From introduction: The purpose of this report is (1) to describe the geology, hydrology, and quality of water of Manatee County and (2) to evaluate the availability of surface and ground water for development. The report provides Manatee County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and the Florida Department of Natural Resources with a data base and an evaluation of the water resources of the area so that water-quality and water-resource problems and water-management and regulatory needs can be adequately defined and documented.