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SPECIAL REPORT
Florida's Water Crisis
"Florida's
water crisis" was a yearlong series based on in-depth reporting that began
in mid-2001. The project was aimed at focusing public attention on what
many experts think is a long-term water crisis in the
state.
WATER SUPPLY A drying oasis -- Fears of water shortage are growing in Florida as a soaring population strains a once-abundant resource. Many challenges lie ahead as people try to save an environment and an economy dependent on water. The human thirst -- Homes, crops, industries and golf courses are an insatiable drain on Florida's waters. Competition for limited supplies could grow fierce. Wither the springs -- The gushing fountains of Ponce de Leon's dreams are diminishing as people pump more water out of the ground. Slower flows could endanger these unique environments and the animals dependent on them. Lost jewels -- Lakes, wetlands and wildlife face a parched future if too much water is pumped from underground. Creating an arid land puts the entire environment in peril. Paving it over -- Florida's growth has roared ahead with little concern over water shortages. Development has damaged nature's ability to replenish groundwater. WATER QUALITY The perfect lawn -- Humans have used fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals to fashion a Florida more to their liking. But the byproducts of beautiful yards, thriving farms and productive industries endanger our waters daily. Buried poison-- From septic tanks to gas tanks, pollution beneath the surface threatens Florida's waters. With supplies dwindling, there is a new urgency to keep Florida's underground water safe. The body toxic -- Scientists have discovered traces of what people ingest --prescription drugs, perfumes, caffeine and even nicotine --in the nation's waters. No one knows if these byproducts of life are putting everyone's health at risk. LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS Salt and rain -- With shortages looming, Florida must find new water sources. Alternatives are expensive and not always easy. Science on trial -- Storing untreated water underground for use during the dry season could go a long way toward solving Florida's water woes. But critics fear the unproven technique could contaminate the underground supply. Saving each drop -- Conserving water across Florida is the only way to stave off even worse water shortages. But changing the habits of people, farmers and industry can be a tough sell. Down to the river -- Florida's baptism-by-drought was an initiation changing the way we view water. Are the politicians and residents of this fully grown state ready to make it a new religion? This is the final installment of the series. Epilogue: Return to the St. Johns -- It is a natural treasure, the watery highway that led to the settlement of Central Florida. But after decades of neglecting the St. Johns River, we soon may be forced to return to the river for drinking water. A special report takes you on a unique journey along the river's entire length in words and pictures. |
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© 2004 Orlando Sentinel Communications | |||
