Water Quality & Conservation

What's the problem?

The Biscayne Aquifer is made of limestone and classified as a productive aquifer, meaning it is highly porous and permeable. The state of Florida manages this water resource and allows utilities to dig wells into the aquifer to reach the freshwater and bring it up for consumers. Some risks that face the aquifer are contamination, over-pumping and salt water intrusion. Another threat to the safety of our water supply is the redirection of naturally flowing water. Miami-Dade County residents rely on the Biscayne Aquifer as their primary source of their drinking water. Water from Lake Okeechobee used to pour into the Everglades, but ever since the engineered system of artificial canals was adopted, the water received by the Everglades is nowhere near the quality it used to be.

Why should we care?

Aquifers need to be recharged: the process by which groundwater is replenished and stored. The Biscayne Aquifer is recharged by rainfall because it is close to the surface; the aquifer is classified to be unconfined, meaning there is a minimal shielding layer of substances, like clay, to protect from outside contaminants like pesticides, gas, oil, and chemicals from degrading waste. As the population of Florida faces a steady increase, there is also an increased risk of pumping at a faster rate than the aquifer is being recharged. Over-pumping may result in the drying of wells, increased costs to reach groundwater and reduced water quality. Sea level rise as a consequence of climate change increases the rate at which saltwater infiltrates the groundwater, to which our drinking water will eventually become too saline for consumption. Access to clean water is a right not a privilege. Even without the added threats to our water, low-income and communities of color face the burden of polluted water and living near toxic waste facilities the most, leading to increased risk for health issues.

What can we do?

Protecting our water resources is a priority for Miami-Dade County and should be for its residents. The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department has put together a comprehensive list of tips and changes you can make to help conserve water resources. Some easy solutions are to replace fixtures with more water-efficient models like low-flow shower heads, faucets and toilets. The County offers numerous rebates and sometimes even free exchange programs to help make these changes possible. This year, we are proud to partner with the Ocean Conservancy and share the amazing work that they have done in setting out a vision for Florida’s ocean and coasts. “We know this is a phenomenal challenge - to imagine and then realize a Florida whose beaches are (even more) vibrant, whose water are clean and accessible to all, and whose ocean is thriving and providing for millions. We are up to the challenge - and we hope that you are, too.” Janis Searles Jones, Chief Executive Officer.

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

• Community Building (Pre-K through 1st grade) - Water Cycle in a Bag

• Hands On Learning (2nd through 3rd grade) - Plastic Pollution Solutions

• Lab Activity (4th through 5th grade) - Seas on the Rise

• Create Your Own (Pre-K through 5th grade) - Submit Lesson Plan click here

Schools can choose to do more than one activity but maximum amount of points a school can earn for this topic is the same. Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Water Quality & Conservation Activity Submission Form Click Here