Determination of Groundwater-Flow Direction and Rate Beneath Florida Bay, the Florida Keys and Reef Tract

The objectives of this research are to determine the rate, direction of flow and contamination levels of saline groundwater in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay. Contamination studies are necessary to determine if nutrient and other contaminant levels are rising, and to provide a baseline of data for future decision making. The strategy of this study is to use artificial tracers to determine rate and direction of flow. Tracers are injected into well clusters, existing sewage treatment facilities and sewage disposal wells. In addition to tracer studies, groundwater will be collected for contamination analysis so as to provide a base-line against which the effects of population increase and success of future wastewater treatment facilities can be evaluated.