FISC - Water Resources

USGS Florida Science Highlights

Volusia Blue Spring—A Hydrological Treasure

Fact Sheet 2008-3035. Springs are natural openings in the ground through which water beneath the surface discharges into hydrologic features such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean. The beautiful springs and spring rivers are among Florida’s most valued natural resources; their gemlike refreshing waters have been a focal point of life from prehistoric times to the present (2008). The steady flow of freshwater at a nearly constant water temperature attracted animals now long absent from Florida’s landscape. Find out more

Water Use in Florida, 2005 and Trends 1950–2005

Fact Sheet 2008–3080. Richard L. Marella. Water is among Florida’s most valued resources. The State has more than 1,700 streams and rivers, 7,800 freshwater lakes, 700 springs, 11 million acres of wetlands, and underlying aquifers yielding quantities of freshwater necessary for both human and environmental needs (Fernald and Purdum, 1998). Although renewable, these water resources are finite, and continued growth in population, tourism, and agriculture will place increased demands on these water supplies. Find out more

Of Current Interest

USGS South Florida Coastal Stations. The U.S. Geological Survey Florida Integrated Science Center, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and includes Fort Myers, Florida operates and maintains an integrated coastal monitoring network of surface water, ground water, water quality, wind, and rainfall monitoring stations throughout south Florida. The real-time clickable map allows scientists, resource managers, and the public access to provisional and published data provided on the National Water Information System (NWIS). The real-time map is a combination of projects funded by the Greater Everglades Science Program:

• Coastal Gradients of Flow, Salinity and Nutrients
• Freshwater Flows to Northeastern Florida Bay
• Southwest Florida Coastal and Wetland Systems Monitoring