May 27, 2021 By Katie Roundtree

Water pollution is unwelcomed in any community; however, in Florida there is additional urgency since it is a peninsula and surrounded by water on three sides. Water pollution has devastating effects on ecosystems, the economy and the tourist industry. Pre-pandemic, the tourism industry was Florida’s largest industry, accounting for an average of $110 billion per year. Florida’s warm climate and miles of beautiful beaches are very appealing to tourists. Unfortunately, an increase of pollutants in Florida’s bodies of water such as fertilizer runoff and inadequately treated sewage have resulted in algal blooms, red tides, and the deterioration of ecosystems, all of which may turn tourists away.

Unique ecosystems like coral reefs and the Everglades, carry out integral roles in Florida’s environment.  Coral reefs provide shelter for more than four thousand species of fish and almost one quarter of all known marine species. Additionally, coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion and attract tourists to witness the stunning, vibrant views coral reefs offer. Due to the increase of water pollution, Florida has lost about 98% percent of its coral reefs. Coral reefs need clean, clear water to survive. When sediment and other pollutants enter the water, they smother coral reefs, speed the growth of damaging algae, and lower water quality. Pollution can also make corals more susceptible to disease, impede coral growth and reproduction, and cause changes in food structures on the reef. Excess nitrogen, mainly from fertilizers and improperly treated sewage, feeds blooms of algae that block out the light. It also throws off the nutrient balance in the water in ways that disrupt the coral’s life cycle.

South Florida is the home of the largest subtropical wetland ecosystem in the United States, more commonly known as the Everglades. The Everglades provides one third of Florida’s drinking water and shelters endangered and rare wildlife. Water pollution containing nitrates and phosphates from fertilizer and improperly treated sewage trigger algal blooms and are particular concerns for the Everglades. The algal blooms decrease the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.  Fish and other wildlife are deprived of essential oxygen in the water.  Native plants used to lower nitrogen levels do not survive, allowing for non-native invasive species to take hold and thrive.

The urgency to decrease and prevent water pollution is only rising. The first step is to raise awareness. Educating others on the harmful effects of water pollution on coral reefs and the Everglades increases public awareness to cause change. This is not only a problem caused by large industrial plants and farms, pollution from residents and businesses are just as, if not more, harmful to the environment.  Industrial plants and farms are regulated on how much chemicals they can use.  Residents and businesses are as well, but to a smaller degree.  People must be aware of what they are doing to the environment with each and every choice that they make.  What you can do to decrease water pollution:

• Use fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides containing nitrates and phosphates with care.
• Leave a “ring of responsibility” around retention areas like local ponds, canals or lakes by not fertilizing close to the water. This untreated area will serve as a natural buffer zone.
• Avoid disposing household chemicals or other pollutants into sinks.
• Pick up litter and throw it into a garbage can, not down a storm drain.

Reducing and preventing water pollution from reaching Florida’s ecosystems will protect not only wildlife, but Florida’s economy as well.

Sources: floridatoday.com, miaminewtimes.com, npr.org, sfwmd.gov