About 7.8 million people living in Florida have exposure to unsafe drinking water compared to any other part of the US (Staletovich, 2017). This is according to a new study that surveyed violations of Safe Drinking Water Act. The major pollutants here include high levels of lead, toxic arsenic, algae bloom and chemicals.
Drinking Water Resource Impacts the Environmental Issues
Several studies reveal that up to 90% of drinking water for Florida comes from groundwater, as well as areas that are susceptible to exposure of limestone. It is this groundwater that is pumped into taps, which residents consume as tapped water (Fedinick, Panditharatne, & Olson, 2017). Groundwater comes from a variety of places, and considering what lies Florida State, it is obvious that the quality of the drinking water is questionable. In addition, the efforts that are made to make this water available to the residents is raising environmental concerns. The population and consumption of water in Florida has risen significantly. As a result, everglades have witnessed proportionate increase in offshore underground water drilling activities. Consequently, there are serious pollution runoff cases into Lake Okeechobee, one among Florida’s largest water bodies.
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Moreover, the quality of drinking water in Florida also raises eyebrows concerning the spilling of chemicals from agricultural activities. The region experiences high agricultural activities which also involve the use of harmful pesticides. Such pesticides include, but are not limited to ethylene dibromide (EDB) whose contents have been traced in Florida wells (The Guadian Correspondents, 2018). This runoff into the drinking water sources has been closely linked to the recent increasing cases of algae bloom in Florida. As a result, the algae blooms produce harmful toxins whenever they find their way into the human body through drinking water.
Rate of Consumption of Drinking Water in Florida Compared to Other Parts of the Country and the World
The consumption of drinking water in Florida is rated at two liters per person on daily basis. This consumption is higher compared to, not only other parts of America, but also most parts of the world. Florida receives relatively higher amounts of sunshine intensity. As a result, the levels of dehydration among people living here is higher. This high dehydration prompts needs to rehydrate by the residents. As a result, the drinking water consumption per person has the effect of increasing above the average consumption rate of the country.
Furthermore, more well and water drilling activities have also increased significantly in an attempt to sustain the high-water consumption levels. However, some of the drilling activities have not impacted positively to the environment. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, there is excessive spillage into the lakes and other water bodies during water drilling activities (The Guadian Correspondents, 2018).
Possible Alternatives to Lessen Drinking Water Use
Water is a fundamental resource to human survival, and has no alternative. It is only therefore possible to improve on how to make it available. In addition, it is also vital that its negative effects, both on human health and physical environment be mitigated. As a result. Water infrastructure should undergo major upgrades. The upgrade should include using modern technology in treating drinking water. Lead service lines also need to be replaced with less toxic materials (The Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 2018).
Changes I Would Consider Making to Lessen My Personal Impact on Drinking Water
Some of the changes I might consider making to reduce personal bearing on drinking water are detailed below. I would practice the SDWA rules with strictness to avoid being susceptible to contamination. In addition, I would reduce the use of harmful chemicals in agricultural fields to minimize chances of such chemicals finding their way into drinking water. In addition, I would encourage development of more robust drinking water testing to verify if there are any contaminants.
References
Fedinick, K. P., Panditharatne, M., Olson, E. (2017). Threats On Tap: Widespread Violations Highlight Need For Investment In Water Infrastructure And Protections. Retrieved from: https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/threats-on-tap-water-infrastructure-protections-report.pdf
Staletovich, J. (2017). Florida drinking water ranks among nation’s worst, study finds. Miami Heralds . Retrieved from: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article148112799.html
The Guadian Correspondents. (2018). 5 Water Quality Testing Facts: Things to Know Before Moving to Florida. The Guadian. Retrieved from: https://www.guardianwaterservices.com/5-water-quality-testing-facts-things-to-know-before-moving-to-florida/
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (2018). Regulated Drinking Water Contaminants and Contaminants of Emerging Concern. https://floridadep.gov/comm/press-office/content/regulated-drinking-water-contaminants-and-contaminants-emerging-concern
