From the St. Johns River Water Management District
In Summary:
The St. Johns River Water Management District approved a contract to map and monitor Alexander, Blue, Juniper, Rock, Salt, Silver, Silver Glen, and Wekiwa springs. Scientists will use a specialized survey boat to measure water quality, underwater depths, substrate hardness, aquatic vegetation and other environmental conditions. The resulting baseline will support long-term monitoring and help officials make informed decisions to protect the springs for wildlife and visitors.
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The St. Johns River Water Management District is expanding mapping and monitoring efforts at some of the region's most iconic springs, collecting detailed scientific information to help protect these treasured waters, unique habitats and popular destinations where millions of people swim, paddle, snorkel and experience Florida's natural beauty each year.
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The Governing Board approved a contract with Trutta Environmental Solutions LLC to map and monitor springs and their spring runs at eight springs across the District, including Alexander, Blue, Juniper, Rock, Salt, Silver, Silver Glen and Wekiwa springs.
Using a specialized survey boat equipped with above- and below-water cameras, a high-resolution global positioning system (GPS), sonar, and water-quality monitoring instrumentation, scientists will collect detailed information about spring and spring-run conditions. The system records underwater channel bottom depths, substrate hardness, water quality, aquatic vegetation, and other environmental characteristics, establishing a valuable baseline for future monitoring and helping scientists better evaluate long-term trends, habitat conditions, and water quality. These insights will help guide future management decisions to protect these iconic Florida springs for wildlife and people who depend on them.
"Florida's springs are among our state's most treasured natural resources," said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. "By collecting consistent, high-quality scientific data, we can better understand these systems, identify changes as they occur and make informed decisions to help protect them for future generations."
There are 148 springs across the District’s 18-county region. The District has partnered with local governments and utilities to fund 180 springs projects, investing over $71 million to help protect these important natural resources. Collectively, these projects conserve approximately 60 million gallons of water per day (mgd), reduce nitrogen by more than 434,652 pounds per year, and reduce phosphorus by more than 152,654 pounds per year.
Key Points:
- Eight springs and their spring runs will receive expanded mapping and monitoring.
- Scientists will use cameras, sonar, GPS and water-quality instruments to collect data.
- The project will document underwater terrain, water quality, vegetation and habitat conditions.
- The findings will establish a baseline for evaluating environmental changes over time.
- The district has invested more than $71 million in 180 spring-protection projects across its 18-county region.
To find additional information about the springs of the District, please visit www.sjrwmd.com/waterways/springs.
About the St. Johns River Water Management District
St. Johns River Water Management District staff are committed to ensuring the sustainable use and protection of water resources for the benefit of the people of the District and the state of Florida. The St. Johns River Water Management District is one of five districts in Florida that manage groundwater and surface water supplies. The District encompasses all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. District headquarters are in Palatka, and staff also are available to serve the public at service centers in Apopka, Jacksonville, and Palm Bay.
