![]() ![]() The saltwater front was mapped closer to the coast than it was in 1995 in four areas totaling approximately 6.2 km 2. In many of these areas, analyses indicated that saltwater had encroached along the base of the aquifer. The saltwater front was mapped farther inland than it was in 1995 in eight areas totaling about 24.1 km 2. ![]() ![]() The results of the study indicate that as of 2011 approximately 1,200 square kilometers (km 2) of the mainland part of the Biscayne aquifer were intruded by saltwater. The approximate inland extent of saltwater was last mapped in 1995.Īn examination of the inland extent of saltwater and the sources of saltwater in the aquifer was completed during 2008–2011 by using (1) all available salinity information, (2) time-series electromagnetic induction log datasets from 35 wells, (3) time-domain electromagnetic soundings collected at 79 locations, (4) a helicopter electromagnetic survey done during 2001 that was processed, calibrated, and published during the study, (5) cores and geophysical logs collected from 8 sites for stratigraphic analysis, (6) 8 new water-quality monitoring wells, and (7) analyses of 69 geochemical samples. The reduction in water levels caused by this drainage, combined with periodic droughts, allowed saltwater to flow inland along the base of the aquifer and to seep directly into the aquifer from the canals. Saltwater intrusion of this aquifer began when the Everglades were drained to provide dry land for urban development and agriculture. Intrusion of saltwater into parts of the shallow karst Biscayne aquifer is a major concern for the 2.5 million residents of Miami-Dade County that rely on this aquifer as their primary drinking water supply. ![]()
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