WEATHER ALERT
Boil water advisories can be confusing. Here are some safety tips from experts
Read full article: Boil water advisories can be confusing. Here are some safety tips from expertsThe city of Asheville has restored running water to most of its users nearly a month after Hurricane Helene damaged infrastructure and killed more than 200 people around the region.
Bad state data may misdirect nearly $1 billion in federal funds to replace lead pipes
Read full article: Bad state data may misdirect nearly $1 billion in federal funds to replace lead pipesThe Environmental Protection Agency didn't ensure that states submitted accurate estimates of the number of lead pipes they had.
‘Substantial threat to public health:’ City of Sanford files lawsuit over 1,4-dioxane in drinking water
Read full article: ‘Substantial threat to public health:’ City of Sanford files lawsuit over 1,4-dioxane in drinking waterOfficials in Sanford have filed a lawsuit against the companies it believes are responsible for contaminating the city’s water.
Palm Coast asks residents to limit water usage after ‘unprecedented’ rainfall
Read full article: Palm Coast asks residents to limit water usage after ‘unprecedented’ rainfallThe city of Palm Coast asked residents to reduce their water usage after unexpected rain poses the threat of a backup in local wastewater plants.
New Mars study suggests an ocean's worth of water may be hiding beneath the red dusty surface
Read full article: New Mars study suggests an ocean's worth of water may be hiding beneath the red dusty surfaceA new study suggests Mars may be drenched beneath its surface, with enough water hiding in the cracks of underground rocks to form a global ocean.
Untreated water used by Florida cucumber grower tied to salmonella outbreak that sickened 450 people in US
Read full article: Untreated water used by Florida cucumber grower tied to salmonella outbreak that sickened 450 people in USFederal health officials say a Florida cucumber grower that used untreated water is one likely source of salmonella food poisoning that sickened nearly 450 people this spring.
OUC to drill deeper into aquifer to meet growing demand for water
Read full article: OUC to drill deeper into aquifer to meet growing demand for waterThe Orlando Utilities Commission last week approved a $155 million project to ensure the region's growing population will have enough safe and clean drinking water for years to come.
Central Florida lawmakers want new state standards for contaminants in drinking water
Read full article: Central Florida lawmakers want new state standards for contaminants in drinking waterTwo Central Florida lawmakers aim to set a new state standard for the maximum amount of a contaminant allowed in drinking water.
What is 1,4-dioxane? Seminole leaders discuss chemical in drinking water causing concern
Read full article: What is 1,4-dioxane? Seminole leaders discuss chemical in drinking water causing concernSeminole County leaders recently addressed concerns from residents about a harmful compound that’s been found in drinking water throughout the area, according to reports.
Fukushima residents worry nuclear plant's wastewater release in a few weeks will be another setback
Read full article: Fukushima residents worry nuclear plant's wastewater release in a few weeks will be another setbackWithin weeks, the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is expected to start releasing treated radioactive wastewater into the sea, a highly contested plan facing fierce protests in and outside Japan.
UN chief urges 'game-changing' commitments on clean water
Read full article: UN chief urges 'game-changing' commitments on clean waterThe United Nations chief is urging the first world conference on water in more than 45 years to address the “21st century emergency” that is wasting the world’s most important resource and has left billions of people without clean water and basic sanitation.
Seminole County watering restrictions change with daylight saving time. Here’s what you need to know
Read full article: Seminole County watering restrictions change with daylight saving time. Here’s what you need to knowDaylight saving time is set to begin and that means a change to Seminole County’s watering restrictions.
Toho Water Authority issues boil water advisory for Harmony community
Read full article: Toho Water Authority issues boil water advisory for Harmony communityThe Toho Water Authority has issued a precautionary boil water advisory to customers in the Harmony community and Ameritrail customers located north of US 441.
These photos tell you everything you need to know about California’s drought
Read full article: These photos tell you everything you need to know about California’s droughtJust this week, a major Southern California water agency declared a water supply alert for the first time in seven years, and is asking residents to voluntarily conserve. Many of the state’s counties are already under a state of drought emergency.
What exactly was Mark Zuckerberg riding in that viral Fourth of July video?
Read full article: What exactly was Mark Zuckerberg riding in that viral Fourth of July video?If you’ve been scrolling around on social media this month, then you may have noticed that over the Fourth of July weekend, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg was riding on some sort of wakeboard on a lake with an American flag in tow.
