LIVE OAK, FLA., MARCH 11, 2024 – Most of the water we use comes from the ground. This is why the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) celebrates Groundwater Awareness Week to help educate residents and visitors about the importance of groundwater and how to protect its sources.
One of the world’s most valuable resources, people use water daily for many activities, such as drinking, bathing, recreation, agriculture, and more. In fact, an estimated 145 million Americans get their tap water from a groundwater source, and this includes more than 90 percent of those residents living in the District.
“Under our land surface sits a reservoir of our most precious resource: potable, drinkable water,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the District. “It is our job to manage that resource to ensure we meet the needs of today and tomorrow for both people and the ecosystem. As the population in our area continues to grow and land use continues to shift, the role and job of water management is more vital than ever.”
Groundwater is found below the earth’s surface in spaces between rock and soil, and approximately 30 percent of all freshwater on Earth is groundwater. Groundwater supplies water to wells and springs and is an important source of water for public water systems and private wells.
Maintaining an abundant, clean, and sustainable groundwater supply is a core mission of the District. Water conservation practices, stormwater capture projects, alternative water supply efforts, data collection, and increased education all play important roles in addressing current water needs and projecting for growth. The District works with local stakeholders, such as municipalities, agricultural producers, industrial water users, and the public to identify improved water conservation efficiencies, implement projects, and plan for growth.
Keeping this important water supply clean is a vital issue, and there are many ways that water sources can become polluted. While some groundwater contaminants are naturally occurring, the majority of groundwater contamination is the result of human activity such as incorrect use of fertilizers and pesticides; poorly situated, constructed, or maintained septic systems; improper removal or storage of wastes; improperly designed and maintained stormwater systems; and chemical spills at work sites.
By working to eliminate some of these hazards, we can do our part to keep our groundwater supply clean and abundant.
Both our area’s water supply and water quality are regulated through the District’s consumptive water use permitting program and environmental resource permitting program.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
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