Environmental Protection
Groundwater - Pollution
Ground Water | Pollution | Protection Program | Well Permits
Nitrates and Groundwater
Because of the unique geology of Alachua County we must recognize that activities on the land surface are closely connected to and directly impacts the quality of our drinking water. Of particular concern is the rising level of nitrate nitrogen in the Floridan aquifer system. Nitrate is a nutrient that can cause excessive growth of vegetation resulting in an ecological imbalance in surface waters as we are seeing in those that receive spring discharges such as the Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers and even the Gulf of Mexico. Background levels of nitrogen in the Floridan aquifer prior to development were less than 0.05 mg/L. increased levels adversely impact aquatic ecosystems.
There are many sources of nitrate including:
- Fertilizer application in residential and agricultural landscapes,
- Septic tank system effluent,
- Wastewater treatment plant effluent, and
- Atmospheric deposition from the combustion of coal and fossil fuels
What YOU can do to protect Groundwater
Replace landscaping with native plants that do not require repeated fertilizer application (Download the Florida Friendly Landscaping Guide)
- If you must fertilize have your soils tested and use the minimum amount of slow release fertilizer needed
- Use fertilize with no phosphorus
Upgrade your septic tank system to a performance based system with drip irrigation effluent disposal
Maintain your septic system by having it inspected and pumped out every two to three years
Upgrade old drain fields to new standards which require 24 inches of separation from the seasonal high ground water table
Write your elected officials requesting legislation that would require all wastewater plants in springsheds to upgrade to advanced wastewater treatment standards and reuse of treated effluent
Septic systems need to be maintained to protect water quality.
