Water Quality

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Publications

Water Quality in the Floridan Aquifer Region

Natalie A. Cooper and Martha C. Monroe

We rely on clean water to sustain human life, ecosystems, and food supply. In Florida and southwest Georgia, the Floridan Aquifer supplies much of the water we use. As populations grow and regional economies expand, the impacts of human activity on water pollution become more widespread. We must take preventative actions to minimize water pollution to maintain the quality of our water sources, and thus, our quality of life.

How Do Oysters Remove Nitrogen?

Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura Reynolds, and Angela Collins

Nitrogen is natural and necessary, yet nitrogen levels above natural levels can cause algal blooms and eutrophication of coastal systems. The purpose of this document is to describe how oysters and oyster reefs remove nitrogen. This new 7-page publication of the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is intended for policymakers, environmental organizations, and coastal residents who want to know about oysters' role in improving water quality through nitrogen removal. Written by Heather Donnelly, Ashley Smyth, Shirley Baker, Laura Reynolds, and Angela Collins.

Wetlands as a Tool for Water Treatment

Jay Capasso, Lisa Krimsky, and Jehangir Bhadha

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: ==Water==

Water’s Journey Through Natural and Human Systems

Gabriela Sullivan and Martha Monroe

Residents, farmers, and businesses in southwestern Georgia and northern and central Florida depend on the groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer. The availability of this clean water is important for natural ecosystems, agriculture, the economy, tourists, and the people who call Florida and Georgia home. This fact sheet will provide an overview of the Floridan Aquifer and how water from the Floridan Aquifer cycles through natural and human systems.

Rain Barrel Water Quality in South Florida

Kimberly Moore, Mica McMillan, and Lorna Bravo

Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water, save money, and contribute to a sustainable landscape. However, adoption of rain barrels is low with homeowners concerned about water quality especially from different roof types. Our analysis of nutrients showed that there was no difference in nutrient levels based on roof type. All water samples had low levels of nutrients and no detectable pathogens. Based on our analysis, the water collected from these rain barrels would be safe to use for non-potable uses in the landscape and garden.

Common Pollutants in Stormwater Runoff and Actions that Homeowners can Take to Reduce Stormwater Pollution

Anthony Halcyon, Mary G. Lusk, and Ann C. Wilkie

This publication explains what happens when stormwater runoff enters constructed environments, its impacts on water bodies, and how individuals can take steps to lower their own stormwater runoff footprint. This guide can increase awareness of ways to reduce each person's role in water quality impairment by stormwater pollution. This publication is intended primarily for urban residential readers and does not focus on agricultural runoff.

Effects of Urban Fertilizer Ordinances on Water Quality

Alexander J. Reisinger, Michael D. Dukes, Basil V. Iannone III, J. Bryan Unruh, and Samuel J. Smidt

Originating from environmental or humans sources, too much nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P) in water bodies can degrade water quality. In an attempt to reduce the contribution of human sources of N and P to local waters, urban fertilizer ordinances have been adopted in at least 35 counties in Florida and 97 additional Florida municipalities. Despite this work, the efficacy of fertilizer ordinances are debated by end users. The purpose of this publication is to summarize a peer-reviewed, scientific article that investigated impacts of fertilizer on long-term water quality trends in Florida lakes (Smidt et al. 2022) and is intended to be used by UF/IFAS Extension faculty and/or regulatory officials considering adopting or modifying an urban fertilizer ordinance. We encourage green industry professionals and concerned community members to share the effectiveness of fertilizer ordinances.