Allison Walker, Your Home

The state legislature is giving the Everglades only a quarter of the funding it got last year, so water management officials say it is critical that all Floridians develop habits to keep our water clean.

Pollutants the public is putting into the Everglades have contributed to reducing the once vibrant "river-of-grass" to half its size, according to the South Florida Water Management District.

After agreeing not to spend anything at first, the House Speaker and Senate President have reversed their decision and will now spend $50 million next year to fix what's happening to the Everglades.

But they need help to reduce the amount of nasty stuff rainwater collects and dumps into water systems. Here is how to help:

Don't use so much fertilizer. Use only the amount necessary.

Fertilizers have the nutrient phosphorus, which deteriorates water quality and upsets the natural, low-nutrient level of the Everglade System.

Check your labels -- 2 percent phosphorus or less is best
  
Instead of fertilizer, use compost.

Aim your spinklers away from paved areas

Choose vegetation that is pest-resistant

Cover up. Eliminate bare ground with groundcover or mulch.

The state has spent nearly $2.5 billion dollars on the Everglades over the past seven years.

Water management officials say the federal government, though, has contributed an amount about 6.5 times short, when it's supposed to be an equal partnership.

To see more Your Home stories, go to News 13 On Demand, Digital Cable Channel 313.

 
Click here to comment on this story.