Water Use in Florida, 2005 and Trends 1950-2005

September 2008 | Publisher: USGS | Format: URL

pubs.usgs.gov — 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 More... 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. This fact sheet gives an introduction to water, a natural and yet valuable resource, how it's been affected by population, water usage statistics (total consumption, public supply, domestic self-supplied, commercial, industrial, mining, agricultural irrigation, recreation, power-generated, management, and trends from 1950-2005. Less...