| POINTLESS PERSONAL POLLUTION |
Pollutants from our homes, businesses and farms are major contributors to the pollution of Florida's surface and ground waters. This pollution is washed into the state's waters by rain or irrigation water and is know as Nonpoint Source or POINTLESS PERSONAL POLLUTION. Unlike many other types of pollution, WE cause this pollution and WE can stop it! WHAT IS POINTLESS PERSONAL POLLUTION? The blame for water pollution often is aimed at "point sources," such as industrial or sewage treatment facilities. Discharges from these sources flow through pipes and can be readily identified and treated. But Pointless Personal Pollution is difficult to identify and treat. This is because many of our daily activities can cause this pollution and it can travel by many different routes into the ground and surface waters. Take a look around your home and property. You can find many sources of Pointless Personal Pollution which could end up in the state's waters. Some examples of these pollutants are:
HOW DOES POINTLESS PERSONAL POLLUTION IMPACT OUR WATERS? Pointless Personal Pollution contains many kinds of pollutants which contaminate our waters in many ways, such as:
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| WHAT YOU CAN DO TO REDUCE POINTLESS PERSONAL POLLUTION? HOME & HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE SHOP WISELY. Buy products labeled biodegradeable, non-toxic, non phosphorus, or water soluble. WHY...they readily decompose and will not pollute surface or ground water. STORE PRODUCTS SAFETLY. Keep toxic products in original containers, closed and clearly marked in safe storage places. WHY...to prevent spillage or accidents to children or pets. PROPERLY MAINTAIN SEPTIC SYSTEM. Inspect systems annually and pump out as needed. Avoid caustic cleaners, chemicals or solvents. WHY...they might destory waste reducing bacteria or clog absorption fields which could cause runoff of inadequately treated wastes during rain storms. LAWN AND GARDEN USE GARDEN AND LAWN CHEMICALS WISELY. Follow package directions carefully and only use pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers when other methods fail. Do not apply if rain is in the forecast. WHY... excessive fertilizers and chemicals wash off the property and into surface and ground waters. KEEP IRRIGATION WATER ON THE LAWN AND GARDEN (NOT ON PAVED SURFACES). Divert rain spouts onto unpaved areas or swales and wash vehicles on vegetated areas. WHY...this allows runoff to soak into the soil and not wash over paved surfaces into nearby waterbodies. COMPOST LEAVES, GRASS AND SCRUB CLIPPINGS. Use as mulch for fertilizer and do not rake into roadways. WHY...these materials will decompose and return nutrients to the soil and avoid the necessity of applying fertilizers. AUTOMOTIVE DON'T DRAIN USED MOTOR OILD INTO STORM DRAINS. Take used motor oil and antifreeze to service stations to recycle them. WHY...these products are toxic and add pollutants to surface waters if placed or washed into storm drains. SERVICE YOUR CAR REGULARLY. Have your car inspected and maintained regularly. WHY...to prevent leakage of motor oil, antifreeze and other fluids which can end up into the nearest waterbody. Well mantained vehicles reduce air emissions which can contaminate surface waters. |
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IF YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION AND WANT MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE FOLLOWING: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Stormwater/Nonpoint Source Management Section 2600 Blairstone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Phone: (904)488-0782 SOUTH FLORDIA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Phone: (407)686-8800 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Phone: (904)796-7211 ST JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Phone: (904)329-4500 SUWANNEE RIVE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Phone: (904)362-1001 NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT Phone: (904)539-5999 LOCAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS CITY OR COUNTY GOVERNMENTS COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE |