Hydrology of sand-and-gravel aquifer in central and southern Escambia County, Florida

Open-File Report 74-218
Prepared in cooperation with the City of Pensacola
By:

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Abstract

The sand-and-gravel aquifer is the only fresh-water aquifer in the Pensacola area. Problems related to development of the aquifer include maximum safe yield, local contamination, local salt-water intrusion, corrosiveness of the water, areas of high iron concentration, and increasing nitrate concentration. The city of Pensacola is seeking hydrologic information, including water-quality data, to plan for future expansion of the water-supply system.

This report summarizes the third year's findings of a 6-year study of the sand-and-gravel aquifer. Although the thickness of the aquifer locally exceeds 1,000 feet (300 metres) most of the clean sand layers are no more than 450 feet (140 metres) below land surface. The highest head is at the north edge of the area; the head is drawn down below sea level in areas of heavy pumping. Ground water moves southward from the northern half of the county to be intercepted near Cantonment. Virtually all ground water discharged south of Cantonment derives from local precipitation.

The report contains maps showing concentrations of carbon dioxide, nitrate, and iron in water from the aquifer, potentiometric maps, geohydrologic sections, and lithologic and radioactive logs of test holes.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrology of sand-and-gravel aquifer in central and southern Escambia County, Florida
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 74-218
DOI 10.3133/ofr74218
Year Published 1975
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description Report: 36 p., A1-A27; 6 Figures: 16.52 x 15.15 inches or less
Country United States
State Florida
County Escambia County
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