Headwaters for 5 rivers: Hillsborough (55 miles), Kissimmee (103 miles), Ocklawaha (72 miles), Peace (120 miles) and Withlacoochee (157 miles).
This is from a 2008 presentation (25 minutes) by the University of Central Florida TV which can be seen here: • Naturally Central Flor...
Hydrologist Garald G. Parker, Sr. (1905 - 2000) - sofia.usgs.gov/memorials/parker/ - discovered that neither surface water nor ground water crosses a line snaking across the peninsula through the Green Swamp from Cedar Key on the Gulf to New Smyrna Beach on the Atlantic. This line is known as the hydrologic divide. South of the hydrologic divide, Florida is an island as far as fresh water is concerned: it totally depends on rainfall for its fresh water. North of the hydrologic divide, Florida receives water from outside the state.
This 1986 PBS one-hour special, Secrets of the Green Swamp, includes an interview with Gerald G. Paker, Sr.
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Green Swamp Interactive
www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/educati...
www.1000friendsofflorida.org/e...
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FLORIDA WATERS: A Water Resources Manual (online version)
sofia.usgs.gov/publications/re...
This joint project of Florida's five water management districts, is a comprehensive, easy to read resource guide. It is available in book format (112 pages), on CD
CHAPTER 1: THE HUMAN FRAMEWORK (5.36MB pdf)
This chapter examines water in social, legal, economic and political contexts from the times Florida was first inhabited by humans, around 14,000 years ago to modern times, A time line beginning 12, 000 BC, introduces navigation, drainage, flood control, water law, water allocation and water restoration projects.
CHAPTER 2: WATER IT'S MAGIC (2.18MB pdf)
This chapter begins with the fact that water is essential to all life on earth. It explores the chemical and physical properties of water, the hydrologic cycle, climate, weather and the "magic" of Water's cleansing, healing and renewing powers.
CHAPTER 3: FLORIDA WATER RESOURCES (2.93MB pdf)
This chapter examines groundwater and surface waters, and the links between them. Sections on Florida's geology and geography serve to introduce hydrologic features. The importance of watersheds and the reality of pollution illustrate the links and interdependence water resources, as well as the need to protect and conserve them.
CHAPTER 4: WATER AND LIFE, NATURAL SYSTEMS (2.26MB pdf)
This chapter focuses on water being a connecting link for all nature systems, and the defining feature of, natural communities. The amount, distribution, timing and quality of water existing in an ecosystem affect the soils, plants and animals. Human activities, as well, affect biological and economic sustainability.
CHAPTER 5: WATER SUPPLY AND WATER QUALITY (.97MB pdf)
This chapter discusses sources of water and efforts to create alternate water sources. Water availability and trends in water use associated with increased population and expanded agricultural and industrial uses highlight the water supply issue. Water quality for drinking, ecology and recreation is equally fundamental as water supply. Common tests and measures of water quality are explained. Pollution is defined and discussed.
CHAPTER 6: FORWARD TO THE PAST (2.81MB pdf)
This chapter concludes that Florida's natural systems have been radically changed and fragmented. Floridans have responded with aggressive actions in land acquisition and management, resource protection and ecosystem restoration. Examples are provided in each region of the state. Florida cannot return to what used to be, but Floridans can restore, protect and better manage what is here.
GLOSSARY (78kb pdf)
Vocabulary words, in bold type when first used in the text, are defined in this comprehensive glossary.
REFERENCES (68kb pdf)
For each chapter there is an extensive bibliography for further research.
INDEX (490kb pdf)
Note: The maps, charts, tables, pictures, drawings and diagrams that serve to illustrate or enforce materials printed in the text all may be copies for public use.