Environmentalists sue over Florida wastewater reservoir leak
Read full article: Environmentalists sue over Florida wastewater reservoir leakEnvironmental groups claim in a lawsuit that efforts to clean up a leaky Florida reservoir that dumped tens of millions of gallons of potentially hazardous gypsum wastewater into Tampa Bay must be overseen by a federal judge to guard against continued mismanagement.
Scientists look for link between wastewater and algae in Tampa Bay
Read full article: Scientists look for link between wastewater and algae in Tampa BayScientists are looking for any links to dreaded algae blooms and the pumping of 215 gallons of wastewater into Tampa Bay from the site of an old fertilizer plant two months ago.
‘So incredible:’ Florida diver photographs up-close encounter with pregnant bull shark
Read full article: ‘So incredible:’ Florida diver photographs up-close encounter with pregnant bull sharkA Florida diver spent 45 minutes with a pregnant bull shark hovering nearby and not only did he survive the up-close encounter unscathed -- he’s got the now-viral photos to prove it.
Lake Okeechobee recedes, but not enough; Discharges continue
Read full article: Lake Okeechobee recedes, but not enough; Discharges continueA rainbow graces the sky over a pier built over what should be lake Okeechobee July 9, 2007 in Okeechobee, Florida. WEST PALM BEACH – Lake Okeechobee discharges will be reduced to the Caloosahatchee River but will continue at the same rate to the St. Lucie River — indefinitely. The St. Lucie will continue to get a weekly average rate of 323 million gallons per day, the same amount since discharges started March 6, Kelly said. The bill, called the Toxic Health Threat Warning Act, would require tests to determine whether the lake water is contaminated. “We’re trying to be as communicative as possible about releases on Lake Okeechobee every day of the year, all the time,” Kelly said.
Lake Okeechobee water release could curb toxic algae bloom
Read full article: Lake Okeechobee water release could curb toxic algae bloomRick Scott has declared a state of emergency in seven Florida counties to combat the potentially toxic green algae bloom. While the South Florida Water Management District supported the decision to release water to the St. Lucie Estuary, spokesman Randy Smith said they will closely monitor salinity levels. With rainy season approaching in May, South Florida is still soggy from Tropical Storm Eta last year. If they go wrong, everything goes wrong,” said South Florida Water Management District board member Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch in a February meeting. The Army Corps makes weekly decisions on lake levels, and Perry hopes the water releases end before the April oyster spawning.
Florida hack exposes vulnerability of cash-strapped US water plants
Read full article: Florida hack exposes vulnerability of cash-strapped US water plantsAuthorities say a hacker gained access to Oldsmar's water treatment plant in an unsuccessful attempt to taint the water supply with a caustic chemical. A local sheriff's startling announcement Monday that the water supply of Oldsmar, population 15,000, was briefly in jeopardy last week exhibited uncharacteristic transparency. Ad“I deal with a lot of municipal water utilities for small, medium and large-sized cities. The nation's 151,000 public water systems lack the financial fortification of the corporate owners of nuclear power plants and electrical utilities. Although such incidents have been relatively few, that does not mean the risk is low and that most water systems are secure.
Indian River Lagoon report: Water quality steady or improving while seagrass continues to decline
Read full article: Indian River Lagoon report: Water quality steady or improving while seagrass continues to declinePALM BAY, Fla. – Seagrass is disappearing from the Indian River Lagoon causing hungry manatees to have to migrate to find their food. It’s one of the concerning conclusions from Tuesday’s virtual presentation of the third annual lagoon report card. That score was before the river suffering new fish kills like Thanksgiving at State Road 520 in Merritt Island. After the 2016 fish kills, Brevard County voters approved paying hundreds of millions of dollars over 10 years for cleanup efforts. “I think that we have not reached a point of no return,” Dr. Souto said.
Moon may hold frozen water in more places than suspected
Read full article: Moon may hold frozen water in more places than suspectedScientists say the moon’s shadowed, frigid nooks and crannies may hold frozen water in more places and in larger quantities than previously suspected. Another NASA scientist on the call, Dr. Jacob Bleacher, touched on the importance of water for the agency’s exploration plans. “We confirmed water on the sunlit surface of the Moon for the 1st time using @SOFIAtelescope,” Bridenstine tweeted. “We don’t know yet if we can use it as a resource, but learning about water on the Moon is key for our #Artemis exploration plans.”Earlier, NASA tweeted, “Happy Monday, skygazers! We don’t know yet if we can use it as a resource, but learning about water on the Moon is key for our #Artemis exploration plans.
