Peace River Karst and the Hawthorn Aquifer System

Abstract.  Karst features are prevalent in the streambed and floodplain of the Upper Peace River in Polk County, Florida. The loss of river flow through karst features is primarily attributed to the gradual decline of the potentiometric surface of the Upper Floridan aquifer.  The Upper Floridan aquifer is the primary source of potable supply and natural springflow in the state of Florida.       
A hydrogeologic investigation was recently completed in the area of the Upper Peace River karst features.  The results of the study detail the connection between the Peace River, the karst features, the Hawthorn Aquifer System (also known as the intermediate aquifer system), and the Upper Floridan aquifer. 
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¹Michael T. Gates, Professional Geologist, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Brooksville, Florida 34604, ted.gates@swfwmd.state.fl.us.