WHAT IS SOURCE WATER PROTECTION?

Source water protection is any activity that develops or implements measures to protect the drinking water supply against pollution.

Source water protection is the first of four barriers ensuring the safety of our drinking water supply system.  The four barriers are:

  • Source water protection
  • Water treatment systems
  • Distribution systems
  • Adequate testing
 
 

 

 

 

 

Source water protection benefits society in four major areas:

  1. Protection of public health
  2. Protection of the environment
  3. Safeguarding the public investment
  4. Assuring clean and safe water sources for future generations

Tampa Bay Water has taken a great number of source water protection steps in the following areas:
  1. Public Information and Education
    • Funding for the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
    • Development of information materials related to source water protection, such as newspaper information ads, source water and watershed protection brochure
  2. Protective Policies and Regulations
    • Participated in the development of Pasco and Hillsborough County Protection Ordinances
    • Reviewed and provided recommendations on 300 development proposals in 2006 (Rezoning, Mining permits, DRIs)
  3. Land Acquisition Programs
    • Provided land for a regional stormwater project in Brandon's facilities site property
  4. Best Management Practices
    • Helped fund a recent University of Florida Low Impact Development workshop
  5. Local Watershed Protection Actions
    • Tampa Bay spends over $2 million per year on environmental monitoring programs

Ensuring our water sources in the Tampa Bay region are safe can be everyone's responsibility. Some simple good housekeeping practices can make the greatest difference, such as:

  • Careful handling of potentially dangerous substances and proper use and storage of chemicals
  • Limited use of fertilizer applications on lawns and gardens
  • Take used oil motor to recycling center
  • Properly close unused wells
  • Pump and inspect regularly septic tank
  • Plant vegetation on bare spots of the soil, particularly on slopes, to prevent excessive runoff
  • Take part in source water protection discussions and activities
  • Adopt Low Impact Development design methods

More detailed examples can be found at the following links:

EPA Drinking Water Guide #3: Best Management Practices for SWPAs

Backyard Conservation

Storm Water Management: Low Impact Development