Because the soils of this scrub are permeable to water, they are important recharge areas for our underground water supply called aquifers. The surficial aquifer is what most people call the water table. The depth to the top of the surficial aquifer ranges from approximately 50 feet below the surface to 8 feet above ground level, as seen in the wetlands. The Floridan aquifer is found below the surficial and is the main source of drinking water for Central Florida. Because the soils have high percolation rates, the water levels in both aquifers change very quickly in response to rainfall.

Next »