What are our big water quality problems?

Impaired waters: springs, lakes, rivers & streams

Closed beaches Contaminated seafood

How does water quality affect me & my community?

Upset ecosystem balance Fishing, boating & swimming Jobs Property values Tourism Health

What causes these problems?

Nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) Fecal coliform bacteria Other pollutants

What are nutrients and what is the problem?

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Allow plants to grow too much Clog waterways

How do nutrients get into our water?

Wastewater

- Privately-owned septic systems

- Sewer systems

Stormwater runoff

- Fertilizer fromlawns & agriculture

How does fecal coliform bacteria get in our waterways?

Septic systems Livestock Pets

What are other important water pollutants?

Petroleum (roads) Hazardous chemicals (homes) Pharmaceuticals (homes) Heavy metals (industry)

What can we do about it?

Reduce pollution from septic systems Reduce or eliminate fertilizer use (Use

compost!) Reduce usage of and properly dispose of

other water pollutants

What are our potential water quantity problems?

Tallahassee has adequate drinking water but there may be ecosystem impacts from:

Lower levels in wells, lakes, springs, and wetlands

Low flows in rivers

Dark water in springs

Degraded wildlife habitat

Saltwater intrusion

How does water quantity affect me & my community?

Upset ecosystem balance Boating, fishing, swimming Property values Jobs Tourism

What causes ecosystem problems?

Water withdrawal greater than recharge:

- Residential use (save water and money)

- Commercial use

- Agricultural use

What can we do about it?

Absorb all water that falls on your yard Use less potable water on your yard Use less water in your home

What are other solutions that haven't been mentioned?

Source of Nitrogen in Wakulla Springs & Aquifer

Atmosp

here

Creek

s & S

inks

Lives

tock

Fertil

zer

Inflo

w -

North

Septic

- so

uth

COT W

WTF

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

20072018

Kg N per person in 2018 0.64 2.40 0.17