Water-resources investigations of the U. S. Geological Survey include the collection of water quality data on the chemical and physical characteristics of surface- and ground-water supplies of the Nation. These data for the 1971 water year for the quality of surface waters in Florida are presented in this report. The data were collected by the Water Resources Division of the U. S. Geological Survey under the direction of Clyde S. Conover, District Chief, Florida District.
Water-quality information is presented for chemical quality, fluvial sediment, and water temperatures. The chemical quality includes concentration of individual dissolved constituents and certain properties or characteristics such as hardness, specific conductance, and pH. Water temperature data represent once-daily observations except for stations where a continuous temperature recorder furnishes information from which daily minimums and maximums are obtained.
The Geological Survey has published the annual series of water-supply papers, "Quality of Surface Waters of the United States," from 1941 through 1967 which contain chemical quality, temperature, and suspended sediment data of the water. Each volume covered an area whose boundaries conincided with those of certain natural drainage areas. The records for Florida are contained in Part 2 of the water-supply paper series. (See table, p. 12) These publications are available in most public libraries. Beginning with the 1964 water year, water-quality records for surface water obtained by the Geological Survey were published in a new series of annual releases on a state boundary basis. This report is primarily for local and immediate use, and its distribution is limited. These records will be published later in Geological Survey Water-Supply Papers.
