Understanding the effects of runoff in south florida

Welcome! Here you'll learn about the impact of water runoff on South Florida's delicate ecosystems and what you can do to help. We aim to educate homeowners, gardeners, and environmentally conscious individuals about the importance of protecting our waterways. It's time to understand that runoff affects not just animals, but people too, and change is necessary to maintain our natural waterways.

Pollution of natural water systems

Water runoff carries pollutants from our streets, lawns, and construction sites directly into our canals, rivers, and the Everglades. This includes harmful substances like pesticides, fertilizers, oil, and trash. These pollutants degrade water quality, harm aquatic life, and can even contaminate our drinking water sources. Americanwaterworks wants to help you become aware of these issues and help you become part of the solution.

Excess nutrient levels

Fertilizers, while beneficial for our lawns and gardens, contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. When these nutrients are carried away by runoff, they can cause algal blooms in our waterways. These blooms deplete oxygen levels, killing fish and other aquatic organisms. The result is a disruption of the natural balance of our ecosystems. Explore our water conservation tips to learn how to reduce your nutrient footprint.

What can you do?

Understanding the problem is the first step. Now, let's focus on solutions! Simple changes in your daily habits can make a big difference. Reduce your fertilizer use, properly dispose of waste, and support local conservation efforts. Every action counts towards protecting our precious waterways. If you have any questions, check out our FAQ page.