Hannah Vu-Bennett (UR): Toxic water

For my IRP, I want to test well water throughout Volusia County for possible contaminate.  The majority of the water we use for daily living is pumped from aquifers beneath us. Due to the porosity and permeability of Florida’s surface, it makes it easier for chemicals and toxic waste to leach into our aquifers. Our groundwater is not only vulnerable to toxic runoff, but the impacts of over pumping and development could lead to saltwater intrusion. It’s a difficult and costly process to reverse the effects of saltwater intrusion. Although our drinking water is filtered through water treatment plants and filtration systems, it’s not uncommon for aquifers to be contaminated.

This is a representation of a Well system pumping water from an Aquifer.

Every year during hurricane season, toxins are more likely to enter aquifers through storm surges and flooding. Floodwater is contaminated with toxic bacteria and chemicals which is then absorbed into our groundwater, affecting public, as well as private water supply.  The effects Hurricane Irma had on our environment lead me to wonder on the safety our water and what possible impacts the hurricane had on our aquifers.

This image shows the process of contaminated groundwater can go.