Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Clean Water Action: Everglades Threatened by Polluted Water Plan

CLEAN WATER ACTION: Did you know that the quality and supply of South Florida’s water is being jeopardized by a plan to pump polluted agricultural run-off into our lakes and rivers? Our region’s environment and economy depend on a healthy water supply. We need you to take action today to protect our water from dangerous agricultural pollution.


On Thursday, August 9th, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will consider a proposal to dispose of polluted agricultural wastewater by pumping it back into Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River. This wastewater is full of toxics like nitrogen and phosphorous from excessive use of fertilizers. Too much pollution can cause harmful green algae blooms that lead to massive fish kills, threaten public health, and impact our local economy. Take action today to help us stop this polluted idea!

The practice of “backpumping” polluted water was abolished in 2007 for the right reasons -- it was deemed dangerous to public health and detrimental to ongoing Everglades restoration efforts. We need to send a message to the SFWMD that they should focus on water conservation and pollution-prevention measures that ensure our region’s water supply is protected, instead of reviving the practice of redirecting polluted water into our lakes, rivers, and Everglades.

Please contact the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District today.

If you can make the meeting, August 9th at 9:00 a.m. at the South Florida Water Management District Headquarters in West Palm Beach, please join us to speak out for protection of our water. Check out the meeting agenda for more information.

Please contact our office at (561) 672-7638 or by e-mail for more information. We need your voice on this important issue to protect South Florida’s water supply and our treasured Everglades.

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