ABSTRACTSinkholes and subsidence in areas subject to dewatering of carbonate formations have been documented in several geologic and hydrologic investigations. Excessive ground‐water pumpage has been cited as a causative factor in areas of increased sinkhole activity. Subsurface erosion of unconsolidated materials underlain by carbonate rocks is one cause of the collapses. Infiltrating water from retention basins may cause subsurface erosion and eventual failure by collapse of the structure. The resulting ground‐water contamination would be great as the pollutants spread throughout the solution‐cavity s