Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center
Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
Surface Water
Data and science of streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs
Data and science of streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and reservoirs
Groundwater
Water in aquifers beneath the earth's surface, a vital source of water supply
Water in aquifers beneath the earth's surface, a vital source of water supply
Water Quality
Water quality is the suitability of water for a particular use based on selected physical, chemical, and biological characteristics
Water quality is the suitability of water for a particular use based on selected physical, chemical, and biological characteristics
Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC)
The CFWSC has an active presence in support of hydrologic research and monitoring across the Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands region. We look forward to expanding our work with partner organizations throughout this region and identifying new projects of mutual interest relevant to our water-resources. For questions related to water resources, please feel free to:
Real-Time / Historical Data
Real-Time / Historical Data
We provide current and historical surface-water, groundwater, water quality, water use, and ecological data in various formats.
News
High-resolution estimates of water levels in the Everglades, Florida: Software release
High-resolution estimates of water levels in the Everglades, Florida: Software release
USGS experts responding simultaneously to two major natural hazards
USGS experts responding simultaneously to two major natural hazards
USGS deploys sensors along Florida’s Gulf Coast to measure impacts of Hurricane Milton
USGS deploys sensors along Florida’s Gulf Coast to measure impacts of Hurricane Milton
Publications
Trends in subdaily to daily rainfall in Florida, 1990–2022 Trends in subdaily to daily rainfall in Florida, 1990–2022
Changing rainfall patterns and intensifying rainfall extremes affect urban infrastructure and can increase flash-flood risk. Understanding how climate change has altered rainfall can support state and local agencies as they adapt and build resiliency. In this study, rainfall data from 23 weather stations in Florida were used to examine temporal and spatial trends over the period 1990...
Continuous stream discharge, salinity, and associated data collected in the lower St. Johns River and its tributaries, Florida, 2023 Continuous stream discharge, salinity, and associated data collected in the lower St. Johns River and its tributaries, Florida, 2023
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, deepened the St. Johns River channel in Jacksonville, Florida, to accommodate larger, fully loaded cargo vessels. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, monitored stage, discharge, and (or) water temperature and salinity at 26 continuous data collection sites in the St. Johns River...
Phytoplankton responses to experimental nitrogen and phosphorus loading in the eutrophic and colored Caloosahatchee River, Florida Phytoplankton responses to experimental nitrogen and phosphorus loading in the eutrophic and colored Caloosahatchee River, Florida
The Caloosahatchee River, located in southwest Florida, is a eutrophic and colored river that flows from Lake Okeechobee westward into its estuary and the Gulf of America. Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a documented problem along this freshwater-to-marine waterway where nutrient enrichment has been identified as a key factor in bloom occurrence but has not been...
Science
Decoding Harmful Algal Blooms: Unraveling the Mystery
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Caribbean-Florida Water Science Center (CFWSC), Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, Nevada Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Understanding Algal Bloom Dynamics in Lake Okeechobee
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting studies to better understand algal bloom dynamics to enhance lake management. Recent research, in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, focused on phytoplankton community and abundance. Phytoplankton can be a potential driver of harmful algal blooms (HABs).
Lake Okeechobee Sediment Transport Project
Suspended sediment from Lake Okeechobee might be a source of nutrients that helps trigger the growth and development of harmful algal blooms in the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers.