![\"Water](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bb-plugin\/cache\/0-LakeO-square.jpg\" "\\"Water")
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Water](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bb-plugin\/cache\/0-GordonRiverGreenwayPark7-23-144860-square.jpg\" "\\"Water")
\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\tThe Conservancy of Southwest Florida is dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida’s water resources.\u00a0 Abundant clean water is the foundation of our region’s environment, quality of life, and economy.<\/p>\n
Our very existence depends on water for everyday consumption, commerce, recreation, and the overall economic vitality of the region. Many of our natural treasures also rely on clean water – our beaches, native wildlife, marine life, sea grasses, mangroves, and plants.<\/p>\n
Over 90 percent of Florida’s drinking water supply is dependent on aquifers, underground groundwater storage areas that collect water that seeps from the surface. That means we also depend heavily on rainfall to replenish the aquifer system. While much of Florida gets potable water from the deep Floridan aquifer, Southwest Florida relies on a surficial aquifer system for drinking water supplies.<\/p>\n
Surface waters and wetlands play a significant role in replenishing aquifer systems, and wetlands provide natural filtration of pollutants. Unfortunately, increasing development in urban and rural areas, drainage and filling of wetlands, mining and oil drilling activities, lax or unenforced regulations, stormwater runoff from urban and agricultural sources, over-allocation of consumptive use permits to industry activities, and a host of other pressures threaten Southwest Florida’s water resources.<\/p>\n
As Florida continues to grow, these issues cannot go unaddressed if the region is to have a sustainable supply of clean water for both our human population and the unique habitats, wildlife, and recreational opportunities which are enjoyed by current residents and visitors.<\/p>\n
Water policy addresses the quality, quantity, timing, and distribution of water. In other words, we need the right amount of clean water – at the right times and equitably distributed – in order to sustain Southwest Florida’s human population and natural systems.<\/p>\n
To promote better water management, the Conservancy works with stakeholders and decision-makers to ensure that stringent water management tools and best practices are in place and utilized. Our policy positions are legally sound and based on the best-available science.<\/p>\n\t
To address growing concerns around the health and vitality of our waterways, Captains for Clean Water, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation enlisted Greene Economics to conduct a thorough analysis of the economic repercussions of degraded water quality.<\/p>\n
This pivotal study aims to translate the ecological impact into tangible economic figures, offering a clearer perspective on the stakes involved.<\/p>\n
The study also shines light on how good water quality has a positive economic impact and that projects and policies that improve water quality will pay off through a more robust economy.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLEARN MORE\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t A guide to understanding the health of Southwest Florida’s rivers, estuaries, and bays<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Southwest Florida is home to some of the most unique habitats and natural resources in America, making it a top destination for ecotourism, scientific research, and recreational enjoyment. It also hosts some of Florida’s most productive estuaries, and many species of plants, wildlife, and aquatic life rely on this area where freshwater meets saltwater. A mosaic of mangroves, freshwater wetlands, saltwater marshes, rivers, and streams intertwine with canals, coastal development, agriculture, and other human-influenced environments to create an interconnected system that is uniquely challenging to manage and preserve.<\/p>\n The beauty and productivity of Florida’s coastal ecosystems are driving forces of the state’s growth. Southwest Florida’s economy, health, and quality of life depend on the condition of our waterways.<\/p>\n\t\t1M\n\t\t\t\t\tNumber of Florida jobs that depend on tourism\n\t\t$541M\n\t\t\t\t\tEstimated decrease in property values in Lee county attributed to water quality (2010-2013)\n\t\t$12B\n\t\t\t\t\tEconomic impact of the marine industry in the South Florida region, which employs 136,000 regionally\n\t\t$9B\n\t\t\t\t\tEconomic impact of the commercial fishing industry, which employs 123,000\n\t\t Although large-scale water restoration projects and strong, enforceable regulations are important, everyone can take action to improve the quality of local waterways. Here are some ways YOU can protect our water and wildlife habitat!