Artesian aquifer pushes back tannic river water in this image taken in 2014. A 2nd magnitude spring, it typically releases 6.5-65 million gallons/day. The vent is only a few yards from the Santa Fe River, and is frequently browned out when tannic river water overwhelms the spring.
Occasionally we go several months without significant rainfall, our river dries in the shallows and the aquifer looses pressure from too much pumping.
Our river, springs and aquifer are all under the management of the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) whose nine-member Governing Board is appointed by the governor. Currently, the SRWMD states we can water one day a week, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. These guidelines are voluntary and many choose to ignore these restrictions, to the great detriment of our aquifer. With increases in population and ineffective protections, we will loose our beautiful springs.
A great primer on springs is available through Florida Springs Institutes Springs 101.
OSFR President Joanne Tremblay
joanne.tremblay@oursantaferiver.org
“Giving Our River A Voice”
