The journey of high-quality drinking water starts at the source. That is why we work hard to keep our water sources clean and protected from pollution and contamination. The cleaner the water source, the less energy and fewer chemicals are needed to treat them. Our region’s drinking water sources are groundwater, river water, and seawater. By protecting these sources, we start the journey of providing clean, safe drinking water to the Tampa Bay region.
You can play a vital role in protecting our water sources by following a few simple tips such as creating a Florida-friendly landscape, picking up pet waste, and safely disposing of medications and household chemicals. Remember - everything that is left on the ground can eventually make its way into water sources, so think twice before you leave something behind.
Source water protection starts with you! Let’s join forces for cleaner sources.
If you or someone you know has a project in mind to help protect drinking water sources, find out if you qualify for a source water protection mini-grant. Visit tampabaywater.org/grant.
Joining Forces for Cleaner Sources: Our Drinking Water Comes From Three Sources: Groundwater from the Floridan aquifer, River Water from the Hillsborough and Alafia rivers and the Tampa Bypass Canal, and Desalinated Seawater from Tampa Bay.
Safe Drinking Water Starts at the Source. Protecting these sources from pollution and contamination is the smart thing to do because it helps the environment where we live and actually helps save money too! The cleaner the source water, the less energy and fewer chemicals are needed to treat the water before it gets to you.
Protecting Drinking Water Starts With You: Everything that happens on the ground eventually makes its way to the water – animal waste, fertilizer, trash, oil and gas, yard clippings and more.
Here are some ways you can help protect our drinking water sources: Put Trash in Its Place, Properly Dispose of Hazardous Waste, Safely Dispose of Medications, Pick Up Pet Waste and Create Florida-Friendly Landscapes. Find out more at tampabaywater.org
