Determining sustainable groundwater withdrawal at the Cone Ranch property in south west Florida

The goal is to satisfy needs to set maximum pumping rates at the Cone Ranch wellfield within the Upper Floridan Aquifer. This wellfield provides a pristine test case for a steady state groundwater model. The aquifer is simulated as a three layer system: the Upper Floridan and Surficial Aquifers, and a confining unit. Hydraulic conductivity from pump tests provides necessary input parameters. Local and regional hydraulic gradients define the hydrogeologic boundaries. A water budget analysis determines recharge to the Surficial Aquifer. The model is calibrated using water level data. A criterion of 0.55 m maximum drawdown in the Surficial Aquifer is used to evaluate pumping scenarios. A pumping rate of 7,600 m3/day is sustainable for the Upper Floridan Aquifer to stay in compliance of sustainable yield criteria. This estimate provides a starting point for regulators to determine guidelines that municipalities should follow to avoid depleting groundwater resources.