South Florida Biscayne Aquifer System
Water is tasteless, odorless, and colorless; yet is intimately ingrained into the workings of our planet. All life ceases to exist without clean water. Although a simple concept, the implications of sustainability are growing exponentially complex. The water crisis is real, it is global, and it is now.
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) encomases the southern tip of the state of Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the region supports over eight million residents, and the current growth rate suggest the region will support nearly 12 million residents by the year 2040 (“Population Estimates”).
This report is an analysis of the condition and best management practices of the region. South Florida is a geologically …show more content…
South Florida’s ground water consists of two systems; the Surficial Aquifer System and the Biscayne Aquifer System. The Biscayne aquifer is composed of permeable sand and sandstone atop distinctly porous limestone ("Aquifer Descriptions"). Additionally, the Surficial Aquifer System begins at the surface of the ground and is typically not deeper than 50 feet. It is mostly loosely compacted sand, crushed shell, and shelly sand holding less volume than the Biscayne Aquifer ("Aquifer Descriptions"). Figure 1 visually depicts the location of these …show more content…
Under the CWA discharge of pollutants by industry is unlawful and regulated by permits (Clean Water Act). The Safe Water Drinking Act passed by Congress in 1974 allocates funds to each State to implement water system improvements, operator training, and public education. This legislation created and gave the Florida Department of Environmental Protection jurisdiction (Safe Drinking Water Act). The Water Resources Act of 1972 created and gave jurisdiction to the South Florida Water Management District as part of five management districts in the state of Florida. Under this legislation, South Florida Water Management District was tasked with regulating water consumption, improving flood and drought control, improving water supply and quality, and protecting and restoring ecosystems
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) encomases the southern tip of the state of Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the region supports over eight million residents, and the current growth rate suggest the region will support nearly 12 million residents by the year 2040 (“Population Estimates”).
This report is an analysis of the condition and best management practices of the region. South Florida is a geologically …show more content…
South Florida’s ground water consists of two systems; the Surficial Aquifer System and the Biscayne Aquifer System. The Biscayne aquifer is composed of permeable sand and sandstone atop distinctly porous limestone ("Aquifer Descriptions"). Additionally, the Surficial Aquifer System begins at the surface of the ground and is typically not deeper than 50 feet. It is mostly loosely compacted sand, crushed shell, and shelly sand holding less volume than the Biscayne Aquifer ("Aquifer Descriptions"). Figure 1 visually depicts the location of these …show more content…
Under the CWA discharge of pollutants by industry is unlawful and regulated by permits (Clean Water Act). The Safe Water Drinking Act passed by Congress in 1974 allocates funds to each State to implement water system improvements, operator training, and public education. This legislation created and gave the Florida Department of Environmental Protection jurisdiction (Safe Drinking Water Act). The Water Resources Act of 1972 created and gave jurisdiction to the South Florida Water Management District as part of five management districts in the state of Florida. Under this legislation, South Florida Water Management District was tasked with regulating water consumption, improving flood and drought control, improving water supply and quality, and protecting and restoring ecosystems