About islanders 4 clean water

 In order to sustain our water supplies for our current and future needs, and  to reduce our footprint on our  ecosystem there are several things that we can do to protect one of our  most important natural resources by making small changes in our everyday lives.  

How can you help? 

• Turn off the sink while brushing  your teeth or shaving. Take shorter showers or try taking a bath instead. 
• Only run your dishwasher or  washing machine when they are full. 
• Check faucets, toilets and pipes for leaks. 
• Use a rain barrel to gather water for your garden. 
• Follow local watering guidelines and choose drought tolerant landscaping.

Did you know, that only 3.5% of the Earth's water is fresh water?!

For more information on water conservation please check out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Water Conservation Page.  

 Reducing fertilizers can help protect our bays and ecosystem, allowing it to flourish, promoting a healthy life and environment. There are many ways that we can do this to promote a healthier relationship with our waters. 

How can you help?

• Know your county’s fertilizer ban. For Manatee County this is from June 1 to September 30. 
• Use compost instead of fertilizer in your garden.
• Make sure to create a 10 ft space between your landscaping and the water. 
• Buy organic or locally grown fruit or vegetables and compost when possible. 

Did you know, that butterflies like large flower clusters that form a landing pad;  such as milkweed coneflower, and alyssum? 

 Florida native and friendly landscaping can be used as an alternative means of redirecting stormwater and can help reduce the amount of water and runoff produced from watering your yard. 

How can you help? 

• Use Florida native plants and flowers in your landscaping. 
• Replace your gravel and grass with native ground covers.
• Attract local wildlife, try adding a bird bath, bat house or butterfly garden. 
• Keep your yard healthy- use leftovers from mowing and raking as a natural compost.
• Choose drought tolerant landscaping.

Did you know that native plants are comfortable with our climate and environment? They grow with almost no assistance and our wildlife loves them! 

For more about Florida Friendly Plants click the IFAS link here. 

For more information on Florida Native Ground Covers check out the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science's Groundcovers Link.  

Reducing pesticides helps keep our  ecosystem healthy and thriving. Using  other methods of pest management such as introducing beneficial insects, native  plants, or physical methods such as hand weeding will reduce the use of chemicals in our yards and stormdrain systems. 

How can you help?

• Always read the label before every use and consider natural pesticides before manufactured if at all possible. 
• Never dispose of any pesticides down storm drains or into sewer systems. 
• Try using mulch on top of soil to prevent or slow the growth of weeds.
• Do not apply pesticides when it’s raining or about to rain. 
• Instead of using pesticides to kill weeds, try pulling them right away before they can spread.

Did you know  you can make  your own  biopesticide with just baking soda and canola oil?! 

By correctly and safely disposing of  any hazardous household items,  we can prevent toxic chemicals or  waste from getting into our water and  ecosystem.

How can you help?

• Identify and collect any household items that you are unsure of how to dispose of.
• Contact your local waste management agency for the proper way to dispose of these items.
• Pay attention to the labels on cleaning supplies. Try to buy non-toxic products when you can.
• Avoid single use containers, buy items that will last. 
• Organize a community drop off  with your friends and neighbors.

Did you know that hazardous waste must be transported in special tankers that are made of steel or aluminum alloy? These trucks can hold up to 9,000 gallons of waste. 

For more information of household hazardous waste check out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Household Hazardous Waste link and Waste Pro's Residential Services Hazardous Waste Link.  

Water follows the path of least resistance, often flowing into the bay.  In residential yards, raingardens and infiltration help to reduce the impact of stormwater runoff.  These have a low impact on our environment and can increase our water quality. 

How can you help? 

• Build a rain garden- they can come in many shapes and sizes. Install swales or infiltration at the perimeter of your property. Choose plants that can tolerate a lot of water.
• Consider using pervious surfaces in your yard- mulch, grass, soil, sand and replacing your impervious driveway with infiltration systems and permeable  pavers. 
• Install gutters and use a rain barrel  to gather stormwater. 

Did you know that the maximum speed of a falling raindrop can be between 18-22 mph?

For more information on how to build a rain garden check out the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science's Rain Garden link. If you would like to learn more about stormwater management check out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Stormwater Management Link.  

We can protect our environment by reducing our use of single use plastics, which can end up in our water, effecting its quality with toxic chemicals at a detriment to human and animal health. 

What is a single use plastic? 
SUPs or Single use plastics are plastic products that  are used once or for a  short period of time, before being thrown away. 

How can you help? 

• Use re-usable shopping bags instead of plastic.
• Avoid plastic drinking straws.
• Bring your own re-usable cup to the coffee shop!
• Skip the water bottle, try a metal tumbler instead.
• Try glass or stainless-steel storage containers instead of sandwich bags or plastic wrap. 

Did you know that it takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to break-down in a landfill?!

For more about what you can do to reduce the use of single use plastics and how single use plastics impact the environment check out the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Skip the Straw Link and our Single Use Plastics Handout.  

Let's build a community that works together to stay informed and educated on the importance of keeping our  water clean, with a safe and helpful  place to report any problems to. 

How can you help? 

• Familiarize yourself with the Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee.
• If you see something harmful or dangerous to our waterways, report the problem to Code Compliance.
• Utilize the City of Holmes Beach Website.
• Explore our local parks and waters to familiarize yourself with the community and our environmental initiatives. 
• Follow the City of Holmes Beach’s Facebook page. 

Did you know that the purpose of the Clean Water Committee is to focus, prioritize, and coordinate community activity and philanthropy to accomplish water quality  improvements in our region?

For more information about the Holmes Beach Clean Water Committee check out their page. If you need to report something contact Code Compliance. For up to date information on what is going on in Holmes Beach please make sure to follow our Facebook page! 

Florida's Right to Clean Water. It starts with us! As we continue with www.islanders4cleanwater.com there are many things that we can do to help keep our waterways clean. From conserving fresh water in your homes to using Florida native landscaping in your yards to encouraging your local, state, and federal politicians to pass legislation to protect these waterways. To learn more check out the links below:

https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org/

https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org/about 

 Our waters are home to many animals and forms of plant life that are essential to our ecosystem. If we work together as a community, we can protect and conserve our water by making sure all of our activities we do in and around it are mindful and carried out with thoughtfulness. 

How can you help? 

• Follow the posted speed zone signs.
• If possible stay in deep water channels.
• Avoid boating over seagrass beds and shallow water areas.
• If in a motorboat, stay at least 50 feet away from manatees. 
• Do not throw trash in the water.

Did you know that 25-30% of manatee deaths are due to watercrafts? 

Resources for boaters and for what to do if you encounter an injured manatee can be found here. For information on boating and training that may be required to legally boat please click the link here. For fishing laws and regulations and for how to obtain a fishing license please click here and check out Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's website. 

Use all the actions we've outlined, including (but not limited to) conserving fresh water, reducing the use of single use plastics, and eliminating pesticides to help maintain healthy and safe water around Anna Maria Island. 

How can you help? 

• Start a neighborhood rain garden. 
• Organize a beach cleanup with friends and neighbors. 
• Utilize social media to share how you are doing your part and to encourage others to participate.
• Attend a Clean Water Committee meeting. 
• Challenge a friend to the "Take the Plunge Challenge"