The Journey of Water: From Source to Tap in South Florida
Water is a vital resource on Earth, and in South Florida, it surrounds us in various forms. From swimming and boating to drinking, water plays a crucial role in our daily lives. However, the question of whether we can trust the quality of our drinking water has been a longstanding issue of concern for many residents.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), enacted by Congress in 1974, aimed to safeguard public health by regulating contaminants in the nation’s public drinking water supply. Despite these regulations, in the 1980s, a significant portion of South Florida residents expressed more confidence in bottled water than in their local government’s ability to provide clean drinking water.
“I just feel like there is too much pollution in it,” a South Florida man expressed to a reporter from our station back in 1984. Today, many individuals continue to share similar sentiments regarding the quality of their drinking water. In response to an online survey conducted by NBC6, approximately 88% of participants expressed concerns about the safety of their drinking water.
Understanding Water Quality: Sources of Pollution
To comprehend water quality, it is essential to identify the sources of water pollution. In Florida, water derives from various sources such as rivers, streams, lakes, and springs. In South Florida, the water primarily comes from just below the land surface, sourced from the Biscayne and Floridan Aquifers.
Comprised of porous rock with small holes and cracks, these aquifers are replenished as rainwater seeps through them. During this process, natural minerals, along with harmful pollutants and contaminants, can infiltrate the water supply. Contaminants like pesticides from agricultural and residential use, viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants and septic tanks, and radioactive chemicals from nearby industrial sites can find their way into the water.
Although water treatment facilities across South Florida undergo processes to purify the water before distribution, trace amounts of contaminants may still be present in the water that reaches your faucet. Professor Naresh Kumar, a Public Health professor at the University of Miami, emphasizes the importance of regulations like the Safe Drinking Water Act in controlling the levels of pollutants and contaminants in the water.
Challenges in Water Treatment: Emerging Pollutants
While existing regulations monitor known pollutants like arsenic, barium, chromium, and lead, the issue of emerging pollutants poses a new challenge for water treatment systems. These emerging pollutants, derived from everyday household products, can enter the water supply through various means such as showers and drains.
Professor Kumar highlights that conventional water processing systems may not be equipped to effectively filter out these emerging pollutants. As a result, local water systems are actively seeking solutions to address these emerging contaminants and ensure the safety of drinking water for residents.
In light of concerns regarding water quality, NBC6 encourages community engagement through an online survey to gather feedback and insights from residents. Your input is valuable in fostering a shared understanding of water quality issues in South Florida.
If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water or have experiences to share, we invite you to participate in our online survey to voice your opinions and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on water quality in South Florida.