A new publication, Salty Water: Managing Salinity in Irrigation Ponds gives information on salinity management and plant selection for salty ponds.

In 2024, Florida experienced a series of devastating hurricanes that caused widespread flooding, and one of the often-overlooked consequences was the severe impact on irrigation ponds. Many of these ponds, which are a vital source of water for landscaping needs, were inundated with saltwater, resulting in dangerously high salinity levels. The influx of saltwater not only disrupted the water quality but also made these ponds unsuitable for irrigation use, forcing many HOAs and homeowners to seek alternative water sources.

How Hurricanes Affect Irrigation Ponds

When hurricanes hit, they bring massive amounts of rain and storm surges that can overwhelm stormwater systems and flood nearby areas. In coastal regions like Florida, the storm surges often push saltwater inland, contaminating freshwater bodies like irrigation ponds. This sudden influx of salt can cause immediate and long-term damage to pond ecosystems, particularly when the salinity levels exceed the tolerance of the plants and aquatic life within.

For many irrigation ponds, this change in water quality rendered them unusable for their original purpose. Gardens and landscapes that relied on this water source were suddenly deprived of irrigation, forcing many property owners to scramble for alternatives.

The Ripple Effect on Communities

Gardeners, HOAs, and homeowners with landscape irrigation systems that depended on these ponds were left with limited options. With high salinity levels making the water unsafe for irrigation, many had to either invest in costly alternatives like potable sources (drinking water) or deal with the potential loss of landscaping.

In addition to the immediate challenges, the long-term effects on water quality have raised concerns about the future availability of suitable irrigation sources. The combination of saltwater contamination, compounded by the impact of hurricanes, has highlighted the vulnerability of irrigation ponds in flood-prone areas.

Preparing for the Future: Salt and Drought-Tolerant Plants

As we look to the future, it’s essential for communities to rethink their approach to landscaping. One important strategy for adapting to both saltwater intrusion and the growing threat of drought is making plant selections based on salt and drought tolerance. Choosing plants that are resilient to changing conditions will help landscapes remain viable, even when faced with extreme weather events like hurricanes or prolonged dry spells.

By focusing on species that can thrive in saline environments and conserve water, communities can reduce the strain on their irrigation systems and create more sustainable landscapes. Florida-Friendly Landscape Plant Guide  is a great resource to help you with your plant selections.

Taking Action and Looking Forward

In the aftermath of the 2024 hurricanes, many Extension agents and water resource experts are working closely with local communities to address the issues caused by saltwater intrusion. Efforts are focused on proper plant selection and efficient irrigation practices.

If you’re facing salinity issues in your irrigation pond, it’s important to take prompt action. Regularly testing your water, implementing strategies to lower salinity, and consulting with professionals are vital steps to maintaining a healthy landscape.

While the aftermath of the hurricanes has caused significant setbacks for many, it has also highlighted the importance of proactive water management and the need for communities to adapt to the changing environment. Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles can help reduce not only landscape water needs but also maintenance and chemical application needs.

For more information contact MichelleAtkinson@ufl.edu