14 million tons of microplastics on seafloor, study finds
Read full article: 14 million tons of microplastics on seafloor, study findsPlastic pollution has been found in the most remote regions of Earth. An estimated 14 million metric tons of microplastics have accumulated on the seabed, more than 35 times as much plastic believed to be floating on the surface, according to a new study from Australia’s National Science Agency. [TRENDING: DeSantis to lift restaurant limits in Fla. | Here’s how to track your mail-in ballot | How can I tell difference between flu and COVID-19?] Using a robotic submarine, researchers collected 51 samples of deep-sea sediments from sites off Australia’s coast. Their findings show up to 25 times more microplastics than previous studies.
Algae blooms turn Indian River Lagoon green and stinky, again
Read full article: Algae blooms turn Indian River Lagoon green and stinky, againBREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Algae blooms are turning parts of the Indian River Lagoon green again in Brevard County. Brevard County Public Information Officer Don Walker said for the last couple weeks the weather conditions have helped and the county has not received reports of any major fish kills. On Sept. 11, county officials warned of a possible fish kill like the ones seen in 2016 and 2018 due to the wet weather in recent weeks. Brevard County voters approved a half-cent sales tax in 2011 to generate more than $400 million for restoration of the lagoon. Ron DeSantis signed bills designed to address environmental issues ranging from sea level rise to blue-green algae blooms.
Its license-free saltwater fishing weekend in Florida
Read full article: Its license-free saltwater fishing weekend in FloridaTry your hand at saltwater fishing Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, without needing a saltwater fishing license. License-free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for those who don't yet have a fishing license to experience fishing, take youth fishing, or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license. Try your hand at saltwater fishing Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, without needing a saltwater fishing license. License-free fishing days provide an excellent opportunity for those who don't yet have a fishing license to experience fishing, take youth fishing, or for avid anglers to introduce a friend to fishing without having to purchase a license. The saltwater waiver applies to any recreational harvest requiring a saltwater fishing license (e.g., crabbing, lobstering, scalloping, etc.)
Video: 3 giant sawfish spotted in Indian River in Melbourne Beach
Read full article: Video: 3 giant sawfish spotted in Indian River in Melbourne BeachMELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. – With fewer people out enjoying Florida’s water, some sea creatures you don’t see too often have been spotted in local waterways. Three giant smalltooth sawfish were captured on video next to a dock in the shallow water in the Indian River in Melbourne Beach. Alavarez said, “Got to witness something amazing this morning in Melbourne Beach in the Indian River. The FWC says sawfish sightings are now less common because they were unintentionally over fished. Alavrez reported the sighting to the FWC so the agency can better understand which areas the sawfish are in.
Brevard County residents asked to limit water usage as dry conditions continue
Read full article: Brevard County residents asked to limit water usage as dry conditions continueBREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Officials are asking residents of Brevard County and Mims to reduce their water usage until further notice. The request comes after dry conditions continue in Florida and the demand for water remains high. Brevard County Utility Services is asking residents to reduce water usage for non-essential activities until further notice. The request is limited only to customers on the Brevard County Utility Services water system. Officials said the water is safe to drink.
Melbourne City Council votes 4-3 to keep fluoridating drinking water supply
Read full article: Melbourne City Council votes 4-3 to keep fluoridating drinking water supplyMELBOURNE, Fla. – Melbourne will continue to fluoridate drinking water for customers across roughly 100 square miles of southern Brevard County. The City Council voted 4-3 on Tuesday to do so, according to our news partner Florida Today. In addition to customers within city limits, Melbourne provides drinking water for Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Satellite Beach, West Melbourne and unincorporated Brevard County south of the Pineda Causeway. During Tuesday's meeting, West Melbourne City Council members Daniel Batcheldor, Pat Bentley and John Dittmore spoke in favor of fluoride. There was not one council member that was supportive of the city of Melbourne discontinuing optimal fluoridation of the drinking water," City Manager Scott Morgan told Melbourne officials.
Red tide: Everything you need to know about the outbreak in Florida
Read full article: Red tide: Everything you need to know about the outbreak in FloridaWhile most Floridians are at least somewhat familiar with the phenomenon, there are still many mysteries surrounding red tide and how it can be stopped. The following information, provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, outlines everything we do and don't know about the red tide outbreak and its deadly repercussions. Anyone with a pre-existing respiratory ailment such as asthma should avoid coastal areas during a red tide outbreak. If dead fish are accumulated, the water should be avoided entirely since those dead fish are likely associated with harmful bacteria. You can also click here to see FWC's weekly red tide status report.
