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Protect Water Quality

The water quality of springs can be harmed by a variety of actions, including incorrect fertilizing techniques, infrequent septic tank maintenance, improper disposal of garbage and stormwater runoff.

Fertilization

Too much fertilizer applied to landscapes seeps past the root zone of the grass, plants or trees and into the aquifer or runs off into streams, lakes or bays. Use these Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ tips to reduce impacts when fertilizing:

Fertilize lawns, trees and plants only to maintain health. Don’t exceed the recommended amounts on the package.
Use slow-release fertilizers that make nutrients available to plants for a longer period of time.
Use iron instead of nitrogen if you want to green-up your lawn during the rainy season.
Hold off on fertilizing if a heavy rain is expected and don’t over-irrigate after applying.
Follow the application directions on the fertilizer package and avoid applying fertilizer near roadways or water bodies.
Fertilize only only during the growing season.

Salt Spring
Chassahowitzka #1
Buckhorn Creek

Septic Systems

Septic tanks that are not properly maintained can pollute the groundwater that ultimately emerges from springs. Septic tanks are often forgotten until there is a problem. However, long before the problem is discovered, area waters may already have been negatively affected. Make sure to have your septic tank inspected every two to three years and pumped out as needed.

Sinkholes

Many times sinkholes are directly connected to the aquifer. As a result, debris found in them can have a significant impact on the quality of the water leaving the spring. Therefore, always dispose of hazardous household chemicals such as industrial cleaners, solvents, automotive fluids and paints at an approved landfill. In addition, never discard trash or debris into a sinkhole because hazardous contaminants can seep into the underground aquifer, our drinking water and springs.

Stormwater

When properly maintained, stormwater ponds help prevent flooding and filter out pollutants before they reach water bodies. You can help improve the quality of water that enters stormwater ponds and promote a healthy environment within your community by cleaning up litter, fertilizer, grass clippings, motor oil and pet waste before these materials enter storm drains and flow into water bodies. It’s also important to avoid cutting your lawn too short, which reduces its ability to capture and filter water before it enters a pond.

Protect Water Quality

Fertilization

Salt Spring

Chassahowitzka #1

Buckhorn Creek

Septic Systems

Sinkholes

Stormwater