conditions(2) detailed analysis of the amount and variation of the salinity of water from wells in the Crystal River area; (3) determination of the elevation of the piezometric surface in the Floridan aquifer in the coastal area and approximate location of the line where the ground-water level equals sea level; (4) the continuous monitoring of the flow of Crystal River; and (5) an extensive program of recording the discharge, water level, and chemical quality of water from streams, lakes, springs, sinkholes, and wells (part of the investigation of the hydrology of the Middle Gulf area cooperatively planned and financed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Bureau of Geology, Florida Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Geological Survey).
Continuing hydrologic investigations in the area include: (1) an expanded hydrologic-records program to determine discharge, water level and chemical quality of water from streams, lakes, springs, sinkholes, and wells, to monitor changes in the hydrologic system brought about by accelerated land development; (2) test drilling to determine the position of the fresh-salt water interface in the aquifer and to obtain basic geologic and other hydrologic data; and (3) studies to determine the minimum level of fresh water required in the area to prevent salt-water intrusion of the aquifer and saline contamination of water supplies such as those of the cities of CryStal River and Homosassa.
Additional hydrologic investigations needed in the area include: (1) more detailed definition of the fresh-salt water interface in the aquifer, the extent of its movement from year to year, and its relation to natural events and to developmental measures. Eventually key wells will be equipped with electronic instruments which will continuously measure the salinity and water level within the aquifer; and (2) definition of the areas of major local recharge. Although the recharge area for the springs includes a large area east of the springs, some of the water that emerges from the springs is probably recharged locally. Local recharge areas need to be defined so that the spring flow will not be endangered by improper use of the land.
The area surrounding the springs is attractive for land development. However, caution should be used in land development, so that damage to the springs, the hydrologic system feeding them, and the potable water supplies in the aquifer can be avoided or minimized.