<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDispose of your waste properly\n\t\t\t\t Waste often collects in stormwater drains, increasing pollution. \u00a0Make sure that you don’t put any waste into stormwater drains, including fertilizers, motor oils, paints, grass, and pet waste. \u00a0Wash your car on your lawn. \u00a0Dispose of hazardous waste (including motor oil) at your county’s collection facility. \u00a0Participate in your county’s yard waste collection program. \u00a0Learn how to compost your food waste. \u00a0 Never dispose of grass clippings or other yard waste down storm drains, into waterways, or onto impervious surfaces. \u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tMinimize the impact of your yard\n\t\t\t\t Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides are key pollutants in stormwater.\u00a0 To reduce these impacts, do not apply fertilizer before a rain event, do not allow fertilizer to be dispersed too close to impervious surfaces (like the sidewalk, driveway, or street) or waterbodies (like canals, swales, or storm drains), use products with slow-release nitrogen, and keep your grass clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer or use summer-safe products that do not contain nitrogen or phosphorous.\u00a0 Use of reclaimed water for irrigation would reduce the amount of fertilizers to be used on your lawn.\u00a0 Be aware of local fertilizer ordinances and make sure your lawn company is following best practices.\u00a0\u00a0Replacing your patio, walkways, and driveway with permeable pavers will also increase the amount of water retention in your yard, and decrease runoff.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tConserve water\n\t\t\t\t Water levels are stressed during the winter months with the increase in population and lack of rainfall, and overall population in Florida continues to grow – resulting in greater demands on finite water supplies.\u00a0 According to 1000 Friends of Florida’s Water 2070 Report, “the single most effective strategy to reduce water demand in Florida is to significantly reduce the amount of water used for landscape irrigation.” \u00a0By conserving water, you will also be reducing your water bill!\u00a0 Visit\u00a0Lee County’s Water Conservation<\/a>\u00a0site and review the recommendations in the\u00a0Water 2070 Report<\/a>\u00a0for lists of water-saving techniques for your home and your lawn.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tMaintain your septic tank\n\t\t\t\t Septic tank leaks are not only harmful to the environment, but are also expensive to fix (and no fun to mess with!)\u00a0 Prevent damage to your tank by getting it pumped every 4 to 5 years, avoid flushing wipes (even flushable ones), and spread out your laundry loads over the week. Have your septic tank inspected regularly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tParticipate in clean up days\n\t\t\t\t Many counties have volunteer workdays to remove litter near coastal areas.\u00a0 Help clean up a local spot for a few hours at an event near you!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tConvert your yard to a Florida-friendly landscape\n\t\t\t\t Having a native lawn will maximize the yard’s perviousness (ability to absorb water) and can eliminate the need for fertilizers or yard chemicals.\u00a0 The University of Florida has a\u00a0Florida-Friendly Landscape™<\/a>\u00a0program that can help get you started.\u00a0Natives for Your Neighborhood<\/a>\u00a0is another helpful south Florida resource.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tJoin a volunteer water quality monitoring program\n\t\t\t\t Monitoring water quality is critical to evaluating the health of an estuary.\u00a0 The Report Card found that there is often not enough data available to know whether all of our waterbodies are meeting state standards.\u00a0 There are two notable water monitoring groups that residents can join in the region.\u00a0 The Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network, comprised of over 100 volunteers, regularly conducts water quality monitoring throughout the six Aquatic Preserves in the Charlotte Harbor Estuary.\u00a0 After receiving initial classroom training, volunteers collect monthly water samples and input their data.\u00a0 To learn more, visit the\u00a0\u00a0Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network<\/a>\u00a0website. Residents can also join the Florida LakeWatch program consisting of 1,800 trained volunteers who monitor 600+ lakes, rivers and coastal sites in more than 40 counties.\u00a0 Find a\u00a0LakeWatch<\/a>\u00a0site near you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tContact your government representatives \n\t\t\t\t Government officials at the local, state and federal levels make decisions impacting whether a residential development or hydrologic restoration project will be built as well as many other decisions that impact the health of our estuaries. \u00a0Call or send an e-mail to your representatives, asking them to approve projects that improve the environmental health of your estuary. \u00a0Sign up\u00a0for the Conservancy’s action alerts to be notified when important issues are being considered that need your input!\u00a0 The Conservancy works on behalf of 6,000 member families to protect Southwest Florida’s natural resources and wildlife.\u00a0 The more members we have, the stronger voice we have as an organization when speaking with government agencies and businesses.