Water is one of Florida’s most abundant natural resources. Water is a crucial resource that impacts not just the environment, but important industries that contribute to Florida’s economy, such as tourism, agriculture, and business. To avoid water conflicts between users, enact appropriate public policy, and responsibly manage water resources, it is important to understand the best available science on the topic as well as public opinions about water issues.
Public opinions of water in Florida
- Floridians are more concerned about water quality and safety than water quantity.
- Florida residents place the most importance on clean drinking water (93%). They are then concerned with clean beaches (90.5%), oceans (89.3%), bays/estuaries (89.1%), lakes and rivers (88.9%); plentiful water for agriculture (88.6%); and clean groundwater (88.1%).
- More people believe that water quality is getting worse as opposed to getting better.
- 34.4% of Floridians said quality is declining in bays and 33.9% believe the water quality of our oceans is declining.
- Almost 40% of Florida residents have experienced some kind of negative impact due to water quality including poor quality drinking water; closed beaches, springs, rivers, or lakes; and prohibitions on eating fish they have caught.
- Almost 50% of Florida residents feel saltwater intrusion is a highly or extremely important issue.
Specific information about the WQAA
State water sources: In Florida, groundwater is the primary water source for freshwater, which provide more than half of the freshwater consumption in the state. Statewide, approximately 52% of the groundwater is used for public water supply and another 31% is used for agricultural irrigation.
Sources of contaminants: Contaminants which might impact public health through water include improperly disposed of chemicals, animal wastes, pesticides, human wastes, wastes injected deep underground, and naturally occurring substances.
Best Management Practices: BMPs are the most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing pollution from nonpoint sources.
Water quality monitoring: Since water quality decrease can be influenced by seasonal climate and human activities, water quality should be monitored continuously to ensure water use safety.
