Project Summary Sheet

U.S. Geological Survey, South Florida Ecosystem Program

Project: Analysis of historic water-quality data, Everglades National Park (ENP) and Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY)

Web site: http://sofia.usgs.gov/projects/wq_analysis/

Location: Southern Everglades and Big Cypress Swamp

Principal Investigator: Benjamin McPherson, bmcphers@usgs.gov

Project Personnel: Ronald Miller, rmiller@usgs.gov

Other Supporting Organizations: Everglades National Park; Big Cypress NP

Overview and Status: The project calls for a comprehensive analysis of historic water-quality data collected in Everglades National Park (ENP) and Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY). Both parks are heavily dependent on a supply of uncontaminated fresh water and are designated as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs). Neither of the parks has had a comprehensive analysis of water-quality data for its full period of record; also both parks need to establish water-quality standards relative to their designation as OFWs.

Needs and Products: The project will provide the information needed to establish standards and baseline conditions in ENP and BICY. The project will include evaluations of inflow and interior stations in the parks. Specific tasks include: (1) assemble water quality data; (2) review and edit the data and provide a working data base; (3) analyze the data and prepare an interpretative report.

Application to Everglades Restoration: For Everglades restoration it is essential to know historic baseline water-quality conditions, how water quality may have changed, and what are the current conditions. The project provides information to assess these aspects of water quality, including seasonal and long-term trends, and potential sources of water quality problems in the National parks.