Water Resources of the Upper Suwannee River Watershed

Abstract

Situated in rural, south-central Georgia, the Alapaha, Little, Withlacoochee, and Suwannee Rivers of the Suwannee River watershed are important resources for the economy and health of the region. Groundwater is also an important resource in the region, as the Upper Floridian aquifer provides water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial supply. Declining water levels in the Upper Floridian aquifer in the northern part of the watershed, however, are indicative of overuse. Hydrologic monitoring is sparse in the watershed and studies conducted in other parts of the state, such as in the Flint River watershed, do not necessarily provide data or interpretations that are applicable to the Suwannee River watershed. Studies are necessary, therefore, to understand interactions between surface water and groundwater in this watershed and to develop effective regional water management strategies.