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Land application of domestic wastewater in Florida--statewide assessment of impact on ground-water quality

Water-Resources Investigations Report 81-3
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Abstract

In Florida domestic waste water is being applied to the land for disposal and reuse. State and Federal regulations favor land-application methods over other advanced waste water treatment practices. Despite the increasing use of this alternative technology, little is known about localized effects on groundwater quality. This report documents the extent of land-application practices in Florida and summarizes case study information on some of the more adequately monitored site throughout the State. More than 2,500 sites in Florida are permitted by the Department of Environmental Regulation for applying domestic waste water to the land. The majority (more than 1,700 sites), classified as infiltration ponds, are concentrated in central and southern Florida. More than 560 sites classified as drainfields, and more than 250 sites classified as irrigation sites, are located primarily in central Florida. An estimated 150 million gallons per day of domestic waste water, after required secondary treatment, are applied to Florida soils. Despite the large numbers of sites and the considerable volume of waste water utilized, little is known about potential impact on groundwater quality. At the few sites where observation wells have been drilled and local groundwater quality monitored, no significant deterioration of water quality has been detected. (USGS)
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Land application of domestic wastewater in Florida--statewide assessment of impact on ground-water quality
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 81-3
DOI 10.3133/wri813
Edition -
Year Published 1981
Language ENGLISH
Description 37 p.
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