The Floridan aquifer is the major source of groundwater supply in Florida. The Floridan aquifer is one of the highest producing aquifers in the world and there is no doubt that it is one of the biggest geological assets for the southeastern region of the United States, especially for the state of Florida. Florida Department of Environmental Protection Aquifers information.
What is the Florida Aquifer?
The Florida Aquifer is one of the most important and productive groundwater systems in the United States. It supplies drinking water to millions of Floridians and supports the state’s natural springs, rivers, and wetlands.
Florida Aquifers is a vast underground freshwater system made up of porous limestone rock. Limestone is a soft rock that acts like a sponge as it absorbs rainwater. The Aquifer has an underground river that runs through it and Springs are the places where the river reaches the surface. When the underground water levels get too low, hollow spaces between the limestone and underground water can cause the limestone and underground water can cause the limestone to collapse causing a sinkhole.
Florida’s Aquifer spans all of Florida and is one of the most productive aquifers in the world, providing over 90% of Florida’s drinking water.
How Does It Work?
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Rainwater slowly seeps through the ground and into the porous limestone, where it is stored.
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The water is then naturally filtered as it moves through layers of rock.
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In some places, water flows up naturally through springs, while in others, wells and pumps extract it.
Layers of the Florida Aquifer
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Upper Floridan Aquifer: The main water source for Florida, especially in central and northern Florida.
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Lower Floridan Aquifer: Found deeper underground, containing more mineralized water in some areas.
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Confined vs. Unconfined Areas: In some places, the aquifer is covered by a layer of clay (confined), while in others, water flows freely into surface ecosystems (unconfined).
Florida’s Springs & Rivers
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The aquifer feeds over 1,000 natural springs, including Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Blue Spring.
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These springs create clear, freshwater rivers like the Ichetucknee River and the Rainbow River.
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Florida has the largest concentration of freshwater springs in the world.
Threats to the Florida Aquifer
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Overpumping & Excessive Water Use: With Florida’s growing population, excessive withdrawals for drinking water, agriculture, and industry put pressure on the aquifer.
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Saltwater Intrusion: In coastal areas, excessive pumping can allow seawater to enter the freshwater system.
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Pollution: Fertilizers, pesticides, and wastewater seep into the aquifer, contaminating drinking water and fueling algae blooms in springs and rivers.
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Climate Change & Drought: Reduced rainfall and rising temperatures can affect groundwater recharge.
Conservation & Protection Efforts
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Water restrictions and conservation programs encourage responsible use.
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Spring protection initiatives help limit pollution from agriculture and development.
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Aquifer recharge projects aim to restore natural water levels.
The Floridian Aquifer System is one of the most productive in the world covering an area of approximately 100,000 square miles in southern Alabama, southeastern Georgia, southern South Carolina, and all of Florida and provides drinking water for the entire state of Florida.
