The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted today to approve a joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the collection of water quality and flow data at 12 locations throughout Lee County for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.
Lee County will contribute about $185,000 to the cost of the cooperative data collection program. The U.S. Geological Survey will provide about $82,000.
Lee County has had a joint funding agreement with U.S. Geological Survey since 1973.
The program includes reading of continuous stage recorders and groundwater levels in several Lee County watersheds including Briarcliff Ditch, Gator Slough, Imperial River, Orange River, Spring Creek, Estero River, Six Mile Cypress Creek, Popash Creek, Telegraph Creek, Ten Mile Canal, and Whiskey Creek.
The data obtained is used to:
• Properly calibrate computer hydrology models developed as part of the Lee County Surface Water Management Master Plan.
• Provide real-time hydrological information to assist in flood/storm response.
• Document pollutant load reductions in fulfillment of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements. Water quality is a top priority of the Lee Board of County Commissioners and water-quality projects are underway year-round. The board also has identified flood mitigation as a priority.
For more information about Lee County efforts and partnerships, visit “Our Water Story: Lee County's Water Quality Initiative,” at www.leegov.com/water.
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