Explanation of Indicator
Florida’s coastal counties depend on their water resources for drinking water, agriculture, industry, and to support the many diverse natural systems found there. Unfortunately, nearly all human activities may adversely affect ground water quality and qua ntity in some way.
Self-supplied domestic water use is water provided by individual domestic wells or by small utility systems serving less than 400 people and not inventoried for public supply. It is assumed that water withdrawn for self-supplied domestic use is solely fr om ground water, primarily because this source can provide the quantity and quality of water needed for drinking purposes.
As the population in coastal areas grows so will the demand for large quantities of good quality water. The percent change in water consumption will reflect the ability to more efficiently conserve and utilize this resource. By evaluating trends in dome stic self-supplied water withdrawals, water resource managers will be better able to ascertain which areas are under the greatest pressure. In addition, water use trends can provide resource managers and policy makers the information they need to priorit ize funding for capital improvements and public education programs.
Data Characteristics
SOURCE
The Water Resources Division of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) is the lead office for this information. The USGS publishes a report, Water Withdrawals, Use, and Trends in Florida, every five years which contains these data. It is prepared in
cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the water management districts. The publication is prepared by Richard L. Marella, who can be contacted at the USGS, 227 North Bronough Street, Suite 3015, Tallahassee, Florid
a 32301, or at (904) 942-9500, extension 3004.
ACQUISITION
This information can be obtained in a hard copy format from the Water Resources Division of the USGS. There are no costs associated with obtaining this information.
COLLECTION
The information is collected statewide throughout the year by both DEP and the water management districts, and it is compiled for the above-mentioned publication about every five years by the USGS.
Data Limitations
This information is somewhat limited because it is compiled on a statewide basis approximately every five years. When data on quantities of water withdrawn are only displayed for every fifth year, anomalies may exist for a given year, which could lead to
an incorrect interpretation. If a particular year has above or below normal precipitation (extremely wet or dry), or has an event like a hurricane, the water use value will most likely be skewed for that year.
Data Analysis
Between 1965 and 1975, self-supplied domestic fresh water use followed a generally increasing trend. This may be attributable to in-migration in rural areas not served by public utilities. Between 1975 and 1980 withdrawals decreased by over 13%, and tot
al withdrawal again followed an increasing trend during the period between 1980 and 1990.
Year Ground Water (MGD) Surface Water (MGD) Total Withdrawal (MGD) 1965 78.11 0.00 78.11 1970 147.65 0.00 147.65 1975 156.20 1.20 157.40 1980 136.20 0.00 136.20 1985 142.00 0.00 142.00 1990 165.60 0.00 167.10