Interim report on salt-water encroachment in Dade County, Florida

Recently there has been much activity in reclaiming the low-lying coastal areas of Dade County for residential use, by the addition of fill. The fill is obtained by digging canals both normal to and parallel to Biscayne Bay. The canals serve the additional purpose of providing an access to the Bay for boats. A problem needing to be considered is the effect that these canals will have on the ground-water resources. It is expected that the canals will have little effect on ground water in parts of the county distant from the coast, but their effect in coastal areas is a matter of concern. In order to predict what, may happen in the vicinity of these new canals if they are not equipped with adequate control structures, it is instructive to review what has happened in the vicinity of similar canals in the past. The U. S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with Dade County, the cities of Miami and Miami Beach, the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District, and the Florida Geological Survey has collected water-level and salinity data on wells and canals in Dade County since 1939. Some of the agencies named, and others, collected similar data before 1939. Analysis of all the data shows that sea water in the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bayis the sole source of salt-water contamination in the Biscayne aquifer of the Dade County area. (PDF has 19 pages.)

The artesian water of the Ruskin area of Hillsborough County, Florida: interim report

The purpose of the investigation is to make a detailed study of the geology and ground water in the Ruskin area, especially as related to the problem of salt-water encroachment. The major objectives of the program includes: (1) An inventory of wells to determine their number and distribution, their depths and diameters, and other pertinent information. (2) A study of artesian pressures. (3) Analyses of water from selected wells to determine the location and extent of any areas in which the artesian water is salty. (4) A study of the surface and subsurface geology as related to the occurrence and movement of ground water. (5) An estimate of the quantity of ground water withdrawn. (PDF contains 24 pages.)

Interim report on the ground-water resources of Seminole County, Florida

Salt-water encroachment is undoubtedly the problem of most concern to users of ground water in Florida. This is a problem in many coastal areas where water levels are lowered excessively by heavy pumping. It is a problem also in some inland areas where the water-bearing formations contain salty water at relatively shallow depths. Among the coastal areas where wells have become contaminated with salt water are Pinellas County and the Miami area of Dade County. Inland areas where wells are likely to become contaminated with salt water include Seminole County and the southwestern part of Volusia County. The purpose of the investigation is to make a detailed study of the geology and ground-water resources of the county with special emphasis on the problems associated with declining water levels and salt-water contamination. This report reviews briefly the progress of the investigation through February 1954. (PDF contains 43 pages.)

Interim report on the ground-water resources of Manatee County, Florida

A large part of western Manatee County is devoted to the growing of winter vegetables and citrus fruits. As in most of peninsular Florida, rainfall in the county during the growing season is not sufficient for crop production and large quantites of artesian water are used for irrigation. The large withdrawals of artesian water for irrigation result in a considerable decline of the artesian head in the western part of the county. This seasonal decline of the artesian head has become larger as the withdrawal of artesian water has increased. The lowering of the fresh-water head in some coastal areas in the State has resulted in an infiltration of sea water into the water-bearing formations. The presence of salty water in the artesian aquifer in parts of the coastal area of Manatee County indicates that sea water may also have entered the waterbearing formations in this area as a result of the decline of artesian pressure during the growing season. The purpose of the investigation is to make a detailed study of the geology and ground-water resources of the county, primarily to determine whether salt-water encroachment has occurred or is likely to occur in the coastal area. (PDF contains 38 pages.)

Ground-water resources of the Stuart area, Martin County, Florida

Because the Stuart area is, at times, surrounded on three sides by saline water, the underlying fresh-water aquifer is vulnerable to salt-water encroachment. With progressively larger withdrawals of ground water for public and private supplies, the possibility of salt-water contamination of freshwater supplies is increased. (PDF contains 51 pages.)

Reconnaissance of the ground-water resources of the Fernandina area, Nassau County, Florida

Practically all water for municipal and industrial use in the Fernandina area is supplied by artesian wells. In recent years, the use of artesian water in the area has increased to meet the needs of expanding industry and increasing population. The total industrial and municipal pumpage has increased from approximately 35 million gallons per day in 1941 to approximately 50 million gallons per day in 1959. Correlated with the increase in water use is the constant decline in the artesian pressure in the area. In many other areas in Florida, such a decline in artesian pressure has resulted in salt-water intrusion into the fresh-water supply.An intrusion of salt water in the Fernandina area would contaminate the existing fresh-water supply and would result in a hardship for the population and seriously injure the economy. Recognizing the threat to the fresh-water supplies of this area, the U. S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Florida Geological Surveymade a reconnaissance to determineif there has been any intrusion of salt water into the fresh-water supply or if there is any danger of future intrusion. (PDF contains 28 pages.)

