LIVE
OAK, FLA., Aug. 02, 2017 – The Suwannee River Water Management District
(District) celebrates water conservation, protection, and cleanliness every
month, but especially throughout the month of August, which is National Water
Quality Month. The purpose of National Water Quality Month is to raise awareness
of the challenges facing this area’s water bodies and encourage citizens to take
action to protect water resources.
“Water quality protection is a core tenant of our mission and our
staff are dedicated to combatting threats to water quality,” said Hugh Thomas,
Executive Director for the District. “Protection of our springs, rivers and
lakes is paramount to continuing our way of life in North Florida. Ensuring the
sustainability of these resources for future generations is not a job we take
for granted.”
With a team of environmental scientists, hydrologists and
engineers dedicated to water quality, the District regularly monitors the health
of area water resources and combats threats to water bodies. Additionally, the
District recently established the Agriculture and Environmental Projects team
who actively work with agricultural and industrial operations, along with
communities within the District, to implement best management practices (BMP)
that conserve water and nutrients.
The biggest challenge facing water quality in the District is the
presence of high nutrient concentrations. Excess phosphorous and nitrogen
concentrations can create outbreaks of algae, making it hard for some native
aquatic ecosystems to thrive. High phosphorous and nitrogen concentrations can
be caused by poor industrial wastewater management, leaching from fields with
inefficient fertilizer and pesticide applications, and poorly maintained sewage
and septic tanks.
During
National Water Quality Month, it is important to take responsibility for your
impact on the environment. Every resident plays a role in the condition of our
water resources. Working together, even small lifestyle changes can lead to a
healthier water supply in the area.
- Do not use antibacterial soaps or antibacterial cleaning products.
- Do not flush medications down a toilet or drain.
- Do not put any materials besides water in a storm drain.
- Promptly fix oil leaks from vehicles.
- Avoid or lower your use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
- Pick up after your pet.
- Pick up trash in the environment.
- Volunteer to clean up a local waterway.
- Implement best management practices in your agricultural operation and home lawn management.
- Manage the cleanliness of personal wells.
For more information about National Water Quality Month or
general conservation practices, please contact the District at 386.688.7182 or
visit www.mysuwanneeriver.com.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to
protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support
natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the
belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak,
Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit
www.mysuwanneeriver.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter, search @SRWMD.
###