IN FOCUS: TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT SPRINGS RESTORATION

Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 10/04/2016 11:56 AM EDT
florida department of environmental protection in focus

DEP Dedicated to Improving Florida's Springs

Springs


Florida is home to more first and second magnitude springs than any other state in the nation. Springs are the window into the health of our groundwater, which is the source of 90 percent of drinking water for Floridians. There are more than 900 freshwater springs statewide, many of which offer unique recreational opportunities such as swimming, kayaking and diving, attracting visitors from all over the world and providing financial benefits to the local communities that surround them. 

While the threats to Florida's springs are numerous and complex, years of research have identified the two biggest challenges springs face as decreasing spring flows and excessive nutrients. Spring flows decrease because of declining water levels in the groundwater aquifer that sustains them and excessive nutrients, mainly nitrate, can lead to algal growth and habitat degradation. Florida is committed to investing in nitrate-reducing capital projects (wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint source pollution control projects) and water-quantity projects to protect and restore springs, as well as conserving and acquiring land in spring recharge zones to prevent nitrate contamination.

Thanks to the leadership of Governor Scott and the Legislature, the state of Florida has made an unprecedented financial commitment to springs restoration during the past four years, which when leveraged with local funding, totals more than $275 million that directly benefits springs water quality and quantity. This record funding has enabled the department to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and construct projects that are imperative to achieving restoration goals. In April 2016, Governor Scott signed the Legacy Florida Act, which requires the Legislature to dedicate $50 million each year for Florida springs. We know what our springs need, and with these dedicated sources of funding, we can ensure continued restoration and preservation of these natural treasures.

Fiscal Year 2016-17 Brings More Than $89 Million to  
Springs Restoration Projects

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida's Water Management Districts have identified 35 springs projects to receive more than $56.6 million in funding from the 2016-17 “FLORIDA FIRST” budget, along with $33.1 million in matching funds at the state and local levels. The total investment in springs projects will be $89.7 million for this fiscal year, which is the highest amount ever provided for Florida's springs.

The 35 projects statewide, funded through the Fiscal Year 2016-17 appropriation include:

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District (Crystal River/Kings Bay springs, Homosassa Springs, Weeki Wachee Springs and the Upper Floridan Aquifer) – A total investment of nearly $15 million for seven projects including water reclamation, central sewer expansion and advanced wastewater treatment.
  • St. Johns River Water Management District (Silver, Volusia Blue and Wekiva springs, as well as the Wekiva River and the Upper Floridan Aquifer) – A total investment of more than $24 million for eight projects including land acquisition, water reclamation and aquifer recharge and central sewer connection.
  • Suwannee River Water Management District (Fanning, Hart, Ichetucknee, Otter, Poe and Wacissa springs as well as the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers and the Floridan Aquifer) – A total investment of more than $31 million for 12 projects including central sewer expansion and enhanced agricultural water-quality management practices projects.
  • Northwest Florida Water Management District (Cypress, Econfina, Gainer, Jackson Blue and Wakulla springs) – A total investment of more than $19 million for eight projects including land acquisition, central sewer connection and improved management practices projects.

In the Field: Williford Spring Restoration & Reopening

Williford Springs Ribbon Cutting

DEP Secretary Jon Steverson joined the Northwest Florida Water Management District for a reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony at Williford Spring.

After nearly two years of restoration efforts, Williford Spring is open once again for Florida's residents and visitors to enjoy. DEP Secretary Jon Steverson joined the Northwest Florida Water Management District to celebrate the spring's improved water quality and public access during its reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony. 

The project, which began in 2014, helped improve the quality and clarity of the spring by removing sediment from the spring pool, restored native vegetation along the springbank to help catch runoff and sediment, and constructed areas to capture and treat stormwater in order to improve the quality of water entering the spring.

Tool Identifies Nitrogen Sources in Florida's Springs

NSILT

 

As nitrogen concentrations have increased in Florida's springs over the past several decades, DEP has developed a Nitrogen Source Inventory and Loading Tool (NSILT) to provide information on significant sources of nitrogen in the groundwater contribution areas for impaired springs. The tool is critical in establishing restoration priorities and strategies in spring basin management action plans.

This GIS and spreadsheet-based tool provides spatial estimates of the relative contribution of nitrogen from various sources, and takes into consideration the transport pathways and processes affecting the different forms of nitrogen as they move from the land surface through soil and geologic strata that overlie and comprise the Upper Floridan Aquifer.

 

Springs in State Parks: Recreation and Ecotourism

Springs Ecotourism


From canoeing and kayaking to swimming and snorkeling, Floridians and visitors flock to freshwater springs across the state to cool down and escape the heat. Many of Florida's freshwater springs can be found within state parks, providing a multitude of recreational and nature-based activities. Twenty Florida state parks (listed below) house freshwater springs that contribute to the local economy by attracting visitors and supporting small businesses. 

Florida’s natural environment provides the means for an array of medium and small businesses across the state, from nature tours and kayak trips, to outfitters and lodging. Preserving and protecting these natural resources for future generations is vital for both Florida’s environment and economy.

Springs List