How a toxic chemical infiltrated the Floridan Aquifer, tainting Seminole County tap water
How a toxic chemical infiltrated the Floridan Aquifer, tainting Seminole County tap water Yahoo News
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The Impact of Toxic Chemicals in Seminole County’s Drinking Water
The presence of a toxic chemical in the drinking water of thousands of Seminole County homes has raised significant concerns. 1,4-dioxane, a colorless and mildly sweet-smelling chemical, has infiltrated the Floridan Aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for Lake Mary, Sanford, and Seminole County. This chemical is highly soluble in water, making it difficult to remove through conventional water treatment methods.
The Challenge of Removing 1,4-dioxane
1,4-dioxane poses a significant challenge for water treatment plants due to its resistance to breaking down into less harmful substances. This chemical is classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as likely to cause cancer, further highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. The persistence and mobility of 1,4-dioxane make it a pervasive and long-lasting contaminant.
The Vulnerability of the Floridan Aquifer
The Floridan Aquifer, which supplies nearly 100 percent of the drinking water for the Orlando region, is typically well-protected from chemical contaminations. However, certain areas, such as the site of a former Siemens factory in Lake Mary, are more vulnerable to pollution. The factory had a history of improper handling of chemicals, including stacking rusted drums filled with toxic substances.
Sinkholes as Pathways for Contamination
Investigations revealed that the Siemens factory property was riddled with sinkholes, which acted as conduits for chemicals to seep into the Floridan Aquifer. The presence of 1,4-dioxane was confirmed in 2001, but it took another twelve years before anyone thought to check for its presence in the drinking water.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The issue of toxic chemicals in Seminole County’s drinking water aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for promoting public health and preventing diseases.
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Addressing the contamination of the Floridan Aquifer and implementing effective water treatment methods are crucial for achieving this goal.
- Goal 14: Life Below Water – Preventing chemical pollution in water sources contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Goal 15: Life on Land – Protecting the integrity of underground aquifers and preventing contamination supports sustainable land use practices.
Conclusion
The presence of 1,4-dioxane in Seminole County’s drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to address this issue. The vulnerability of the Floridan Aquifer and the persistence of this toxic chemical emphasize the importance of sustainable practices and the achievement of the SDGs. Efforts must be made to protect water sources, implement advanced water treatment technologies, and ensure the health and well-being of the community.
About the Journalists
- Kevin Spear is the Orlando Sentinel’s environmental reporter. He has been with the newspaper for 34 years, covering key issues relating to water, wildlife, and land use. Contact: kspear@orlandosentinel.com
- Caroline Catherman is the Orlando Sentinel’s health reporter. She joined the newspaper in 2021 after working in public health research. Contact: ccatherman@orlandosentinel.com
- Martin E. Comas is the Orlando Sentinel’s Seminole County reporter. He has covered key Seminole stories since 1988. Contact: mcomas@orlandosentinel.com
- Joe Burbank is the Orlando Sentinel’s senior photographer. He has been with the newspaper since 1988, covering Central Florida with his visual reporting. Contact: jburbank@orlandosentinel.com
- Rich Pope is the Orlando Sentinel’s videographer. He joined the newspaper in 2003 and has received recognition for his work. Contact: rpope@orlandosentinel.com
Support Our Investigative Reporting
Contributions to the Orlando Sentinel’s Community News Fund help sustain our investigative reporting. If you would like to support our work, please consider donating to the fund at OrlandoSentinel.com/donate.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 6.3: Concentration of hazardous chemicals in water sources.
- Indicator for SDG 14.1: Presence of toxic chemicals in marine ecosystems.
- Indicator for SDG 15.1: Contamination levels of freshwater ecosystems.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | Concentration of hazardous chemicals in water sources. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | Presence of toxic chemicals in marine ecosystems. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services. | Contamination levels of freshwater ecosystems. |
Analysis:
The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDGs 6, 14, and 15. SDG 6 focuses on clean water and sanitation, which is relevant to the presence of toxic chemicals in the drinking water discussed in the article. SDG 14 addresses life below water and aims to prevent marine pollution, including pollution from land-based activities. The contamination of the Floridan Aquifer and its potential impact on marine ecosystems align with this goal. SDG 15 pertains to life on land and emphasizes the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. The contamination of the Floridan Aquifer, which serves as a source of drinking water, is a concern for the conservation and sustainable use of freshwater ecosystems.
Based on the article’s content, specific targets that can be identified include SDG 6.3, which aims to improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals. SDG 14.1 focuses on preventing and reducing marine pollution, particularly from land-based activities. SDG 15.1 aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
The article mentions the presence of 1,4-dioxane, a hazardous chemical, in the drinking water and its potential impact on marine ecosystems. This can serve as an indicator for measuring progress towards SDG 6.3 (concentration of hazardous chemicals in water sources) and SDG 14.1 (presence of toxic chemicals in marine ecosystems). Additionally, the contamination levels of freshwater ecosystems, specifically the Floridan Aquifer, can be used as an indicator for measuring progress towards SDG 15.1.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: news.yahoo.com
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