Water Resources

Water shortages; red tide; polluted beaches; dead fish washed ashore…These and other water issues have not just been recent headlines; these incidents have impacted our daily lives and quality of life.

Water is a basic need, without clean, sufficient freshwater for Southwest Florida’s citizens, and the environment, our quality of life is in jeopardy.

Did You Know ??

• Less than 1% of the earth’s water is available for consumption.
  
• Each Floridian uses about 175 gallons of water daily – twice the national average – with about half of that being used for irrigation.
  
• Man made canals and development provide drainage to low-lying areas in south Florida, but also lower groundwater necessary for public water supply.
  
• As our freshwater diminishes, the chances increase for saltwater intrusion into our freshwater.  Desalination of water costs ten times more than sourcing groundwater.
  
• South Florida is dependent on rainfall to replenish our drinking water supplies.  Average consumption is highest in months rain is scarcest - December through May.

You Can Help Protect Our Water

• Promote "low-impact" home site and landscaping design
• Use environmentally friendly plants, native plants, mulch, low nitrogen phosphorous fertilizers and sound pest control for your yard
• Create rain gardens, add rain barrels, consider xeriscaping and include permeable pavement and stone pathways in your landscape design
• Learn more about water conservation 

• Get Involved - Join the Conservancy!
• Speak out for stronger stormwater regulation for the region (Southwest Florida Basin rule)
• Speak out for stronger stormwater regulation for the state (Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection rule)
• Oppose the destruction and drainage of wetlands and the use of the Harper Methodology which views wetlands as causing pollution
• Support implementation of scientific studies before new canals, ditches, and culverts are created

Learn more about water quality in estuaries and watersheds, or visit the Southwest Florida Water Management website.