protecting your springs

8/9/2019 Protecting Your Springs

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District Boundary

County Boundary

Legend

Springs/

Spring Groups

Springs and Spring Groups

in the District

Southwest Florida Water Management DistrictBalancing Water Needs Protecting Water Resources

This information will be made available in accessible formats upon request.

Please contact the Communications Department at (352) 796-7211 or

1-800-423-1476 (FL only), ext. 4757; TDD only at 1-800-231-6103 (FL only).

ProtectingYour Springs

VISAY 12-08


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Springs are unique water resources that provide

natural, recreational and economic benefits. Forthousands of years, people have been attractedto the natural beauty and habitat of these

ecosystems.

With more than 700 springs in the state, Floridahas the largest concentration of springs in theworld. These springs collectively dischargemore than eight billion gallons of water daily

and form the headwaters of several major rivers

in the Southwest Florida Water ManagementDistrict (District).

Springs in the District are supplied from

ground water in the Upper Floridan aquifer the same aquifer that provides the majority ofthe regions drinking water. Over time, springswater quality and the amount of water they

discharge have been threatened by agriculture,development, population growth, and poorirrigation and fertilization practices. Therefore,it is important to learn what we can do to help

protect and restore these natural treasures.

Springs and Springsheds

A spring is an area where water flows directlyfrom the aquifer to the surface, supplying flow

to a river or other water body. Springs formwhen the water, which is under pressure, flowsup through a natural opening in the ground.

The area of land that replenishes the aquifer

with rain and runoff is referred to as aspringshed. This area includes much more

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than just land surrounding a spring. In fact,

you can live miles away from a spring and stillbe located in its springshed. For example, theRainbow River has a springshed that covers 735

square miles and extends into three counties.

Generalized SpringshedBoundaries ofMajor Springs Groups

* The springsheds for the Gum Springs and PanasoffkeeSprings groups have not yet been determined.

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Rainbow SpringsGroup

Kings Bay SpringsGroup

Gum SpringsGroup*

PanasoffkeeSprings Group*

Homosassa SpringsGroup

ChassahowitzkaSprings Group

Weeki WacheeSprings Group

Aripeka SpringsGroup

Crystal SpringsGroup

Lithia/BuckhornSprings Group District boundary


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Septic Systems

Septic tanks that are not properly maintainedcan pollute the ground water that ultimatelyemerges from springs. Septic tanks are often

forgotten until there is a problem. However,long before the problem is discovered, areawaters may already have been negativelyaffected. Make sure to have your septic tank

inspected every two to three years and pumpedout as needed.

SinkholesMany times, sinkholes

are directly connected tothe aquifer. As a result,debris found in themcan have a significant

impact on the qualityof the water leaving thespring. Therefore, always dispose of hazardoushousehold chemicals such as industrial

cleaners, solvents, automotive fluids and paints

at an approved landfill. In addition, neverdiscard trash or debris into a sinkhole because

hazardous contaminants can seep into theunderground aquifer, our drinking water andsprings.

Storm WaterWhen properly

maintained, stormwaterponds help preventflooding and filter outpollutants before they

reach water bodies. Youcan help improve the quality of water that

Water Quality

The water quality of springs can be harmedby a variety of actions, including incorrect

fertilizing techniques, infrequent septic tankmaintenance, improper disposal of garbageand stormwater runoff.

Fertilization

Too much fertilizerapplied to landscapesseeps past the root zoneof the grass, plants or

trees and into the aquifer,or runs off into streams,lakes or bays. Use these

Florida-friendly landscaping tips to reduceimpacts when fertilizing:

Fertilize lawns, trees and plants onlyto maintain health. Dont exceed therecommended amounts on the package.

Use slow-release fertilizers that makenutrients available to plants for a longer

period of time.

Use iron instead of nitrogen if you want togreen-up your lawn during the rainy season.

Hold off on fertilizing if a heavy rain isexpected, and dont over-irrigate after

applying.

Follow the application directions on the

fertilizer package and avoid applyingfertilizer near roadways or water bodies.

Avoid weed and feed products.


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Check your irrigation system frequently to

ensure you are watering the grass or shrubs,not paved areas.

Use a shutoff nozzle on your hose that can beadjusted so that water flows only as needed.When finished, turn it off at the spigot

instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.

Avoid purchasing recreational water toys thatrequire a constant stream of water.

Everyone can help conserve water andminimize impacts to our springs. Follow thesesteps to help save water indoors:

Install low-flow fixtures.

Operate thedishwasheronly when

you have a

full load.

Turn off

water whilebrushingteeth and

shaving.

Take shorter showers 5 minutes or less.

Rinse fruit and vegetables in a bowl of waterinstead of under running water.

Consider water-efficient clothes washers anddishwashers when it is time to replace yourcurrent appliances.

Check faucets, toilets and showerheadsfor leaks.

Weeki Wachee SpringsHernando County

enters stormwater ponds and promote a

healthy environment within your communityby cleaning up litter, fertilizer, grass clippings,motor oil and pet waste before these materials

enter storm drains and flow into water bodies.Its also important to avoid cutting your lawntoo short, which reduces its ability to captureand filter water before it enters a pond.

Water Supply

Springs are supplied by underground water inthe aquifers. If too much water is withdrawnfrom the aquifer, the flow may decrease and

the springs ecosystem and the water bodies towhich they discharge can be impacted.

Typically, outdoor water use accounts for upto 50 percent

of waterconsumed byhouseholds.

Here arejust a fewsteps to helpconserve wateroutdoors:

Water grass only on your watering day and

only when you see signs of wilt. To determinewhen irrigation is needed, look for thesevisual clues: grass that appears blue-gray,

grass blades that are folded in half on atleast one-third of the site and footprints that

remain on the lawn for several minutes afterwalking on it.

Rainbow SpringsMarion County

protecting your springs

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