Water Flows and Nutrient Loads to the Southwest Coast of Everglades National Park, Florida

In 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey began a 4-year study of the flow and nutrient characteristics of three major streams that drain parts of the Everglades National Park. An upward looking acoustic Doppler current profiler, a water-level sensor, and two specific conductance sensors were installed at each site. Monthly discharge measurements are made with an acoustic Doppler current profiler to develop discharge ratings. Nutrient data are collected monthly at each site.

Data collected at the Broad River, Harney River, and Shark River stations include water level, water velocity, specific conductance and temperature, total and dissolved phosphorus species, pH, and dissolved oxygen. These three stations were established in 1997 and two additional stations (Lostmans Creek and North River) were established in 1999. These stations are also equipped with wind speed and direction sensors and barometric pressure sensors to correlate with water level and stream discharge.