U.S. Department of the Interior
US Geological Survey
OFR-79-1258

Rainfall is the major source of recharge to the Biscayne aquifer and surface-flow system in Broward County. During the 1976 water year rainfall was 3.6 percent below average. Water levels in the Pompano Beach and Dixie well fields were lower during the peak of the 1976 dry season than at the peak of the record low dry season in 1971.

Broward County's freshwater supply is chiefly dependent on release into the major canal network during droughts. Flow was variable in the major canals during the 1976 water year when compared to the 1962-75 averages. Cypress Creek, Middle River, and Snake Creek Canal at S-29 had greater flow than the 1962-75 averages. Flows in Plantation Canal and South New River were equal to the 1962-75 averages, while Hillsboro, North New River Canal, and Snake Creek Canal at N.W. 67th Avenue had flow below the long-term averages.

The concentrations of principal mineral constituents in surface water in Broward County were within limits established by Florida State Water Standards, with the exception of iron at one station. Total coliforms were equal to or within permissible limits for Class III water and water for public supply in Broward canals at all sites during the 1976 water year. Fecal coliform did not exceed the permissible limit for public water supply at any of the sites during the 1976 water year.

There are 32 municipal and privately owned utilities in Broward County supplying a resident population of over 832,000 and a peak tourist season population of over 1,000,000. During 1976 the 13 largest suppliers pumped 49.544 billion gallons, an average of 135.4 million gallons per day.

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