Through the years, Florida coastal waters, including marshes and tidal estuaries, have been tainted in many ways. Population has also damaged our waters through the ongoing development in our coastal areas with polluted runoff being discharged in state waters. Clean and healthy waters impact public health, quality of life, fishing, wildlife, aquatic ecosystem and erosion to name a few.
There was a time when court orders were imposed to have these waters treated to prevent these occurrences. Many projects through the past have been continually denied by county and state agencies. The state’s attitude on our coastal waters has shifted over the years. There have been numerous organizations working hard to protect these waters, only to be denied by cuts and funding from the state. These are ongoing problems; are they really being addressed? This has become a battle over the years. Our water quality needs to be addressed by the state.
The Florida Right to Clean Water, a proposal to amend the State Constitution, may be the only hope for reform. They are looking to have a petition sent to the government for an amendment to create an enforceable, fundamental right to clean and healthy waters.
This information can be found on the FloridaRighttoCleanWater.org site. Go to this website and download the petition to sign and return. The address to return the petition is printed on the petition.
Let’s take a stand on keeping our water safe, there is so much at stake.
