Water bodies, watersheds and storm water
Springs of the St. Johns River
Water Management District
Silver Springs (Marion County) aerial view
Florida has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs on Earth. Within the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), 96 springs have been identified. For each spring, location information, a description of the spring, and pictures are presented. Discharge and water quality data and graphs are compiled through December 2010 for each spring, with trend analysis of selected water quality variables for springs with sufficient data. This web-based report is organized by county, with links to each spring under the county tabs. This report updates information and data in Technical Report 2002-5, Springs of the St. Johns River Water Management District (Osburn et al. 2002).
Springs provide natural, recreational, and economic resources for Florida’s residents and visitors. The crystal clear water from springs supplies the base flow for many rivers and streams, the habitat for wildlife and fish, and the setting for numerous recreational activities. Over the years Florida’s population has grown and with this growth has come an increase in water use and extensive land use changes. Potential impacts from increased water use include declines in groundwater levels and quality, reduction in spring discharge, and harm to native vegetation and wetlands. The water management challenge lies in preserving the value of springs while balancing the needs of water users.
As the demands on water resources increase, it is important to have an ongoing program to provide the data and information needed to assess groundwater conditions. The SJRWMD Bureau of Groundwater Sciences maintains well and spring monitoring networks to provide the regional and subregional data needed for long-term water supply planning and water resource protection. Water level, quality, and discharge data obtained from monitoring networks increase our understanding of the hydrogeologic, climatic, and human factors that affect water resources.
