Why Is It Important To Conserve Water?

Where Our Water Comes From

Have you ever wondered where your drinking water comes from? In Seminole County, it comes from groundwater. Groundwater is stored in the spaces between soil, rocks, and bedrock. There are two main layers of groundwater beneath us: the surficial aquifer and the Floridan Aquifer. The vast majority of our water comes from the Floridan Aquifer.

The fresh water in the Floridan Aquifer began accumulating during the last Ice Age, making the water you're drinking potentially over 26,000 years old. It is replenished by rainwater and lake water seeping into the ground. From here, water is pumped through wells and delivered to homes.

Seminole County has over 1,000 permitted wells, excluding smaller private wells. As the population grows, so does the demand for water. 

Sustaining the Floridan Aquifer

While the Floridan Aquifer is deep and won't run out, overuse can have serious consequences.

Impacts of Overuse

• Lakes, Springs, and Wetlands: Excessive groundwater withdrawals can lower lake levels, slow spring flows, and shrink wetlands—affecting the ecosystems that depend on them.

• Sinkholes: Over-extraction can cause sinkholes, as removing too much water weakens underground caverns.

• Saltwater Intrusion: Pumping too much fresh water can cause salty groundwater to move into the aquifer, making the water undrinkable. This contamination is irreversible on a human timescale.

• Decreased Water Quality: Overuse may lead to lower-quality water, requiring more treatment and increasing costs for residents. 

Water Conservation: The Simple Solution

Conserving water is the easiest and most cost-effective way to address shortages. Small daily changes in water use can add up to a significant impact. If everyone reduces their water consumption, we can ensure a sustainable water supply for future generations.

Every drop counts.