These Florida maps show where red tide, blue-green algae are the worst
Read full article: These Florida maps show where red tide, blue-green algae are the worstMany Floridians don't realize exactly how widespread the problems with blue-green algae and red tide are. Red tideThe Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been monitoring the Karenia brevis bloom, also known as red tide, on the Gulf Coast for months. Each week, FWC posts the latest counts and conditions on a special section of its website dedicated to red tide monitoring. Bright red dots indicate where the bloom is the worst, while orange dots show where levels are in the medium range and yellow dots illustrate areas where red tide is present but in low levels. Florida's red tide, blue-green algae make dining complicated]Weekly change is also noted on the page, meaning Floridians can see where red tide conditions are improving and where they're getting worse.
Dead manatee found floating in Marco Island
Read full article: Dead manatee found floating in Marco IslandMARCO ISLAND, Fla. – A dead manatee was found floating in a residential area in Marco Island Tuesday as that area and much of the Gulf Coast battles red tide, according to WINK News. As of Saturday, FWC had counted 103 manatee deaths in Florida that were confirmed or suspected to be due to red tide so far in 2018. The total number of manatee deaths in Florida this year is 538, with cold weather and red tide being blamed as the biggest killers. Story continues belowThose manatee deaths are also in addition to the tons of dead fish and other marine animals that have been scooped up from shores along the coast since the bloom began in October. For information on what the state is doing to battle red tide and other water woes in the Sunshine State, click here.
Toxic algae covers half of Lake Okeechobee
Read full article: Toxic algae covers half of Lake OkeechobeeJACKSONVILLE, Fla – The algae bloom in Lake Okeechobee now covers half the lake after expanding from 40% in July. The major bloom of blue-green algae has plagued the state's largest lake all summer. Florida Sea Grant says blue-green algae blooms prefer warm water, and they outcompete other kinds of algae in those conditions. The nutrients and fresh water fueling naturally occurring blue-green algae growth also comes from local stormwater runoff and septic tanks. Unfortunately, no effective large scale treatment method exists to remove blue-green algae blooms.
Florida wildlife rescuers brace for manatees living, breathing, eating toxic red algae
Read full article: Florida wildlife rescuers brace for manatees living, breathing, eating toxic red algaeORLANDO, Fla. – Manatees and other wildlife living in Florida's coastal waterways infected with toxic red algae blooms are at risk of falling comatose and drowning. Florida wildlife rescue groups are bracing as the red tide on Florida's Gulf Coast is expected to last into next year, SeaWorld Rescue team members said this week. Groups including SeaWorld Rescue, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Partnership are working daily to save wildlife living, breathing and eating the harmful algae, known as Karenia brevis. Necropsies will have to be performed to determine if they were killed by the effects of red tide. SeaWorld Orlando has used its facilities to treat more than 46 critical manatees in the last year.
Red tide cited after manatees, thousands of fish found dead in Florida
Read full article: Red tide cited after manatees, thousands of fish found dead in FloridaCAPE CORAL, Fla. – There’s a water crisis in Southwest Florida that is wreaking havoc on wildlife. Thousands of fish and several manatees have washed up dead because of red tide. On Tuesday, three manatees washed ashore, and WINK News reports that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission claims this year there are higher than normal manatee deaths from red tide. “I hate to say it, but it’s like a natural disaster if you ask me,” said Englewood resident Jane Tellor to WINK News. It’s so bad that Lee County commissioners declared a local state of emergency and need funding to remove the massive amounts of dead fish.
Red tide is to blame for spike in sea turtle deaths in Florida waters
Read full article: Red tide is to blame for spike in sea turtle deaths in Florida watersSANIBEL, Fla. – Researchers are reporting a spiking number of sea turtle deaths in Florida waters plagued by a red tide algae bloom. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has documented 287 sea turtle deaths in Gulf of Mexico waters along the southwest Florida coast since the toxic bloom started in October. Allen Foley of the commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute said Thursday that's about double the average number of turtle deaths in those waters every year. Foley said turtles living in the area become sick and die when their food gets contaminated by the toxins. Loggerhead and Kemp's ridley sea turtles are the two species primarily affected by the bloom.