Why Conserve?

Where do we get water from?

Groundwater comprises most of the water supply in Florida. This water is contained in aquifers, underground layers of permeable rock. Much of our water comes from the Floridan aquifer which is one of the most productive aquifers in the world. Water here is replenished through a process called recharge when rainwater that soaks into the ground. Other water sources include rivers like the St. Johns River and lakes such as Lake Okeechobee.

If there's so much water, why should I conserve it?

Before it was developed, much of the water that was discharged from the aquifer went into springs and streams. As Florida's population increases, there is more pressure on groundwater supplies. Pumping too much water from the aquifers can lower the water table, or water level, which can also cause river levels to decrease, flow out of springs to decrease, and wetlands to dry up.

Sinkholes have also been formed by too much water use in an area. This can happen when too much water is pumped out of an underground cave and it collapses because there is no longer enough pressure against the walls of the cave to support it.

Too much pressure on water resources can lead to water shortages. When water levels are low the costs for using water can increase. Water conservation is easy and saves money. Visit our other pages to find out how you can conserve water inside and outside your home.

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