Water Quality & Conservation

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

STE(A)M Activity - Creatures, Corals, and Currents

CREATE YOUR OWN - Submit Lesson Plan here    or utilize a previous lesson created by DIG from our Lesson Library.

Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Water Quality & Conservation Activity Submission Form Click Here

What's the problem?

As time passes, water scarcity, pollution, and unequal access to drinkable water all become more prominent issues. Water is frequently used for unsustainable agriculture and industry, which leads to an influx in the misuse of water. In Florida, over 60% of the 6.4 billion gallons of water used annually is spent on agriculture and industry. Furthermore, the urbanization of South Florida has interrupted historic waterways from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades, preventing the purification of water before being expelled into the ocean. This leads to algal blooms, and even red tides if there are enough nutrients in the water. Maintaining water quality is essential for the environment, economy, and quality of life in South Florida.   

Why should we care?

The Biscayne Aquifer, close to the surface and recharged by rainfall, is unconfined and lacks a protective layer, making it susceptible to pesticide, gas, oil, and chemical contamination. Furthermore, the lack of permeable surfaces in cities prevents the recharge of the aquifer and leads to nutrient loading in waterways, damaging ecosystems and businesses. Florida's growing population risks depleting the aquifer faster than it can recharge. This is an example of the Tragedy of the Commons, an occurrence when there is no private ownership of a resource and misuse of it damages it. Climate change-induced sea level rise increases saltwater intrusion, making the water too saline for consumption. This necessitates costly alternatives, impacting low-income communities of color who already suffer from polluted water and associated health risks.  

What can we do?

As a community, we can protect water quality by reducing pollution, conserving water, and promoting sustainable practices. By properly disposing of hazardous materials and participating in clean-up events, we can aim to decrease our pollution. Using water-saving fixtures, fixing leaks, and xeriscaping, or planting native, drought-resistant plants, can all help to restore fragmented/damaged ecosystems. Supporting eco-friendly agricultural practices such as not fertilizing before large rainfall and advocating for policies that protect water sources can help to prevent cultural eutrophication. To prevent municipal waste from entering our waterways, we can educate the community about water conservation and the importance of reducing plastic us. By taking these actions, we can improve and safeguard our water resources as a whole.