The hydrologic cycle, also known as the “water cycle,” is when rain falls to the ground, and then naturally soaks into the soil replenishing ground water supplies. Then, the water evaporates from plant leaves through the mechanism of transpiration. As the steam rises in the atmosphere, it will cool, condense, and then return to the land as precipitation. This process filters contaminants along the way before the water potentially falls as rainfall and flows towards wetlands, rivers, lakes, and streams.
The water cycle functions quite well in natural landscapes. While we are seeing our landscape turn into parking lots and construction buildings, we are also seeing a dramatic increase in our expectation to effectively manage stormwater runoff.
Stormwater regulation is becoming more important today due to the rapid increase of impervious surfaces created from development. Additionally, it is becoming extremely important for such activities as manufacturing, material processing, and many other industrial businesses that may form situations where stormwater can come into contact with contaminants.
Florida has experienced above normal rainfall and higher temperatures over the past 3 decades. This is indicative of long-term climate trends and can have various impacts on the environment. Increased rainfall is affecting water quality, as runoff from development, agricultural areas, and the many industrial businesses in Florida can carry pollutants into water bodies. This can lead to issues with water contamination and harm to Florida’s natural aquatic ecosystems.
Today, Florida is approaching the less rainy, and cooler season. During this time of year, larg high-pressure systems tend to dominate our region leading to drier and more stable weather conditions. Florida’s wet and dry seasons are primarily the result of its location in a subtropical environment with seasonal variations in wind patterns, humidity, and pressure systems. Living in Florida, we always have a chance for a tropical storm, and today, a possible hurricane. Although hurriane season typically ends in November, there are still possibilities a hurricane can form and threaten our coast.
KCI can implement, monitor, and manage cost saving environmental best management practices to prevent hazardous conditions from stormwater exposure. Call us today on 888-346-7779.