Publication Citation

USGS Series Water-Resources Investigations Report
Report Number 78-37
Title Preliminary appraisal of the geohydrologic aspects of drainage wells, Orlando area, central Florida
Edition -
Language ENGLISH
Author(s) Kimrey, Joel O.
Year 1978
Originating office
USGS Library Call Number (200) WRi no.78-37
Physical description iv, 24 p. :ill., maps ;27 cm.
ISBN

Copies of the original may be available.

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Abstract

The Floridan aquifer contains two highly transmissive cavernous zones in the Orlando area: an upper producing zone about 150-600 feet below land surface and a lower producing zone about 1,100-1 ,500 feet below land surface. Natural head differences are downward and there is hydraulic connection between the two producing zones. Drainage wells are finished open-end into the upper producing zone and emplace surface waters directly into that zone by gravity. Quantitatively, their use constitutes an effective method of artificial recharge. Their negative aspects relate to the probably poor, but unknown, quality of the recharge water. Caution is suggested in drawing definite and final conclusions on the overall geohydrologic and environmental effects of drainage wells prior to the collection and interpretation of a considerable quantity of new data. Though few ground-water pollution problems have been documented, the potential for pollution should be seriously considered in light of the probable continuing need to use drainage wells; the probable volumes and quality of water involved; and the hydraulic relations between the two producing zones. (Woodard-USGS)