Water Conservation

Surrounded by water, be it lakes, rivers, or oceans, one may not realize that fresh water is a precious - and limited - resource.  Although scarce for a myriad of reasons, one of the more impacting reasons is Florida's population expansion.  A classic case of supply verses demand, more water is being drawn from the aquifer faster than it is being replenished.  The "recharging" of an aquifer occurs naturally through groundwater and precipitation percolation.  That is, when it rains, water gets absorbed into the ground and as it travels through the multiple geological layers the water is purified of some natural compounds.  Depending on the aquifer and the unique soil characteristics above it, it may take many years for the water to penetrate the aquifer.  Pair an increase in population with other limiting factors like aquifer contamination, irrigation over-consumption, and an increase in nonporous materials (e.g. parking lots, new construction), aquifer-drawn water becomes more and more scarce.

Efforts to conserve water can be seen in many different areas.  Large-scale efforts include expediting the aquifer-recharging process.  One such program can be found at Water Conserv II in Orange County.  The organization purchases wastewater, treats it, and either sells the reclaimed water for irrigation-only purposes, or sprinkles it over a sandy basin called a RIB to recharge the aquifer.  Small-scale efforts are seen by residents and companies alike.  An overall attempt to reduce water consumption include updating water fixtures (e.g. low-flow faucets, low-flush toilets), installing a rain sensor on irrigation programs, landscaping with native and drought-tolerant plants, inspecting irrigation systems for broken components, and checking for running toilets and plumbing leaks.  See the helpful hints on EPA's page for Fix A Leak Week.