A watershed is defined by NOAA as a land area that channels rainfall to outflow points. When it rains in West Palm Beach, there are a few different things that happen to the rainfall. In the western areas of the City around the Grassy Waters Preserve, rainfall collects in the wetlands, which absorb water like a sponge. The Grassy Waters Preserve is a 23 square mile wetland ecosystem and the main source drinking water for the City. When you turn on the tap, you're getting water from the Preserve that has been conveyed downtown to our water treatment plant, treated and distributed to our customers.
Rainfall in the developed areas of the City collects in ponds and flows from impervious, or water-resistant, surfaces into storm drains and inlets, eventually making its way into the City's stormwater system. The City's municipal separate storm sewer system helps provide flood control by collecting and conveying water from rain events in a series of canals and lakes, which can then be sent out to the ocean at stormwater outfalls.
Everyone living in our watershed impacts its health. Read on below to learn how you can help protect our watershed!
Water, a seemingly unending resource, plays a significant role in our lives, yet the infrastructure needed to maintain access to our homes and businesses is often out of sight, and therefore, out of mind. You wake up, shower, make your coffee, clean your car, feed your family, flush the toilet, wash your laundry. But have you thought about where your water comes from or where your wastewater goes? What would a day be like without water? Imagine a Day Without Water 2022 is the eighth annual day to raise awareness and educate America about the value of water.
On October 20th we Imagine a Day Without Water. It’s a day to pause and notice the way that water systems impact our lives and communities, and commit to ensuring a sustainable water future for generations to come.
- Turn on the tap, and clean water flows out. Flush the toilet, and dirty water goes away.
- With a little soap and water, and two rounds of the happy birthday song, and viruses are annihilated.
- When you have reliable water service, you don’t have to think twice about the infrastructure that brings water to your home or business, and then safely returns water to the environment – but we all should.
- The reality is, America’s water infrastructure is deteriorating as it gets older — and there are even communities around the country that have never had access to infrastructure in the first place.
- On Imagine a Day Without Water, we ask everyone to consider what their day would be like if they couldn’t turn on the tap and get clean drinking water, or if you flushed the toilet and wastewater didn’t go anywhere. What would that day be like?
What You Can Do:
- Complete the Imagine a Day Without Water Bingo at Grassy Waters Preserve and win a prize! Stop by the Nature Center (8264 Northlake Blvd) to pick up a bingo card or click here to access the digital version.
- Visit one of our Imagine a Day Without Water partners:
- Harold’s Coffee Lounge: 509 Northwood Rd.
- Aioli: 7434 S Dixie Hwy.
- Starbucks: 1870 Okeechobee Blvd.
- Salento Coffee Shop: 407 Clematis St.
- Johan's Joe Swedish Coffee House & Cafe: 401 S Dixie Hwy.
- Loic Bakery Cafe Bar: 480 Hibiscus St.
- Dunkin': 10130 Northlake Blvd.
- Join the Imagine a Day Without Water Boardwalk Tour at Grassy Waters Preserve on October 16th at 9:30 a.m. Enjoy a guided walk in the preserve that provides the drinking water for the city of West Palm Beach. Learn about the importance of the preserve while observing the animals and plants that live there. Call to reserve a spot: (561) 804-4985
- Register to receive a FREE 55-gallon rain barrel for your WPB yard. Visit wpb.org/savewater.
- Venture inside the Mandel Public Library to find water-themed resources!
- Click here to sign the #OneWaterPledge.
Imagine a Day Without Water is an opportunity to share why water is important to you, your business, and your community. Share your story! Use #ValueWater and tag @WPBGreen on social media.
