FAS Abstracts 2004 Meeting Page

Geological & Hydrological Sciences (GHS): GHS-4

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Preliminary results of the evaluation of trends in the water quality of the springs of Florida.  R.E. COPELAND. FL. Geol. Survey, Tallahassee, FL, 32304.  Over 700 springs are used for recreational purposes by citizens of the state.  Unfortunately, as a result of the burgeoning population, the quality of spring water has been deteriorating for the past several decades; most notably increased nitrate concentrations [NO3+NO2 (as N)].  Prior to the late 1980s, the monitoring of spring water quality was only conducted sporadically.  However, because of the documented deterioration, several state agencies gradually began monitoring the spring water quality.  By the 2003, several hundred Florida springs had been sampled at least once and nearly 75 are now being monitored on a regular basis.  Historical data suggest springs can be clustered into four or five groups, based on water quality.  In addition, analyzing greater than 10 years of data for time trends in approximately 75 springs suggests that saline indicators such as sodium, chloride, and sulfate may be the next analytes of concern for Florida’s springs.