August is National Water Quality Month

Lara Miller,
Natural Resource Agent 

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of water quality? Is it drinking water, the brown water in a nearby pond, litter scattered along the bank of a creek or stream? Chances are, if you live in Pinellas County, the body of water closest to you is impaired. This means the water body is not meeting water quality standards set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. At this time, nearly all water bodies in Pinellas County are considered impaired.

The details behind the impairment standards are complex, but what is clear is the top three causes of impairment in Florida’s waters are: nutrients, dirt and bacteria. The main way these elements enter our waterways is by stormwater runoff which occurs when water from a rain event “runs off” across the land instead of seeping into the ground. As the water moves across the land, it is capable of picking up these elements (nutrients, dirt and bacteria) along the way.

Nutrients

Typically nutrients have a positive association, but when it comes to water quality, that is not always the case. When nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus accumulate to unnaturally high levels in a water body they can promote the growth of algae to an undesirable level, resulting in discolored water. An overgrowth of algae can act in the same way as too much soil in the water, blocking sunlight from penetrating through the water. As the algae die they become food for bacteria and this process of decomposition reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water which may lead to the suffocation of aquatic life such as fish.

The major sources of these excess nutrients are fertilizers, animal waste, sewage treatment plants, and failing septic systems. You can help to reduce the over abundance of nutrients by: having your soil tested to determine if there is a need for fertilizer applications and making sure to apply as directed by bag labels (if recommended), picking up after your pets, installing rain gardens, and ensuring your septic system (if you have one) is working effectively.

Dirt

We are all familiar with dirt (scientifically known as soil). When natural systems are disturbed during land use changes such as development or agricultural production, soil can become exposed to wind and rain, allowing it to runoff into a nearby body of water. When soil enters a body of water it may become murky, preventing under water plants from receiving the sunlight they need to make food through the process of photosynthesis.

While soil is naturally occurring, excess amounts of soil entering our waterways can be harmful. There are some ways we can help prevent this from occurring. Construction workers may put up silt fences to contain the dirt and debris created as they build, and developers can design communities to leave more natural areas in place and install fewer pavements to preserve the existing vegetation. Protecting established ecosystems promotes soil stabilization because the developed root systems help to hold the soil in place and slow the flow of rainwater runoff containing soil particles.

Bacteria

Bacteria can be good and bad, but certain bacteria serve as an indicator that other germs and virus might be present that can make us sick. In rare cases, extreme rainstorm events may cause sewage treatment systems to reach a maximum load, forcing cities to divert overflows into nearby bodies of water. Bacteria can also come from domestic and wild animal waste of urban and rural lands.

You can help prevent bacteria from impacting our waterways by: keeping an eye out for news reports during periods of high rain, urging citizens to reduce the pressure on the sewage system; farmers can implement best management practices (BMPs) to better manage livestock manure; and domestic pet owners can pick up after their pets.

It is important to remember that water connects us all; if you live in Pinellas County, you live in a watershed. Watersheds are important to consider because they represent a larger system and emphasize how peoples’ actions “upstream” may have negative affects to communities “downstream” regardless of county lines. You can find out more from the sources below.

You CAN make a difference! Register today for Joe’s Creek Neighborhood Greenway Clean Up on Saturday, September 28, 2013. The event is sponsored by Pinellas County, Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Keep Pinellas Beautiful. If you are interested, please e-mail Keep Pinellas Beautiful at: Stoplitter@tampabay.rr.com.

Sources:
http://water.epa.gov/learn/resources/bigpollutants.cfm
http://www.pinellascounty.org/environment/watershed/default.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/a/algal_bloom.htm
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ae431
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr239

2013 Energy Symposium hosted by Pinellas Energy Efficiency Project

This FREE 3 hour symposium will feature a keynote address by Dr. Jennifer Languell, award-winning green building engineer with 15 years experience. 

Expert panel discussions will focus on water and energy efficiencies and improvements inside and outside the home.  From irrigation to PV panels, appliances to native plants, you'll get information first-hand from Duke Energy, Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, Tampa Bay Water, and much more!

Each registered participant will receive an insulated tote bag with manual powered LED flashlight, solar calculator, and educational information from UF/IFAS and our partners.

Please arrive early for check-in.  Refreshments will be provided.

Saturday September 14, 9a.m.–Noon. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Rd., Largo
Seating is limited and pre-registration is required at  www.pinellascountyextension.org.

Call 727-582-2097 for more information.

Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age. Disability, religion or national origin.

Florida’s Balance

Mary Campbell, Extension Director
and Community Resource Agent

Florida is still on track to break the 20 million mark by the end of 2015, becoming the third most populous state sometime before then—surpassing New York. Florida’s population has grown rapidly in recent decades, but growth rates have fluctuated considerably from one year to the next. For example, the state’s population grew by more than 400,000 between 2004 and 2005 but by less than 100,000 between 2008 and 2009.

