Potentiometric surface of the upper Floridan Aquifer, west-central Florida, September 1985

The potentiometric surface is the level to which water will rise in tightly cased wells that tap the Upper Floridan aquifer. The surface is mapped by determining the altitude of water levels in a network of wells and is represented on maps by contours that connect points of equal altitude. Maps of the potentiometric surface of the Upper Floridan aquifer in west-central Florida are prepared semiannually by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Maps for May and September show, respectively, the potentiometric surfaces of the normally expected annual low and high water level conditions. The potentiometric surface of the Upper Floridan aquifer is shown for September 1985. Most of the water level data were collected during September 9-13. Supplemental data were collected by other agencies and companies. The map represents water level conditions near the end of the summer rainy season when groundwater withdrawals for agricultural use are low. Hence, the potentiometric surface is near its highest level for the year. (Lantz-PTT)