FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY


Figure 18. Map showing the approximate piezometric surface of the Floridan
               aquifer in the Panama City area in 1908.

    From 1908 to 1930 there was not enough water withdrawn by pumping to noticeably affect water levels in the Floridan aquifer. However, in 1930 the International Paper Company developed a well field in the Millville area, consisting of seven wells in the Floridan aquifer and three wells in the water-table aquifer. Three of these wells in the Floridan aquifer flowed at the time of drilling and the static levels in the others were about 20 feet above mean sea level (from 8 to 20 feet below land surface). The original test well for this supply reportedly flowed at a rate of 60 gpm, and, when pumped at a rate of 700 gpm, the water level dropped to 55 feet below land surface. A cone of depression developed in the piezometric surface of the Floridan aquifer as water was withdrawn. Static water levels in wells drilled in 1935 were more than 50 feet lower than in the original wells drilled in 1930. By 1937 the water level near the center of the well field reportedly was 104 feet below mean sea level, a decline of 124 feet from the time pumping began. This cone of depression expanded. as the paper company extended their well field eastward and northward.
    A program was initiated by the paper company to protect their water supply. Four wells near the original center of pumping were