Photo by: Alexa Elliott

DRINK IT UP
Scientists rank springs according to levels of magnitude, or volume of water flowing from the ground. The smaller the magnitude (1st magnitude), the greater the volume of water that is discharged. Billions of gallons of water flow out of Florida’s springs daily, and according to Plant Management in Florida Waters, Florida is home to one-third of all the 1st magnitude springs in the U.S.

But not all is well in springs country. Unfortunately, the health of Florida’s springs is rapidly declining, due to a number of complex threats. Pollution caused by agriculture and Florida’s ever-growing population has led to a decrease in water quality, resulting in algal blooms and other issues. A greater demand for freshwater is putting increased pressures on groundwater resources, and some fear that lowered water tables could eventually lead to saltwater intrusion in areas near the coast.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection reports that 90% of the state’s drinking water comes from underground resources and every day, over four billion gallons of freshwater are consumed to meet the demands of agriculture, industry, power plants, development, and municipal and public water supplies throughout the state. In some places, the increase in pavements and other impervious surfaces associated with continued growth and urban sprawl is preventing rainwater from percolating into the aquifer in spring recharge areas, leading to diminished water flow at the springs. And last, but not least, invasive exotic species and heavy recreational use are also taking their toll on Florida’s natural springs.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
In 2001, then Governor Jeb Bush established The Florida Springs Protection Initiative (FSPI). This comprehensive plan has led to the investment of $15 million to help protect, preserve and restore Florida’s springs, and to educate the public about these threatened natural resources. Under this protection plan, the multi-agency Florida Springs Task Force (FSTF) was created to help determine the current status of Florida's springs and to develop strategies for their long-term protection.

There are several ways YOU, too, can help minimize pollution and protect Florida’s natural springs. For example, use only slow release pesticides for residential lawns and gardens and plant native or drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, and flowers to minimize water use. Re-use water. Keep storm water on your property by creating swales and rain gardens. Use rain barrels to capture and store rainwater to water plants. Install low-volume toilets that use half the water than older models. Install aerators on all household faucets; they slow the flow of water. Take shorter showers. Minutes shaved are gallons saved!

Resources for this article have been provided by United States Geological Survey, Florida's Springs and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.