Water

Lake County Municipalities are working to keep nitrogen and phosphorus from running into our lakes and streams. Here's what to do in the fall, winter and spring:

October 1 - May 31

• Watch the weather: Never fertilize when its going to rain. Rainstorms don't "water in" fertilizer, they wash it away. That wastes money and pollutes our local waterways.
• Go slow by half: If lawn and landscape fertilizers contain nitrogen, at least 50% of the nitrogen should be slow-release. Other names for slow-release are "timed release", "controlled release" or "slowly available".
• Twice is nice. Fertilize only twice a year. Once in April, at the start of growth and once in October to feed the grass before winter dormancy.
• Save your wallet.

June 1 - September 30

• Just say NO to nitrogen and phosphorus: Do NOT use any lawn or landscape fertilizer that contains nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30.
• Know Your bag: Look for the three numbers that show the major nutrient content. 10-0-5 equals Nitrogen - Phosphorus - Potassium (%/wt.). Select a fertilizer where the first and third numbers are equal or in a 2:1 ratio and the middle number is zero or as low as possible.
• Pump some iron: Use Florida-friendly fertilizer products that contain iron and other micro-nutrients to green up your lawn during the summer.
• Veggies get a pass: Nitrogen and phosphorus products can be used to fertilize vegetable gardens. Just watch the weather (no rain) and follow the instructions.
• Get better dirt. Fertilizer isn't always the answer. Give your garden a boost by adding compost, composted cow manure, perlite or other soil amendments.

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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 decreased over the years, which has resulted in the federal and state government regulations to reduce 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 https://www.epa.gov/npdes.

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.lake.wateratlas.usf.edu/

Do your part to protect our environment from these types of pollution. Implement these best management practices today!

• Recycle or properly dispose of household products that contain chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, paint, solvents, used motor oil and other auto fluids. Don't pour them onto the ground or into storm drains.

• Don't overwater your lawn. Consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.

• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly and in recommended amounts. Use organic mulch or safer pest control methods when possible.

• Compost or mulch yard waste. Don't leave it in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.

• Have your septic system pumped every 3 to 5 years.

• Avoid pouring medication or hazardous waste into your drains.

• Maintain a buffer between your yard and the water’s edge.  Keep native aquatic plants in place.

• Repair vehicle leaks and dispose of used auto fluids and batteries at designated drop-off or recycling locations.

• When walking your pet, remember to pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. Flushing pet waste is the best disposal method.

• Use a commercial car wash that treats or recycles its wastewater, or wash your car on your yard so the water infiltrates into the ground.

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

What is an Illicit Discharge? 

• An illicit discharge is any direct or indirect non-stormwater discharge to the story drain system.
• An illicit connection is any connection which allows non-stormwater to enter the storm drain system including sewage, wastewater and wash water. 
• Illicit discharges and connections are a violation of City code. 
• To report an illicit discharge or connection, please call 352-483-5480 or email eustispwrequest@ci.eustis.fl.us. 

 City Water Rates (effective 7-1-21). (PDF, 174KB)

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