\u00a0 Also, your annual contribution will fund our research and advocacy to protect the environment.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tSupport local, state and federal policies that protect wetlands and other environmentally-sensitive lands\n\t\t\t\t One acre of wetland can store 1-1.5 million gallons of floodwater, and wetlands help filter out pollutants.\u00a0 Other natural landscapes provide critical buffer areas for waterbodies as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tSupport land acquisition efforts to protect and permanently preserve coastal wetlands\n\t\t\t\t This not only benefits the environment, but is also good for your wallet.\u00a0 An economic study completed in 2008 estimated that coastal wetlands provided $23.2 billion on an annual basis for storm protection. With 1,350 miles of shoreline, Florida needs these natural buffers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tGet out there and enjoy nature!\n\t\t\t\t Unplug from your technology, round up family and friends and take a walk through a preserve, a kayak trip in an estuary or a swamp walk through the cypress.\u00a0 Consider one of the many educational programs, boat rides or other\u00a0activities<\/a>\u00a0offered by the Conservancy.\u00a0 Being immersed in nature is fun and good for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\tShare your knowledge\n\t\t\t\t People who know about environmental issues are more likely to take steps to reduce their impact.\u00a0 Distribute copies of this Report Card and other educational materials to your family, friends, and neighbors.\u00a0 Learn about local, state and federal environmental regulations.\u00a0 Encourage others to reduce their waste pollution.\u00a0 Set up an educational activity for your kids or a class to demonstrate the impacts of pollution and habitat loss on the environment and wildlife.<\/p>\n\t\t The Conservancy of Southwest Florida advocates for better stormwater management, treatment, and regulations to protect our region’s water resources from stormwater runoff.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t Stormwater runoff occurs when impervious surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, and streets prevent rain from naturally soaking (infiltrating) back into the ground.This runoff picks up debris, chemicals, insecticides, fertilizers, dirt, pet waste, and other pollutants as it flows into a storm sewer system or directly to rivers, wetlands, or coastal waters. Any water which enters a storm sewer system without first being treated by a Best Management Practice (BMP), such as a detention or retention pond, swale, raingarden, or other BMP, can carry pollutants directly into waters we use for swimming, fishing, and consumption.Moreover, there are times when design flaws, changing precipitation patterns, and increased pollutant loading make these BMPs insufficient to meet the treatment needs of stormwater runoff.When polluted stormwater enters our drinking water resources, it affects human health and taxpayers’ pocketbooks by increasing treatment costs for potable water supplies. Contaminated stormwater can also carry bacteria to beaches or other swimming areas, impacting human health, marine life, and the safety of our shores.Stormwater also transports excess nutrients like nitrogen or phosphorus from lawns, agricultural areas, and golf courses which can stimulate harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs degrade water quality by releasing toxins into the water and lowering levels of dissolved oxygen, which leads to loss of sea-grasses, fish kills, and catastrophic effects to aquatic ecosystems. Some HABs are toxic to humans as well. Freshwater cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can produce toxins that affect the liver, skin, and nervous system.Red tide blooms that occur in the Gulf of Mexico can also be exacerbated by nutrient-laden stormwater runoff. Red tide can cause respiratory issues for some beachgoers and has been linked to fish kills and manatee deaths.The Conservancy of Southwest Florida advocates for better stormwater management, treatment, and regulations to protect our region’s water resources from untreated stormwater runoff.Locally, the Conservancy advocates that new and existing developments be required to utilize sufficient mechanisms of stormwater treatment in order to prevent exacerbation of current water quality problems or the creation of new ones. At the state level, the Conservancy has been involved in the development of updated statewide stormwater rules, which have already been implemented by several cities and counties.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t Many of Florida’s waterways do not meet water quality standards, and nutrient pollution is one of the state’s biggest issues. Nutrient pollution – excess nitrogen and phosphorous – can come from many different sources, including untreated sewage, leaking septic tanks, inadequately treated stormwater, and animal waste. Nutrient pollution can also come from the improper application of fertilizer either on agricultural lands or even from our own backyards.