If we don’t take care of our
water, who will?
Estero Island is a seven-mile island on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. It is bordered by San Carlos Island to the north and Big Carlos Pass to the south. Estero Bay, a national estuary situated southeast of Fort Myers Beach, covers about 15 square miles. Access to clean water is critical to our health, the environment, and the economy. Clean water provides our drinking supply, supports a wide range of plants and wildlife, and is the economic driver of the region’s tourism industry.
Things you can do!
Did you know?
While photodegradable plastics (plastics capable of being broken down by light) may break down from its first state (or created state), these plastics never completely degrade, but actually divide into tiny pieces called microplastics. Microplastics are the multi-colored pieces of plastic that can be found in a handful of sand on the beach or in the ocean. Scientists are still investigating the impact of microplastics on our ocean and marine life.
Source: NOAA.gov
Don’t dump hazardous waste on the ground. It can contaminate the soil, which could also contaminate the groundwater or nearby surface water. A number of products used at home contain hazardous or toxic substances that can contaminate ground or surface waters, such as:
- Motor oil
- Pesticides
- Leftover paints or paint cans
- Mothballs
- Flea collars
- Household Cleaners
- Various Medicines
Don’t overuse pesticides or fertilizers. Many fertilizers and pesticides contain hazardous chemicals. These can travel through the soil and contaminate groundwater. If you feel you must use these chemicals, please remember to use them in moderation.
source: EPA.gov