Potentiometric surface of the upper Floridan Aquifer in the St. Johns River Water Management District and vicinity, May 1995

Abstract

This map depicts the potentiometric surface of the Upper Floridan aquifer in the St. Johns River Water Management District and vicinity for May 1995. The map is based on water-level measurements made at more than 900 wells and springs. Approximately 30 new wells were added to better define the potentiometric surface mainly in the northwest area of the map. Data on the map were contoured using 5-foot contour intervals in most areas. Two new wells located north of Rainbow Springs indicate a slight northward extension of the depressed area surrounding the springs. Several new wells in Bradford County indicate a slight reduction in the size of the potentiometric-surface high along the northwest edge of the county. The potentiometric surface of this karstic aquifer generally reflects land surface topography. Potentiometric-surface highs often correspond to topographic highs, which are areas of recharge to the Upper Floridan aquifer. Springs within topographic lows along with areas of more diffuse upward leakage are natural zones of discharge. Municipal, agricultural, and industrial withdrawals have lowered the potentiometric surface in some areas. The potentiometric surface ranged from 127 feet above sea level in Polk County to 84 feet below sea level in southeast Georgia near the St. Marys River. Water levels measured in May 1995 generally were about 0 to 4 feet higher than those measured in May 1994 except in St. Lucie County and near Rainbow Springs, where levels were 1 to 3 feet lower. Generally, May 1995 water levels were 0 to 5 feet lower than levels in September 1994, except near Orlando, where levels were 6 to 12 feet lower, and across the northwest corner of the map area which includes Marion, Alachua, Bradford, Baker, and Nassau Counties, north and west Duval County, and south Georgia. (USGS)