Subsurface storage of freshwater in south Florida; evaluation of surface-water discharge data at selected sites

Canal discharge in south Florida may consist of a potential source of freshwater for deep-well injection. Discharge data for the 1970-81 water years at 27 canal and river sites were analyzed. Flow was analyzed for 30-, 60-, 90-, 120-, and 183-consecutive-day low-mean discharges during the periods of highest flow to define minimum high-flow-period fresh surface-water discharges at the 27 sites. Curves show the magnitude and frequency of average minimum flows for consecutive-day periods during high-flow periods, and duration curves and tables show the percentage of time that selected discharges were equaled or exceeded. Canal discharge as high as 660 cubic feet per second occurred 70 percent of the time during the high-flow period at one site (Tamiami Canal Outlets, Levee 67A to 40-Mile Bend). At 11 sites, discharges of 110 to 370 cubic feet per second occurred 70 percent of the high-flow periods, while at 9 sites, discharges of 21 to 100 cubic feet per second occurred 70 percent of the time during the high-flow periods. At other sites (those in the Biscayne, Plantation Road, Middle River, C-111, and Cypress Creek Canals), discharges as low as 0.1 cubic foot per second occurred 70 percent of the time during the high-flow periods. Criteria for amounts of surplus freshwater considered adequate to support injection systems cannot be established, as they would vary greatly with water needs to be satisfied and with the efficiency of a particular injection system. However, based upon this analysis of discharge at 27 canal and river sites throughout south Florida, it appears that substantial amounts of water are available for surface injection and storage. (USGS)