MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

B244
USGS - Hydrogeology and Quality of Groundwater in Highlands
County
Project Type Basin Initiatives
AOR(s)
Water Supply, Water Quality
Basin(s) Peace River
Cooperator(s)
United States Geological Survey
Project Manager MCBRIDE, TAMERA
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
This study will update information on the hydrogeology and water quality of the surficial, intermediate, and Floridan
aquifers in Highlands County and will assess long-term water resource trends. The project will be conducted by the U.
S. Geological Survey and cooperatively funded by the SWFWMD, SFWMD, Highlands County, and the U. S.
Geological Survey. The project will be implemented over a three year period (FY2007 to FY2009) and will enable
water resource managers to better evaluate current hydrologic conditions; define present-day baseline conditions; and
identify what additional hydrologic data are needed.
Benefits
Water supply continues to be a critical issue in the SWUCA, and this study compliments the District's water supply
planning efforts. This project will enable the District and local governments to make knowledgeable decisions about
area water needs and resources.
Costs
FY2009 is the third year of this project, and additional funding requests are not anticipated. The total cost of the
project is estimated to be $580,000 with the U.S. Geological Survey contributing $290,000, the SFWMD contributing
$170,000, and the SWFWMD (Peace River Basin Board) and Highlands County each contributing $60,000.
Additional Information
Water resources in Highlands County have not been comprehensively studied in the last 50 years (Bishop, 1956), and
information gathering is essential to make knowledgeable water resource decisions in the SWUCA. Population and
water use have significantly increased in parts of the county since the last comprehensive study was completed. This
report will enable water resource managers to better evaluate current hydrologic conditions; define present-day
baseline conditions; and identify what additional hydrologic data are needed. This is a three-phase study that
investigators will complete by researching existing information, collecting new data, and generating a written report. In
Phase 1 (FY2007), data was compiled from area stakeholders, and was used to characterize current groundwater
quality conditions, assess long-term trends, and identify data gaps. For Phase 2 (FY2008), groundwater levels were
be measured; maps and hydrogeologic cross-sections were be developed; water level trends will were evaluated; and
groundwater quality samples were collected and analyzed. The results of the study will be published in a USGS
Scientific Investigations Report during Phase 3 (FY2009).
Prior
Funding
Cumulative FY 2009 FY2010
Transfers Funding Funding
District Budgeted - Ad Valorem Based
Revenue
010 General Fund (Districtwide) 0 0 0 5,016
0 5,016
020 Peace River Basin 46,863 0 24,629
0
0 71,492
Project Funds Not Budgeted by the
District
Highlands County 40,000 0 20,000
0
0 60,000
SFWMD 76,000 0 56,000 35,000
0 167,000
USGS 156,000 0 96,000 35,000
0 287,000
020 - Peace River Basin 118
Total:
Future
Funding
Total
Funding
$590,508