourists. Unfortunately, an
increase of pollutants in Florida’s bodies of water such
as fertilizer runoff and inadequately treated sewage have Riviera Beach
resulted in algal blooms, red tides, and the deterioration
of ecosystems, all of which may turn tourists away.
Unique ecosystems like coral reefs and the Everglades Triple H Hardware Store
carry out integral roles in Florida’s environment. Coral
reefs provide shelter for more than 4,000 species of fish
and almost one-quarter of all known marine species. is now OPEN on Singer Island
Additionally, coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion
and attract tourists to witness the stunning, vibrant
views coral reefs offer. Due to the increase of water [Riviera Beach, FL.] A new
pollution, Florida has lost about 98 percent of its coral small business has arrived
reefs. Coral reefs need clean, clear water to survive. on Singer Island. They are
When sediment and other pollutants enter the water,
they smother coral reefs, speed the growth of damaging located at 1217 E. Blue Heron,
algae, and lower water quality. Pollution can also make you can contact them at 561-
corals more susceptible to disease, impede coral growth 331-8373. Please visit their
and reproduction, and cause changes in food structures website www.triplehhardware.
on the reef. Excess nitrogen, mainly from fertilizers and com or call with any questions.
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. Triple H Hardware is a family
South Florida is the home of the largest subtropical owned and operated hardware
wetland ecosystem in the United States, more commonly store. The Heinzerling family
known as the Everglades. The Everglades provides one- moved to Palm Beach in 2016
third of Florida’s drinking water and shelters endangered from Arizona after falling
and rare wildlife. Water pollution containing nitrates and in love with the state from
phosphates from fertilizer and improperly treated sewage
trigger algal blooms and are particular concerns for the vacationing in Florida for
Everglades. The algal blooms decrease the amount of years. Dan has been in the
dissolved oxygen in the water. Fish and other wildlife are construction business all of his
deprived of essential oxygen in the water. Native plants working years and Kelli has assisted him on his various projects. “When customers walk in the door
used to lower nitrogen levels do not survive, allowing of our shop, they will be welcomed and have someone to assist them that is very knowledgeable in
for non-native invasive species to take hold and thrive.
The urgency to decrease and prevent water pollution is the industry. If you do not find the items you are looking for in our store, we will order it for you.
only rising. The first step is to raise awareness. Educating Customer satisfaction is our top priority,” said Kelli Heinzerling, co-owner. No matter what time of
others on the harmful effects of water pollution on coral day you come to Triple H Hardware you will get a member of the family, as their two adult children
reefs and the Everglades increases public awareness to will also work alongside in the family business who are all knowledgeable in the industry and want
cause change. This is not only a problem caused by large to serve the customer in the best way possible.
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 If you are needing a handyman
on how much chemicals they can use. Residents and on Singer Island, look no
businesses are as well, but to a smaller degree. People further as they could be your
must be aware of what they are doing to the environment one stop shop. High Tide
with each and every choice that they make. What you can Handyman service is run by
do to decrease water pollution: Dan. He takes pride in his
• Use fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides containing
nitrates and phosphates with care. work and completes every
• Leave a “ring of responsibility” around retention job as if he were doing it for
areas like local ponds, canals or lakes by not fertilizing his home. No matter if it is a
close to the water. This untreated area will serve as a stuck door, leaky sink, or any
natural buffer zone. other item. He will be there to
• Avoid disposing household chemicals or other help. To schedule handyman
pollutants into sinks.
• Pick up litter and throw it into a garbage can, not services call 561-814-5106.
down a storm drain.

May 31st