TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A major environmental group says North Florida’s Suwannee River is now one of America’s most endangered rivers, citing pollution and over-pumping of groundwater.
The group American Rivers warns that fertilizer runoff, livestock waste and failing wastewater systems are driving up nitrate levels, fueling algal blooms, and threatening fish, wildlife and public health.
More news out of the Big Bend:
Florida Springs Institute Director Haley Moody says these types of problems show up more during drought years.
“We have to think about our groundwater. We have to think about our aquifer as our savings account to really only be using that water for the highest purpose, so that when we are in these drought years, we can dip into that groundwater when we need it, but the problem is that we’re just pumping way too much of it out,” Moddy said.
The group is urging Florida’s next governor and lawmakers to set aside $250 million for springs and watershed restoration and to enforce pollution limits in the Suwannee River basin fully.
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