FLORIDA'S AQUIFERS: THE FLORIDAN

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 The Amazing Floridan Aquifer

An aquifer is an underground layer of permeable rock or sediment that holds or transmits water.

The Floridan Aquifer is one of the most productive aquifers in the world. It stretches approximately 100,000 square miles throughout Florida, and parts of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. It's the main source of drinking water for almost 10 million people.

In Florida, the aquifer provides about 4 billion gallons of water per day--about 90 percent of Florida's drinking water and a large share of agricultural and industrial use. The Floridan Aquifer also supplies numerous springs in the state. 

The Floridan Aquifer is composed mostly of limestone and dolomite, with cracks and crevices that allow the water to seep through. Some of the layers are confined within clay, so they build artesian pressure. 

The Floridan Aquifer
A good lesson on aquifer geology is on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection website. 

Much of the water in the aquifer, especially the confined areas, is very pure though it is hard water due to dissolved minerals. In some parts of Florida (Panhandle and extreme South Florida) Floridan Aquifer water is too saline to be a source of drinking water. 

How Deep are the Wells?

Utilities use water from different layers of the Floridan, depending on local topography and other factors. For instance, drinking water wells in Jacksonville Beach (northeast Florida) are drilled into the Floridan Aquifer at 700 to 1,000 feet below the surface, where other areas of Florida may only need to drill 300 to 400 feet. 

How is the Floridan Aquifer Recharged?

The aquifer is continually recharged with rainfall that seeps through the ground and through cracks in the rock. Some areas of the state are better for recharging than others. The Keystone Heights area is a primary recharge location due to more permeable soil and rock. The Alachua Sink is another major conduit for aquifer recharge.

Are There Problems with the Aquifer?

The Floridan Aquifer is facing problems due to several factors. 
  • Over extraction - Beneath the aquifer's fresh water is a layer of upward-pushing saltwater. With Florida's ever-increasing population and water use can weaken the fresh water "lens." This could result in pulling saltwater into the aquifer, making it undrinkable. This problem is also affecting the many springs fed by the aquifer.
  • Contamination - The porous limestone, with large cracks, sinkholes and conduits is called karst geology.  Karst geology does not allow for much filtration to remove contaminants. Stormwater that eventually makes its way to the aquifer may include contaminants. Most concerning have been nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers. Poorly maintained septic tanks are also a problem, as they can release nutrients as well as bacteriological contaminants.

How Can You Help Protect the Aquifer?

The best way to keep our Floridan Aquifer safe and productive is to conserve water, especially for irrigation. While EPA estimates 30% of water use is for lawn watering, some Florida counties show the highest water users at 60 to 70% for irrigation. 

In Florida, we have watering restrictions that regulate the days and hours irrigation is allowed. Most cities follow those rules or have more stringent requirements.

Minimizing fertilizer use can also help, as well as using only slow-release fertilizers. Leaving grass clippings on the lawn reduces the amount of fertilizer needed, as the decomposing grass provides nutrients. 

Also, ensure your septic system is maintained if you have one.

Geek Out on Floridan Aquifer Videos

Some beautiful and informative videos on the aquifer are available. 

Florida's Aquifer Adventure from the Florida Geological Survey:


Here's a short video from the Southwest Florida Water Management District:

Watch Water's Journey: Hidden Rivers of Florida, where divers explore the aquifer:

Florida's Aquifer: The Treasure Below - from the St. Johns River Water Management District:

Hiking the Aucilla Sinks - Geology of the Floridan Aquifer Uncovered:







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