Stormwater runoff, a critical pollutant carrier, generally discharges into the surface water of lakes and canals in Lake County.  These pollutants consist of oil, heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers originating from lawns, vehicles, and septic tanks.  The quality of our environment and the recreation value of all lakes and rivers decreases over the years, has resulted in the federal and state government regulations to reduce and and possibly eliminate some of the adverse environmental impacts of pollutants in our daily lives. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has delegated responsibility to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to implement the National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) of the Clean Water Act.  The NPDES will regulate local point source and non-point source discharges of stormwater runoff into surface water.  All municipalities and counties must obtain a NPDES permit from DEP on or before 2004, and develop/implement a stormwater management program that includes the best management practices (BMP’s) with measurable goals for the six minimum control measures (listed below).  The City of Eustis currently has an active stormwater management program with restrictive rules on development runoff control and pollution prevention.  The city also provides regular street sweeping and a stormwater retrofit program funded through its existing stormwater utility fees.

Information about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) can be found at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/index.cfm

The Water Quality Sampling Database is designed to allow you to search for information by watershed, county and water body and to determine levels of dissolved oxygen, pH and chemicals in the water’s makeup. This site is updated as information is gathered in the field and can be found at http://www.sjrwmd.com/wav/

Florida Yards & Neighborhoods - Protecting Florida's Natural Resources
Through Environmentally Friendly Landscaping and Lawncare

Best Management Practices (BMP’s)

1. Public Education and Outreach

2. Public Participation / Involvement

3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination-

4. Construction Site Runoff Control

5. Post-Construction Runoff Control

6. Pollution Prevention / Good Housekeeping