Human impacts on the Aquifer System
Estimated withdrawal from the Floridan aquifer
The Floridan Aquifer System provides water across a large area of the southeastern United States, so humans have a direct impact on this system. A study in 1985 showed that an average of about 3 billion gallons per day of freshwater was withdrawn from the Floridan for all purposes. Even though such high volumes of water are being withdrawn from the aquifer system, water levels have not declined greatly except in local areas where well pumping is concentrated. The Floridan aquifer is used for more than to provide freshwater. Industries in the industry also pump salt water out of the system, mainly for cooling purposes in machines. Parts of the Lower Floridan aquifer that contain saltwater are also locally used as receiving zones for industrial and municipal wastes disposed of through injection wells. About 208 million gallons per day of wastes are injected into these wells.
Large volumes of water move quickly in and out of the aquifer, and ground pollution can be absorbed into the system. Studies have shown that harmful chemicals and compounds have been found within the Upper Floridan aquifer that are related to human activities. In urban areas, a widespread occurrence of pesticides commonly used around homes, gardens, and golf courses were found in the aquifer. Storm water runoff can carry oil, fertilizer, and other harmful chemicals. Septic tanks and improperly sealed underground storage tanks can contribute nutrients, bacteria, and chemicals. These contaminants can be picked up as water moves through earth and rocks towards spring openings.
Human development over the aquifer and an increase in water use has also led to a greater number of sinkholes, particularly collapse sinkholes. Collapse sinkholes pose a problem to public safety, as numerous people have died (like the man who was killed by the sinkhole at his home, outside of Tampa in 2013). Millions of dollars in damages can results from the sudden collapse of sinkholes and they can drastically change the landscape. Increased water use from the aquifer may eventually lead to a significant water loss within the aquifer. Currently, the aquifer recharges regularly from generous rainfall in the region so that the water level of the aquifer is not greatly affected. However, if the climate of the region were to change or experience extended periods of drought, the possibility of the aquifer drying up increases. |