WATER QUALITY OF LAKES CONNECTED BY THE FLORIDAN AQUIFER IN SOUTHWESTERN FLORIDA

This study measures the water quality of six lakes. There are three major aspects of this study: 1) how interconnected the water systems in the lakes are, 2) how connected the water system of the lakes are to the Floridan aquifer, and 3) the level of water quality of each lake. We are determining the quality of the water and discovering fluctuations in the data from lake to lake to determine the connectivity of these lakes through groundwater systems and through the Floridan Aquifer. By determining both basic water quality and isotopic compositions of elements, we are able to estimate the amount of water supplied to the lakes through the aquifer, meteorically, and/or from runoff. By comparing water quality and isotopic compositions of the different lakes, we will also be able to estimate the connectivity and flow of water from lake to lake. The growing Florida population is dependent on clean water. This water is supplied by the Floridan aquifer. Not only does the local population use the Floridan Aquifer as a primary source of drinking water and irrigation, but many water companies obtain their water from the natural local springs, bottle it, and ship it across the nation. Secondary uses, such as watering lawns and golf courses, also consume large amounts of water that must meet quality standards. Contaminated water can result in negative environmental impacts, which make the monitoring and maintenance of the quality of the supply vital. We are collecting water samples from several local lakes and testing ten parameters of water quality, including phosphate, nitrate and nitrite, dissolved oxygen, and arsenic, to assess whether the water is fit for human utilization.