A series of large scale photographs of water from different waterways that affect and are affected by the Floridan Aquifer. The locations are all in and around Gainesville, FL and each of the sites has water quality and/or quantity problems.
The photographs are paired with text in the title that tells the story of its ailment (or in some cases one of its ailments, as many water problems are interconnected i.e. erosion leads to increased runoff leads to increased pollutants or nutrients in the waterways which can lead to eutrophication and/or domination by an invasive species).
I have chosen to focus exclusively on waters that affect the groundwater from which my community derives its drinking water. The works seek to highlight the invisibility of these issues by drawing the viewer in with their beauty and intense color and then punctuating the experience with what is revealed in the titles.
Artist Statement
Springstead Creek (downstream from Koppers Superfund Site)
Chemicals found in high concentrations:
arsenic, chromium, copper, and various carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic dioxins
Hogtown Creek
1377 lbs. of trash collected from one 1500ft. (0.284mi.) stretch of creek
Newnans Lake
Algal blooms due to nitrogen and phosphorus runoff have led to decreased biodiversity and 90% domination of fish population by one species
Tumblin Creek
Consistent high levels of fecal coliform bacteria from leaking sewer and septic sources and pollutants from roadway runoff (petroleum products, antifreeze) persist in this urban creek
Sweetwater Branch Creek
Lack of aquatic vegetation resulting from extreme erosion and sedimentation threatens the health of this urbanized creek
Alachua Sink
Surface water with a direct link to the Floridan Aquifer; where many of Gainesville's creeks end their runs
Little Hatchet Creek
Some segments found to be biologically impaired because the development and channelization of this creek for commercial uses has eliminated natural buffer zones which has led to increased erosion and stormwater runoff
Possum Creek
One of the healthiest creeks in Gainesville, the major source of pollution in this creek is residential runoff that includes lawn fertilizers, herbicides and automotive fuels
