Nonpoint Source Pollution Education

Nonpoint Source Pollution Education

Nonpoint source pollution can affect water quality through runoff from stormwater picking up and carrying natural and human-made pollutants from diffuse agricultural or urban sources and depositing them into lakes, rivers, springs, wetlands, coastal waters and ground water. Funding is eligible for local government and state university projects, with a priority to promote behavior change (rather than informative education) through methods such as community based social marketing. Ongoing education initiatives include the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program and the Green Stormwater Infrastructure website. 

• The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) program was established in 1993 as a partnership between DEP and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The program provides guidance on low-impact, environmentally friendly landscape practices that use less water and reduce pollutant loading to Florida waters through nine science-based principles: 1) Right Plant, Right Place; 2) Water Efficiently; 3) Fertilize Appropriately; 4) Mulch; 5) Attract Wildlife; 6) Manage Yard Pests Responsibly; 7) Recycle; 8) Reduce Storm Water Runoff; and 9) Protect the Waterfront. The program’s overall goal is to reduce nonpoint source pollution through proper fertilization, irrigation, and pesticide use on residential and commercial landscapes.
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) is the use of plants and pervious surfaces to retain and treat stormwater. GSI reduces pollution and treats stormwater by retaining rainfall near its source instead of directing it to a centralized pond or treatment system.