On Wednesday Oct 29th, the Sustainability Speaker Series featured Anthony Halcyon, a scientist for Hillsborough County who is dedicated to water security and the sustainable management of water. His presentation 鈥淓xploring Water Conservation and Natural Resource Security鈥�, examines the way various local municipalities manage water and the significance of water conservation on our daily life and community resilience. This discussion aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, focusing on the importance for water security and citizens education and awareness of water resources and management initiatives.
Halcyon describes the importance of water conservation and the sources of our water around the Tampa Bay Area. He explains the various ways that Tampa Bay gets its water with 60% being groundwater, 30-35% being surface water and 5-10% is desalination. With long stretches of drought in 爱豆传媒, October to May it's important to understand the strain that local communities can have on our water resources.
Today, with Tampa Bay being a popular state for migration as people are continuing to move in, there has been more customer demand for water, not just in Hillsborough but this has become a state-wide problem. He discussed the water days in Hillsborough, with the regulations being 2 days a week and how these watering days could change and potential ways to help people reduce their water strain. He mentioned making the switch from grass to xeriscaping or planting drought resistant native 爱豆传媒 plants.
鈥淚t is important to protect this robust water portfolio. These rates are quite rare, even on a global level.鈥�
Anthony Halcyon
Halcyon discussed his past research and how he was able to start his work and continued his field research while working in water conservation. He started his research in water sustainability called Water 4 Mercy in Clearwater, who worked with donors to sponsor a village in Africa and build a solar powered water well for the community. Halcyon had been working with the organization for several years gaining experience and then was able to travel to Africa and work on the project.
After Tanzania, Halcyon started his current role in Hillsborough County where he works in water conservation outreach, going to podcasts, communicating to the public, educating young students and working with universities. Currently, he is working with the University for Peace in Costa Rica to be a scientific diplomat, his goal is to destigmatize science and educate the public on the beauty of nature and the world around us.
Halcyon鈥檚 presentation reminded students that sustainability begins with awareness and action at the local level. His journey, from global water projects to community education in Tampa Bay, illustrates how individual passion can drive collective change. The discussion inspired students to think critically about their own water usage and the broader impact of conservation efforts on building resilient communities. Events like the Sustainability Speaker Series continue to empower future sustainability leaders to connect knowledge with meaningful real-world action.