Florida Water Science Center

The mission of the Water Discipline, which supports the overall mission of the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Geological Survey, is to provide the hydrologic information and understanding needed for the best use and management of the Nation's water resources for the benefit of the people of the United States.

USGS Florida Science Highlights

Hydrologic Conditions that Influence Streamflow Losses in a Karst Region of the Upper Peace River, Polk County, Florida

Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5140 cover image The upper Peace River from Bartow to Fort Meade, Florida, is described as a groundwater recharge area, reflecting a reversal from historical groundwater discharge patterns that existed prior to the 1950s. The upper Peace River channel and floodplain are characterized by extensive karst development, with numerous fractures, crevasses, and sinks that have been eroded in the near-surface and underlying carbonate bedrock. With the reversal in groundwater head gradients, river water is lost to the underlying groundwater system through these karst features. An investigation was conducted to evaluate the hydrologic conditions that influence streamflow losses in the karst region of the upper Peace River. Find out more

A Centennial Tribute, 1906-2006: History of U.S. Geological Survey Streamgaging Activities for the Suwannee River at White Springs, Florida

Circular 1330 cover image For centuries, the banks of the Suwannee River at White Springs were considered a sacred ground where people sought refuge in its “healing waters.” Many believed that the mineral-enriched waters cured illnesses. The U.S. Geological Survey began continuous streamgaging activities at White Springs, Florida, in 1906 after an increase in congressional appropriations and rapid town development due to growing tourism and residential population. Find out more

Mercury in Fish, Bed Sediment, and Water from Streams Across the United States, 1998–2005

Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5109 cover image Mercury (Hg) was examined in top-predator fish, bed sediment, and water from streams that spanned regional and national gradients of Hg source strength and other factors thought to influence methylmercury (MeHg) bioaccumulation. Sampled settings include stream basins that were agricultural, urbanized, undeveloped (forested, grassland, shrubland, and wetland land cover), and mined (for gold and Hg). Find out more

Of Current Interest

USGS South Florida Coastal Stations. The U.S. Geological Survey Florida Water Science Center, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and includes Fort Myers, Florida operates and maintains an integrated coastal monitoring network of surface water, groundwater, water quality, wind, and rainfall monitoring stations throughout south Florida. The real-time clickable map allows scientists, resource managers, and the public access to provisional and published data provided on the National Water Information System (NWIS). The real-time map is a combination of projects funded by the Greater Everglades Science Program:

Recent Publications

Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5124 Trommer, J.T., Yobbi, D.K., and McBride, W.S., 2009, Surface-Water and Groundwater Interactions along the Withlacoochee River, West-Central Florida: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2009–5124, 47 p.

Fact Sheet 2009–3062 Jagucki, M.L., Katz, B.G., Crandall, C.A., and Eberts, S.M., 2009, Assessing the vulnerability of public-supply wells to contamination—Floridan aquifer system near Tampa, Florida: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2009–3062, 6 p.

Fact Sheet 2008-3035 German. E.R., 2008, Volusia Blue Spring--A Hydrological Treasure: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2008-3035, 6 p.

Fact Sheet 2008–3080 Richard L. Marella, Water Use in Florida, 2005 and Trends 1950–2005.

ABOUT FLORIDA SCIENCE

DATA CENTER

SCIENCE WEBSITES

OFFICES