The Water Story
Where are the Aquifers?
Central Florida Aquifers
Q: Where are the aquifers of central Florida? -- David
A: As groundwater reservoirs, aquifers are right under your feet, David.
There is really only one aquifer in central Florida, the Floridan Aquifer, which is the largest
aquifer in Florida. It even creeps into Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina, as shown
on this Floridan Aquifer map by the U.S. Geological Survey. This is where Florida gets its drinking water.
Although it is large, the Floridan Aquifer isn't immune to harm. Fertilizers, pesticides and treated
sewage water that is allowed to be pumped into the aquifer are some threats. This year, water-management
officials said that Florida could run out of drinking water by 2006 if water demand doesn't decrease.
Published in EcoFlorida Magazine http://www.ecofloridamag.com/
USGS - Map of Floridian Aquifer
Over 99% of Central Florida's drinking water comes from the Floridan Aquifer system. All public, and most private wells, pump their water directly
from this source. Because we live on top of the Floridian Aquifer, everything that is spilled onto the ground becomes a source of drinking water
contamination.
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