We all have an impact on the Floridan Aquifer.
Learn more about your impact with the Blue Water Audit.
Project Overview
The Floridan Aquifer is the principal source of water for natural and human systems throughout much of Florida. In addition to being Florida’s primary source of drinking water, the Floridan Aquifer feeds over 1,000 springs.
Florida’s population has grown from less than 1 million in the early 1900s, to over 18 million in 2010, according to the U.S. Census. The intensive land development that accompanied Florida’s population growth has resulted in documented impacts on the Floridan Aquifer.
Although human activity has many effects on the aquifer, elevated nitrate-nitrogen levels and reduced spring flows are the most widespread issues. To better understand these two issues, and to help others understand them, the Florida Springs Institute has developed the Blue Water Audit.
The Blue Water Audit uses existing data to estimate human impact on water quality (through nitrogen loading) and water quantity (through groundwater withdrawal) in the Floridan Aquifer.
Using existing data from a variety of sources, the Blue Water Audit has developed nitrogen loading and groundwater withdrawal estimates. These estimates are used to assign Aquifer Footprints – a Floridan Aquifer Nitrogen Footprint (water quality) and a Floridan Aquifer Groundwater Footprint (water quantity).
The Blue Water Audit Website
The Blue Water Audit website contains information, tools, and resources for better understanding our impact on the Floridan Aquifer.
Learn about the Floridan Aquifer and Florida’s springs with general information, educational videos, and links to data from organizations like the U.S. Geological Survey. The website also includes a summary of the Blue Water Audit project, an overview of the Blue Water Audit analysis methodology, and lists of the sources used in the analysis.
The Blue Water Audit Interactive Map
Explore the results of the Blue Water Audit with the Blue Water Audit Interactive Map. Use the map tools to find a location, turn data layers on and off, change their transparency, and more. You can use the Interactive Map to explore impact on the Floridan Aquifer in relation to springs, rivers, and your community.
Coming in 2019!
An Aquifer Footprint Calculator will be added that allows you to estimate your personalized Aquifer Footprint. Additional information will be added about the different Aquifer Footprints and their effect on the aquifer, springs, wildlife, and more. Information and resources will also be added to help you find ways to lower your Aquifer Footprint. Are you interested in knowing when new features are added? Click here to sign up for important BWA updates!
Can you please advise us who you are, and who are the supporting agency or agencies please?
Hi Derrick! The Florida Springs Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to springs science, education, and conservation. The Institute is supported by public donations and private foundation grants. The Blue Water Audit was made possible with funding from the Community Foundation of North Central Florida and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida. To learn more about this project, please visit http://www.BlueWaterAudit.org.