FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2004
CONTACT: Leigh Ann Asklar, (850) 245-2112

Springs Study Expands Knowledge of Underground Waters

--Three year study protects Florida springs, drinking water supply--

TALLAHASSEE – As part of the Florida Springs Initiative, the Florida Geological Survey (FGS) released Springs of Florida, Bulletin 66 – the first in depth scientific study in nearly three decades of Florida’s ‘liquid bowls of light.’ As part of the three year analysis, scientists described nearly 200 previously undocumented Florida springs, including Sheppard Spring, tucked away in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Wakulla County.

“Gathering scientific information about Florida’s freshwater springs provides the basis for protecting our underground waters,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Preserving these unique natural resources safeguards water quality, water supply and habitat for wildlife.”

During three years of extensive research, teams of scientists photographed and described more than 450 freshwater springs. Researchers collected and analyzed water samples at more than 120 of the studied springs. The comprehensive investigation also examined land use around springs, highlighting the importance of protecting spring recharge areas to safeguard habitat and water quality.

“Springs are unparalleled resources, serving as a window into our underground water supply,” said DEP Springs Initiative Director Mike Bascom. “This new information paves the way for further study and discovery of the important roles springs play in protecting public health and the environment.”

Florida is home to one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs in the world. Established in 2001 by Governor Jeb Bush, the Florida Springs Initiative is the first comprehensive and coordinated program to increase protection for the state’s more than 700 freshwater springs. Known as “liquid bowls of light,” springs are early gauges of trends in Florida’s drinking water quality and quantity.

Over the last four years, Florida has invested $10 million to improve spring water quality and flow through research and monitoring, education and landowner assistance. Researchers completed 25 projects; including examining the effect of nutrients on springs, identifying spring recharge areas and using dye trace studies to monitor flow at Ichetucknee and Wakulla Springs.