Availability of jobs and economic opportunities play a big role in population growth. The last few years have seen a bit of a recovery. Florida’s population grew by 169,000 between 2011 and 2012, well below its historical average but more than twice the increase occurring between 2008 and 2009. With promising signs in the housing market and improving employment opportunities, growth will continue to accelerate over the next few years. Although it is unlikely that the state will return to the large annual increases seen in the middle of the last decade, it is expected that population growth will average around 278,000 per year by the end of the current decade (UF- Bureau of Economic and Business Research).

Between 1970 and 1990 Florida's urban areas sprawled over one million acres of formerly rural land. Natural habitats, farmland, and scenic open spaces were often converted to strip malls, housing developments, and low-density commercial development. Uncontrolled growth created environmental, social, and economic problems that threaten to destroy the very attractions that made many move to the state.

Water resources provide a good example. Florida has the highest domestic per capita water use in the country and ranks second nationally in water use for mining, fourth in use for public supply, and eleventh in use for irrigation. Due mostly to population growth, projections show that water supplies will not meet projected demands by 2020. Restrictions on water use are frequently implemented in urban areas for irrigating lawns. In addition, urban storm water contributes to water pollution and fertilizer ordinances have been implemented in several areas of the state. In Pinellas County, a fertilizer ban from June through September was implemented to decrease pollutants flowing into surrounding waters.

Sustainable communities recognize that their economic and social structures and the health of the local environment are intertwined. They understand that programs and policies that foster only one aspect of development, be it economic growth, social gain, or environmental protection, to the exclusion of the other two aspects will not promote sustained progress for the community. Each community must develop its own vision and plan of action. There is no single definition of sustainable community development because every community has its own unique characteristics and challenges. Yet sustainable communities share common themes and concerns: economic security, environmental protection, social justice, and a commitment to the welfare of future generations.

Imagine a community where the air and water are clean, water supplies fully meet demand and everyone enjoys access to locally supplied safe and healthy foods, wildlife flourishes and the landscape is pleasing to the eye. Within this community, full participation and a spirit of cooperation pervade decision-making. People have an impact over their community's future. The community revitalizes the city center, reduces sprawl and promotes regional identity and pride. Public transportation effectively reduces congestion and pollution from cars, reduces transportation costs, and improves access to jobs and services. A strong emphasis on education and training for all promotes an improved quality of life today and fosters future opportunities for the community's youth.

If you are interested in learning more about sustainable practices and becoming involved in local action, join us for the next Sustainable Floridian Training Program. For more information: http://pcsf2013oct-eorg.eventbrite.com/.

Resource:
UF EDIS Sustainable Community Development

Savor the Flavor…Enjoying the fruits of summer

Nan Jensen,
UF/IFAS Pinellas County
Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent

Whether it’s cantaloupes, peaches, mangos or watermelons you are craving, summer brings an abundance of choices for you to enjoy. Not only does it taste good but eating fruit provides some real health benefits. People who eat healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables are likely to have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases, like certain types of cancer, and heart disease. Fruits are a great source of potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate (folic acid). Most are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories and none of them have cholesterol. Fruits are also a great way to keep us hydrated during hot summer months since they contain 80% or more water.

Before preparing or eating, rub fruits briskly under clean running water to remove dirt and surface microorganisms. Then dry with a clean towel.

Since most fruits have a short shelf life ( a week or less) plan your trip to the grocery store, produce stand or farmer's market accordingly so you're not throwing away food that's gone bad before you get a chance to use it. Consider freezing fruits if you want to keep it longer. Properly frozen fruits retain much of their fresh flavor and nutritive value. Their texture may be somewhat softer, however, than fresh fruit. If you are looking for information on freezing or any other method home food preservation, the National Center for Home Food Preservation is your source for current research-based recommendations. Check the site out at the link below.

http://nchfp.uga.edu/

Sustainable Floridians(SM) – A Unique Learning Opportunity

Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, 
Urban Sustainability Agent 

Knowledge is power and the Sustainable Floridians^SM training program is a discussion-to-action program that aims to develop leaders for a sustainable future. Participants will learn about wise use of resources, household and community resiliency, and the impacts of lifestyle choices. The program educates participants about Florida specific actions for conserving energy, water, and vehicle miles travelled while creating and promoting opportunities for community leadership. 

The 2013 edition of Sustainable Floridians^SM will be offered September 11 through October 30 at the Pinellas County Extension office in Largo. Classes will be held on Wednesdays only from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. and the program fee of $65 includes registration, light meal and program materials. The 8-week program will include six core classes with specific focus on Energy, Water, and Food, and an elective class on Transportation and Land Use. Participants are eligible for a Certificate of Completion by attending five of the six core classes. 

The classroom style training utilizes multimedia presentations and discussion groups to provide a participatory structure that promotes networking and idea sharing. UF/IFAS Extension faculty teach all sessions and participants receive valuable sustainable living devices (e.g. energy devices) to promote behavior change. Although this is a non-credit adult education program, UF faculty provide opportunities for ongoing learning through the UF/IFAS Extension network and monthly mentoring meetings. 

Join us for this exciting program and become a part of the Sustainable Floridians^SM graduate network. 

Resources: 

Sustainable Floridians^SM

UF Sustainable Living 

UF Office of Sustainability