Water is essential to all life on Earth. It is necessary for the survival of all living species, water plays a significant role in human life, from our health to the economy. By preserving and supporting good water quality we benefit the environment, public health, and the protection of water resources for future generations. In the spirit of Earth Month, we wanted to share about the importance of water quality and how protecting our local water systems are crucial to preserving the diversity of marine species, and the overall way of life here on our island.

You can see the simple graphic map below of Northeast Florida with the "Waters Not Meeting Standards" colored in shades of gray (the darker gray the more pollutants). Nassau County's waters are listed as not meeting standards.  And particularly, Amelia Island is in the more dangerous position of being in the darker shades of gray, including the beaches.

This impacts more than just our wildlife population. The ripple effect of low quality water immediately impacts our public health, ecosystem preservation, the economy and our recreational activities (which is a huge part of why we love our island)! Clean water is essential for drinking, sanitation, and preventing waterborne diseases. A healthy water supply supports our local tourism, fishing, agriculture, and other industries that rely on clean waterways. Water quality directly impacts the health of aquatic life, wetlands, and other natural habitats, which are crucial for biodiversity and ecological balance. Clean water enables safe and enjoyable recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing; so many of the reasons we love living here!

According to Florida Department of Environmental Protection, “A Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)” is a framework for water quality restoration, containing local and state commitments to reduce pollutant loading through current and future projects and strategies. BMAPs contain a comprehensive set of solutions, such as permit limits on wastewater facilities, urban and agricultural best management practices, and conservation programs designed to achieve pollutant reduction established by a total maximum daily load.

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is an environmental regulatory agency of the state of Florida whose work is focused on ensuring a long-term supply of drinking water, and to protect and restore the health of water bodies in the district’s 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. The SJRWMD is currently implementing the state issued BMAP for Nassau County.

How can you help? There are many actions individuals can take to help protect water quality in our area.

• Recognize that you are in a special place with sensitive habitats and educate yourself about what actions you should and shouldn’t take to protect water quality and marine resources.
  
  
• Boaters can utilize proper containers, catch-pans and spill-containment basins, and proper disposal techniques to prevent liquids such as gasoline, motor oil, hydraulic fluids, cleaning products, and other chemicals from entering the water. Similar principles apply on land as these pollutants can easily soak into the ground and enter nearshore waters.
  
  
• Get involved by attending a local Water Quality Protection Program meetings. This program is an ongoing effort to improve water quality in our area with evolving priorities and a continuing need for public engagement. Only through collaboration can we best protect and preserve our waters.

We know water quality may not be the sexiest topic but it is so essential to not only our way of life, but all the biodiverse ecosystems that surround us! We hope you found this helpful and possible even inspired you to take action! Stand up for clean water!