Florida Geological Survey collaborates to study groundwater in Pinellas County

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Geological Survey is participating in a study that will investigate the effects of recharging up to 3 million gallons per day of purified reclaimed water into the Suwannee Limestone of the Upper Floridan aquifer at the Northwest Wastewater Treatment Facility in Clearwater.

“The Florida Geological Survey is excited to contribute to this important project by helping provide an understanding of complex water-rock interactions that can help the people of Clearwater,” said Cindy Fischler, a professional geologist with the Florida Geological Survey. “Studies like this are highly important as Florida water managers explore development of alternative water resources.”

In partnership with the University of Florida and IndeWater, LLC, the groundwater replenishment study is being led by Tetra Tech and Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. for the city of Clearwater and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The project is currently underway and is expected to be completed in one year.

The Florida Geological Survey’s portion of the study, which includes a $13,200 grant from the University of Florida, will begin in July with multiple methods of geochemical analysis of rock samples taken from the aquifer. The samples will be taken from rock that has not been exposed to pretreated waters and compared to rock that has been exposed.