Disinfection of sea water by ultraviolet radiation

(PDF has 12 pages.)

Ground-water resources of Collier County, Florida

The Biscayne Aquifer is the principal source of water for the heavily populated area in the vicinity of West Palm Beach and Miami. The publication of this data is timely and will assist in the intelligent development of the water resources of the area.The report recognizes two major aquifers as the source of ground water in Collier County. The lower aquifer is highly mineralized, but contains usable water, and the more shallow aquifer is the source of large supplies, which are utilized by municipalities and domestic users. Adequate supplies of fresh water are present in the Naples area and by proper planning, these can be developed in an orderly manner and salt water encroachment can be prevented. (PDF has 99 pages)

Ground-water resources of the Oakland Park area of eastern Broward County, Florida

The Oakland Park area obtains its water from the Biscayne aquifer, S composed of very permeable and porous, sandy limestones. The per- 3 meability of the aquifer increases with depth, and wells in the area <\ generally obtain water at depths ranging from 60 to 80 feet, or between S 100 and 200 feet, depending on the quantity of water desired. The data presented in this paper can be used for further development of water and wise management of resources in the area. Large quantities S of ground water are still available at Oakland Park, if salt-water encroachment can be controlled. The data in this study provide the necessary information to begin an effective water management program. (PDF has 49 pages)

Ground-water resources of the lower Hillsboro Canal area, Southeastern Florida

This study was done to determine the amount and kinds of water being produced from the lower Hillsboro Canal Area in Palm Beach and Broward counties. All of the potable ground water being produced from the Biscayne aquifer is developed from the canal through infiltration. Rainfall in the area is the ultimate source for all of the water. Careful control and management will allow the development of large quantities of water from the canal toward Lake Okeechobee, but a fresh water head must be maintained along the contact of fresh water with sea water to prevent salt water intrusion. (PDF contains 51 pages.)

The intensity of photosynthesis in salt lakes of Crimea [Translation from: Informatsionnyi Byulleten Biologiya Vnutrennikh Vod No.37 26-29, 1978]

The purpose of this work was the study of phytoplankton production of the salt lakes of the Steppe region of Crimea, during the vegetative period of 1974. From May to October Sakskoe and Sasyk Lakes were examined, and from August to October - Moinakskoe Lake. The density of the salt water was measured and the intensity of photosynthesis was determined. From the data presented, it is apparent that the intensity of photosynthesis in Sakskoe and Sasyk Lakes, on average, is extremely high.

Stewards of our natural resources

Describes the routine activities that make up the work day of the University's Natural Resources Institute. Hours at the microscope, data recording, analysis, and publications. Responsible for a broad program of research and conservation education. Its main concern is with fresh and salt water fisheries, seafood processing and marketing, estuarine studies, game animals, forestry, and water pollution problems. (PDF contains 4 pages.)

Deepwater shorelines

Research has proven that Shoreline Erosion is caused by excess water contained within the shore face. This Research presents an opportunity to control erosion by managing the near shore water table. Our Research on Bogue Banks North Carolina suggests that our buildings and other impervious surfaces collect and concentrate water from storm rain runoff into the surface water table and within the critical beach front water exit point. Presently our Potable Fresh Water is supplied from deep wells located beneath an impervious layer of Marl. After our use, the Waste water is drained into the Surface Aquifer, the combined waste and storm rain water raises the Surface Aquifer water table and produces Erosion. The Deep Aquifers presently supplying our Potable Water have an unknown recharge rate, with increasing reports of Salt Water intrusion. We believe our Vital Fresh water supply system should be modified to supply Reverse Osmosis treatment plants from shallow wells. This will lower the Surface Water Table. These Shallow wells, either horizontal or vertical, might be located within the beach front, adjacent to high erosion risk properties. Beach Drains and Reverse Osmosis Water systems are new and proven technologies. By combining these technologies we can reduce or reverse Shore Erosion, ensure a safe Potable Water supply, reduce requirements for periodic beach nourishment, reduce taxes and protect our property well into the Future. (PDF contains 5 pages)