The water we use every day—to brush our teeth, shower, and hydrate—needs protecting.

In South Florida, we rely on the Biscayne Aquifer to keep us quenched. But this underground freshwater spring is vulnerable to the effects of sea level rise, pollution, and overconsumption.

The Biscayne Aquifer is primarily made of porous limestone that easily allows saltwater in.

Rising sea levels, and freshwater extraction, push salt water further into the aquifer which could eventually make it unsuitable for drinking.

Sea level rise has already caused higher levels of saltwater intrusion.

Septic tanks are a form of backyard wastewater treatment.

South Florida's geology means that wastewater from septic tanks is moving too quickly through the layers of limestone -- and that allows for contamination to reach our groundwater.

Flooding and sea level rise only make matters worse.

The Everglades is essential to maintaining clean groundwater. Historically, water flowed from Lake Okeechobee down through the wetlands, where it is filtered by the grasses, and slowly seeps underground to replenish the Biscayne Aquifer. Over time, urban development, roads, and agrilcuture diverted the natural flow of water through this system.

To restore the ecosystem, experts agree, more water needs to flow south through Everglades National Park and down into Florida Bay.