Why is source water protection so important?
It is less expensive to prevent a loss in water quality than it is to treat contaminated/unsafe water to safe standards, or to find and replace a communities drinking water supply.
Source water protection can help minimize public health risks and respond to uncertainties associated with emergent or unregulated contaminants (such as pharmaceuticals or other chemicals).
Source water protection can help better prepare a utility for future changes in drinking water standards and regulations.
Protecting drinking water at its source is the first line of defense in a multi-barrier approach, to providing safe drinking water. The multi-barrier approach uses a series of technical and managerial barriers to prevent water contamination. The overall philosophy is that by using several methods to prevent contamination from the water source to the consumers' tap, customers will be safe, even if one barrier fails.
Why Drinking Water Source Protection Matters
Water protection is an important, common sense, and cost-effective strategy for keeping treatment and operation costs down, while also ensuring the protection of public health and providing additional benefits such as improved wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.
Safeguarding Our Sources of Supply
- Put Trash in the Proper Place. Whether it's the trash can or recycle bin, put trash where it belongs. Plastic does nt decompose and can harm many animals and fish as well as pollute the water.
- Use Florida-Friendly Fertilizer. Use slow-release fertilizer in the garden and on the lawn with only 1/4 inch of water. Watch the weather and never fertilize before rain. Rain washes fertilizer into stormdrains and into water bodies. When possible, use Florida-friendly plants - they require minimal water and fertilizer.
- Never Dump into Storm Drains. Dumping chemicals, oil, sewage and yard waste into the storm system is illegal. If you see someone polluting report the incedent to your local city or county government.
- Pick Up After Your Pet. Pet waste contains harmful bacteria that make people sick and causes harmful algae blooms.
Protect Our Drinking Water Sources for Future Generations.
