WATER SUSTAINABILITY IN FLORIDA—RESEARCH, POLICY AND GEOLOGISTS' RESPONSIBILITIES

Florida is a water-rich state. Florida relies heavily on groundwater from the Floridan aquifer system (FAS), although the intermediate and surficial aquifer systems are utilized in limited areas. It is estimated that more than two quadrillion gallons of fresh water are in the FAS. Approximately four trillion gallons of water recharge the FAS each year which is approximately 0.2% of the total fresh water in the FAS. Three trillion gallons are naturally discharged annually, mostly via Florida’s more than 600 springs (0.15%). One trillion gallons per year are withdrawn by pumping (0.05%). However, available fresh groundwater is not evenly distributed throughout the state. In order to provide adequate supplies of fresh water, alternative supplies from mineralized waters and subsurface storage of excess surface water are being used.

Geologists are now being challenged to better define the state’s aquifer systems in order to supply fresh water, to facilitate subsurface storage and recovery of fresh water (ASR), disposal of wastewater and the use of mineralized waters. Among the issues facing our profession are: 1) the continuity of confinement within the FAS; 2) the continuity of the intermediate confining unit; 3) how will the FAS be affected by the injection of billions of gallons of fresh water per day; 4) how does fresh surface water react with aquifer materials to affect water quality; 5) if untreated to partially treated surface water is placed in the FAS, what is the fate of bacteria, algae and other organisms. These questions and others must be answered in order to protect the environment and aquifer systems while providing the necessary water supply for Florida’s burgeoning population. Geologists have an important opportunity to provide input into the policies being developed in relation to the use and protection of Florida’s water resources.