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t One of the lessons learned from the 2018 summer of toxic algae is that water quality impacts our environment, economy, and quality of life. We know there is no single solution to fix our complex water quality problems. Indeed, water quality can be improved when we come together to support long-term projects, such as Everglades Restoration, and shorter-term solutions, such as the acquisition of conservation lands that protect the water supply and water quality.<\/p>\n The public continues to ask if there is an immediate, simple, and cost-effective way to address our water woes. Fortunately, the answer is yes – enactment of strong and effective local fertilizer ordinances, which have already been implemented in over 90 counties and cities, including the City of Marco Island and the City of Naples. This can prevent excess nutrients from polluting our water supply.<\/p>\n Fertilizers used to keep our lawns green have the same effect on algae species in our waterways-they help them grow. Excess nutrients in the water can have catastrophic effects on our delicate marine life. The intensified algal blooms produced from nutrient-enriched waters can monopolize available oxygen in an aquatic ecosystem, resulting in fish kills and the demise of essential seagrasses that act as a nursery and food source for many fish and wildlife species. These imbalances can have detrimental effects on several species upstream in the food chain and have dangerous consequences for entire ecosystems.<\/p>\n Some algae blooms can also be toxic, posing threats to both our seafood industry and the health of Floridians and their environment. Red tide is one such type of algae whose blooms have been documented to intensify and lengthen with the presence of excess nutrients in our water.<\/p>\n Creating a program to educate on these issues and implementing fertilizer ordinances that limit the amount of nutrients entering our ground and surface waters is one of the most important steps a community can undertake to protect its water quality and quality of life.<\/p>\n The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has worked with several communities to adopt stringent protective ordinances and has also worked to educate Southwest Florida about the importance of such measures. Most recently, the Conservancy was a proud advocate for updates to the City of Naples fertilizer ordinance. We advocated for an ordinance that included rainy season blackouts and regulations for fertilizer contents and methods of application. We were happy to see the court upheld the City’s efforts to protect its waters when challenged by industry.<\/p>\n\t Many municipalities in our five-county area have adopted a good set of practices to minimize fertilizer pollution – some better than others. The Conservancy can provide a draft ordinance for any city or county to use in order to protect their water quality.<\/p>\n The Conservancy will continue its efforts to promote strong ordinances to keep our waters clean.<\/p>\n\t HELP LIMIT NUTRIENT POLLUTION FROM IMPROPER FERTILIZER APPLICATION:<\/strong><\/p>\n Wetland ecosystems are essential to our water quality, water supply, storm resilience, quality of life – and they support a diversity of plants and animals.<\/p>\t\t\n\t Update: May 20, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n In an order from the Court of Appeals on May 20, 2024, efforts to reverse our court win and temporarily return the flawed and unlawful state wetland permitting program were denied. Florida is appealing the lower court’s decision but asked for the wetland permitting program to be returned to them in the interim. This could have allowed Florida to continue processing permits for bad projects in wetlands and listed species habitats. Thanks to this decision, our wetland protection victory has been defended thus far!<\/p>\n\t Update: February 16, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n A federal court struck down an unlawful scheme that threatened Florida’s wetlands and the species that inhabit them on February 16, 2024. The judge’s ruling will allow for a better review of the proposed development as the state of Florida is experiencing extreme pressure from growth. Read more about this landmark victory here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t Update: January 14, 2021<\/strong>Earthjustice files suit on behalf of Conservancy of Southwest Florida<\/a> and our partners to protect wetlands throughout Florida. The complaint was filed January 14, 2021 in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.<\/p>\t\t\n\t The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been working to protect our wetlands for over 60 years. Our mission was seeded in 1964 when we worked to stop a proposal that would have destroyed Rookery Bay.<\/p>\n Today, we face continued threats, as Florida is now the third most populous state in the union. Southwest Florida is experiencing much of that growth directly and is a hotspot of wetland loss in the nation.<\/p>\n\t\t Typically, development proposals are reviewed and permitted by local, state, and federal levels. With assumption, the federal agency review would largely be removed.