FLORIDA — From the air we breathe to the water we drink to the food we eat, our oceans and rivers play a critical role in our health and survival. Recognizing that water is one of our most precious resources, the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) asks all Floridians to consider and appreciate the “bigger picture” of this life-giving liquid during National Oceans Month and National Rivers Month, which take place each June.

While this time of year we keep a wary eye on the Atlantic and Gulf and have worrisome thoughts about rivers reaching flood stage, we can’t ignore the fun and recreation enjoyed on and in the bodies of water that surround and flow within the Sunshine State. Boating, fishing, swimming, skiing and scuba diving…the list of activities is extensive. But our oceans and rivers give us so much more than fun…a lot more.

Enjoying the fresh spring air? Credit your nearest ocean!

FUN FACT: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, yet only about five percent have been explored.

Often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” oceans produce more than 60% of the world’s oxygen, according to the National Ocean Service (NOS), making them extremely important to our health and well-being. But they also keep our planet healthy by protecting and restoring seagrasses, salt marshes, and mangroves, and absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a higher rate than terrestrial forests. Home to all manner of sea life, what sometimes ends up in our bodies is more than just seafood, according to the NOS. Ingredients from the ocean are found in common foods like peanut butter and soy milk, as well as medicines that help fight cancer, arthritis, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

Quenching your thirst with crystal clear water? Props to rivers…and the aquifer!

FUN FACT: According to the US Geological Survey, the Missouri River is the longest river in the US at 2,540 miles, but the Mississippi River is a close second at 2,340.

Where does our drinking water come from? Nationally, two-thirds of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams, according to American Rivers, a nonprofit that works to protect and restore our nation’s rivers. Before the water reaches our kitchen faucet, it’s been on a long journey that often starts with rivers and other surface waters before moving through the infrastructure of pipes and treatment plants and making its way to your neighborhood. Rivers also support wildlife habitats, offer recreational opportunities, accommodate marine transportation and contribute to the overall health of our ecosystem.

While surface waters like rivers and lakes comprise a portion of Florida’s freshwater supply, the majority comes from a groundwater source known as the Floridan Aquifer. This underground layer of limestone stretches 100,000 square miles beneath Florida and parts of Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina and stores billions of gallons of water that seeps down through the soil.

Our oceans, rivers and aquifers are certainly worthy of celebration, but they and the ecosystems they support are also in need of our protection and preservation. For tips on how you can help protect these precious natural resources, visit the National Ocean Service at oceanservice.noaa.gov and the US Environment Protection Agency at epa.gov.

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) owns and operates almost 100 water and wastewater utility systems in 14 Florida counties, providing service to more than 120,000 customer connections. Counties served by FGUA include Citrus, Hillsborough, Lake, Marion, Orange, Pasco, Polk, Seminole, Hardee, Lee, Alachua, Flagler, Putnam and Volusia.