NOTE: This is an Earthcache, there is no physical container to find at the coordinates. This Earthcache is located in The Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera (The Viera Wetlands). The Viera Wetlands are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and open 7 days a week with different hours depending on the season.
April- September: 6AM-8PM
February, March, October: 7AM-7PM
November-January: 7 AM-6PM
Depending on road conditions the roads inside the wetlands may or may not be open to motorized vehicles. To get your smiley for the cache you will need to e-mail your answers to the questions below to the cache owner.
As one of the fastest growing states in the nation, Florida faces many water supply challenges. Fortunately, Florida is finding ways to meet new water demands. Currently (2011) Florida is the leading state in the nation reusing 660 millions of gallons of reclaimed water* each day. Utilizing reused water helps conserve freshwater supplies, replenish rivers, lakes, streams, and aquifers*.
The Viera Wetlands play a key role in Brevard County’s water reuse system. Built in 1998, the 200 acres of wetlands help improve water quality while also saving more money than traditional water treatment methods. In 2007, the wetlands were re-named in memory of the late Ritch Grissom, a long-time water treatment facility employee. As you drive into the wetlands you will notice a large blue water tank with a Brevard County seal on it. Reclaimed water is stored in this tank and then pumped into the wetlands for filtration. Wetlands are known as natures finest filters!
Ways wetlands help filter water:
1- Wetlands clean out excess nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen which pollute water. The cleaning is done by sediments and living organisms that live in the wetlands. They filter water by trapping, breaking down, or absorbing the excess nutrients.
2- Wetlands also trap and absorb harmful bacteria through the food chain. Insects eat microbes and bacteria which helps wetlands to filter up to 90% of bacteria in the water.
3- Wetlands trap sediment which mostly comes from runoff. Trapping sediment is important because it helps purify water and lessens erosion.
Water Flow
Before the water enters the wetlands it is suitable for reclaimed water irrigation. However, sometimes the water may need to be discharged to the St. Johns River Basin. To meet the stringent requirements for discharge, the water is polished* as it flows through the Viera Wetland System.
The two ways water flows through wetlands are "surface flow" and "subsurface flow". Wetlands can incorporate one or both systems.
-"Surface flow" is water that moves along the surface of the earth. A surface flow wetland system consists of cells with waste water routed at shallow depths over vegetation(Example A).
-"Subsurface flow" is water moving beneath the earth’s surface. A subsurface water system consists of shallow depths with slow moving water though earth and plant stems (Example B).
Definitions:
•Aquifer: An underground wet layer of rock or sand that allows the movement of water.
•Reclaimed water: is sometimes referred to as recycled water. It is former wastewater or sewage that has been highly treated and filtered to remove solids and impurities.
•Water Polishing: A process that removes small and sometimes microscopic unwanted material from water plus plant nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus that can cause algae blooms.
When answering the questions do your best. It is more important that you learn a new concept about our earth and can apply your knowledge, rather than have the precise answer.
Questions:
1- While standing at the icon coordinates describe the water in terms of color and composition.
2- Do you think the Viera Wetlands uses surface flow, subsurface flow, or both methods of water treatment?
3- Do you think the water treatment methods are working?
Thank you for visiting this earthcache. Please send your answers to the above questions to the cache owner. In your "found it" log feel free to write about your experience, but don't include the earthcache answers. Thanks and we hope you enjoy the beautiful wetlands!
CONGRATULATIONS FTF!!! Richspeer, Marygos, and Remydad
A trackable "Rich Mary's Dad" has been activated in their honor Reference code CP42DF