<\/p>\n On August 20, 2020, Florida asked the US Environmental Protection Agency to assume the Clean Water Act 404 “dredge and fill” permitting program. This meant that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection would take over the central federal role in permitting destructive wetland development projects.<\/p>\n Such a transfer was aimed at fast-tracking and expediting the development of Florida’s most treasured landscapes.<\/p>\n Removing the federal agency from the process means removing protective laws from consideration. It removes the checks and balances we need in overseeing requests for new developments, new roadways, and new mines.<\/p>\n Though the Army Corps of Engineers – which is the major federal entity currently responsible for wetland permits – certainly does not have a perfect record in denying bad projects, the federal players have produced more positive outcomes than the state agencies.<\/p>\n For example:<\/p>\n![\"Toxic](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bb-plugin\/cache\/Toxic-blue-green-algae-bloom-at-Pahokee-Marina-Noah-Miller-Captains-For-Clean-Water-square.jpg\" "\\"Toxic")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"WQ](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/WQ-Study-Tri-Party-Logo-1-SM.jpg\" "\\"WQ"){kind=logo}
\n\t\t\t\tESTUARIES REPORT CARD\n\t\t\t\tSTORMWATER RUNOFF\n\t\t\t\tWETLAND PROTECTION\n\t\t\t\tWATERSHED RESTORATION\n\t\t\t\tWETLANDS LOSS\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tESTUARIES REPORT CARD\n\t\t\n\t\t\tEstuaries Report Card\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t
![\"Report](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/report-card-cover.jpg\" "\\"Report")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tWhy It Matters\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t
\n\t\t\tESTUARIES REPORT CARD: INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
![\"Brown](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/peli.jpg\")
\n\t\tReport Card Summary<\/h5>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
![\"NaplesBay](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/NaplesBay-tile.jpg\")
\n\t\tWater Quality Summary<\/h5>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\tWildlife Habitat Summary<\/h5>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
![\"16pager\"](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/16pager.jpg\")
\n\t\tReport Card: Full<\/h5>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tConservancy Recommendations\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-60b7c13ac9171\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPolicy maker action steps<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tPolicy Maker Action Steps\n\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPreview\n\t\t\tmodal-60b7925ceb8b1\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tAction steps for the public\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t
<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\tBecome a member of the Conservancy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\tPublic Action Steps\n\t\t<\/h5>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tinterested in learning more? dive deep into the documents and resources on this topic and others by heading to the Policy Resource Center!\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tpolicy resource center\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSTORMWATER RUNOFF\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tStormwater Runoff\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tWhy it matters\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tFertilizer Ordinance\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tWhy It Matters\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t
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\n\t\t\tinterested in learning more? dive deep into the documents and resources on this topic and others by heading to the Policy Resource Center!\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tpolicy resource center\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWETLAND PROTECTION\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tWetland Protection\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\tWhy Wetlands Matter\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t
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\n\t\t\tWhat is “404 assumption”?\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t
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![\"LiquidGoldWetlands](\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/LiquidGoldWetlands_InfographicFINAL.png\" "\\"LiquidGoldWetlands")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\tinterested in learning more? dive deep into the documents and resources on this topic and others by heading to the Policy Resource Center!\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tpolicy resource center\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWATERSHED RESTORATION\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWETLANDS LOSS\n\t\t\t\t