Because of the low relief and manipulation of flow, drainage basins are difficult to define. The hydrologic system is also unique for political reasons. More than 5 million people live along the coast in close proximity to the wilderness wetlands of Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and other public lands. The warm climate that encourages people to live in the region also supports intense agricultural development. The natural systems in the study unit have been greatly altered by drainage, development, and water management, and water resources of the region have been significantly degraded.
Data collection is designed to address local, regional, and national water-quality concerns.
Major water-quality issues of concern were identified in 1994 through the assistance of a local liaison committee of governmental officials, lay people, and others with an interest in water resources in southern Florida. The most important water-quality issues identified are nutrient enrichment, pesticide contamination, mercury contamination, habitat disturbance, and contamination of the Biscayne aquifer.