The Water Quality Assurance Act (WQAA) is a state law to protect groundwater quality in Florida. The establishment of the WQAA was based on emerging water issue reports related to groundwater and surface water contamination. Since Florida is a state where the primary state water needs come from groundwater, the purposes of the WQAA are to relieve the impacts of water resource contamination and manage hazardous waste problems.
Important Items
State water sources: In Florida, groundwater is the primary water source for freshwater, which provide more than half of the freshwater consumption in the state. Statewide, approximately 52% of the groundwater is used for public water supply and another 31% is used for agricultural irrigation.
Sources of contaminants: Contaminants which might impact public health through water include improperly disposed of chemicals, animal wastes, pesticides, human wastes, wastes injected deep underground, and naturally occurring substances.
Best Management Practices: BMPs are the most effective, practical means of preventing or reducing pollution from nonpoint sources.
Water quality monitoring: Since water quality decrease can be influenced by seasonal climate and human activities, water quality should be monitored continuously to ensure water use safety.
