Water at UF
The primary source of water in Alachua County is a large underground limestone reservoir (sometimes compared to a slow-moving lake) known as the Floridan Aquifer. Each day, Floridians draw more than 2.5 billion gallons of water from the Floridan aquifer, making it one of the most productive aquifers in the world.
In most of Florida, extensive clay layers, limestone layers or smaller aquifers lie above the Floridan Aquifer, and provide some protection from surface pollutants. However, in some areas of Alachua County, these protective layers are very thin, perforated or absent, allowing pollutants to pass more easily from the ground’s surface into the aquifer below. Alachua County’s sinkholes also provide a direct connection to the aquifer.
Our water supply, the aquifer, is refilled/recharged by rainwater. Most of the rain that falls on the main University of Florida campus eventually flows into Lake Alice, one of the campus' largest and most central natural areas. On the outskirts of campus, rainfall that doesn't soak into the ground finds its way into Hogtown Creek, Tumblin Creek, or Bivens Arm. All three of these areas move surface water into the Floridan aquifer below. What ends up on the ground around campus, from litter to leaky car oil, can have a significant impact on the water quality of these local creeks, lakes, and our drinking water.
UF’s water is pumped from the Murphree Well Fields owned by Gainesville Regional Utilities. After being pumped from below ground, GRU treats the water before distributing it through pipes. GRU supplies potable water to UF through 16 locations around campus.
The UF Physical Plant Division has a number of departments that are working to ensure our water systems work properly, and that we are implementing best practices for protecting our water. UF’s three million gallon a day Water Reclamation Facility allows us to use reclaimed water for irrigation. Over 90% of the university’s irrigation needs are served by the reclaimed water system.
Throughout our work day we rely on water for many things from making our coffee to regulating the temperature of our buildings. There are lots of ways that you and members of your department can help reduce your water consumption and protect our water resources. Check out the following topics for more information: Water at Work and Bottled Water.
