News Release
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Geological Survey

Dec. 10, 2001
Contact: Diane Noserale
Address: 953 National Center, Reston, VA 20192
Email: dnoseral@usgs.gov
Phone: 703-648-4333; Fax: 703-648-6859

Is Salty Groundwater in South Florida's Future?

South Florida's aquifers are made mostly of limestone and other carbonate rocks, which tend to dissolve over time in water, making them porous. Groundwater travels relatively quickly in this regime. Where carbonate aquifers are near the coast, marine groundwater can begin to encroach landward, infiltrating freshwater aquifers, particularly where they are pumped for drinking water.

"Rapid development in South Florida has resulted in increased pumping of fresh groundwater from the state's aquifers," says Holmes. "Using short-lived isotopes (Pb-210 and Cs-137), we have determined that, over the past century in South Florida, marine groundwater has encroached landward more than 15 miles."

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to: describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

This press release and in-depth information about USGS programs may be found on the USGS home page: http://www.usgs.gov.

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