Explanation of Indicator
Florida is underlain by aquifers capable of yielding large quantities of water, and surface water resources include nearly 1,700 streams and 7,800 fresh water lakes. Florida’s coastal counties depend on their water resources for drinking water, agricultu
re, tourism, industry, and to support its many diverse natural systems. Although Florida’s water resources are generally abundant, the availability of potable fresh water has become limited in several coastal counties. In addition, the state is expected
to grow at a rate of three percent annually, with most of the growth concentrated in coastal areas where the water resources are already being threatened by over-consumption, contamination, and saltwater intrusion.
Identification of the location and amount of wastewater being discharged to ground and surface waters can aid water resource managers in assessing the quantity and quality of existing water resources in coastal Florida. In addition, due to technological advances, wastewater discharges can be viewed as a potential resource for coastal communities. Decreases in wastewater discharges are an indication of increased efficiency in water-dependent processes and water reuse. Increased surface flow is a potenti al problem if the wastewater discharged to the surface is not managed properly. In regions where the aquifer is shallow and unconfined, the discharged water must be of a quality that does not result in contamination of the ground water.
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, Estimated Discharge of Treated Wastewater in Florida, 1990 which contains these data. The report was prepare
d in cooperation with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)and the water management districts and will be updated every five years. The publication is prepared by Richard L. Marella, who can be contacted at the USGS, 227 North Bronough
Street, Suite 3015, Tallahassee, Florida 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 additional costs associated with obtaining this information.
COLLECTION
The information is collected statewide throughout the year by both DEP and the water management districts, and the data will be compiled by the USGS about every five years for the above-mentioned publication.
Data Limitations
When data on quantities of water discharged are displayed only for every fifth year, anomalies may exist for a given year, which could lead to an incorrect interpretation. In addition, data on the discharge of treated wastewater effluent were obtained fr
om the monthly operating reports that are submitted to DEP by the treatment systems. These data are based on an inventory of 1,062 of the 5,096 domestic and industrial wastewater facilities that are regulated by DEP. The treatment systems inventoried we
re estimated to account for more than 90% of the discharge of treated wastewater during 1990. The 1985 data are not comparable to the 1990 data as the 1985 data were not collected as systematically.
Data Analysis
In 1985 domestic wastewater discharge in coastal areas was 967.70 million gallons per day (mgd), and industrial wastewater discharge was 200.31 mgd. By 1990 domestic wastewater withdrawals had risen to 1122.85 mgd, while industrial wastewater discharges
had dropped to 172.84 mgd. This shift reflects a change in the economic base of Florida’s coastal counties; activity has moved away from industry and towards the service sector.