Springs are windows into the aquifer, which supplies our drinking water. Many creeks go into the aquifer via sinkholes, mix with groundwater, and later emerge at springs and rivers.
Water quality, clarity, and levels have been decreasing in many of our springs. To protect springs we need to reduce nutrient loading and water use. Excess nutrients often come from fertilizers (residential and agricultural), septic systems, and wastewater treatment plants. This, coupled with reductions in flow, can trigger unhealthy algal outbreaks in waterways.
We may be contributing to the lower water levels at nearby springs when we use water to irrigate our lawns, wash our clothes and dishes, etc. This is referred to as the springshed concept. It is important for all of us to conserve water where we can.
Check out one of our local springs at Poe Springs Park
What Can You Do To Protect Springs?
- Discontinue the use of fertilizers and irrigation
- Plant native trees and bushes instead of lawns
- Conserve water by mulching plants (get some free mulch from Alachua County Solid Waste!)
- Maintain your septic system or upgrade to a nutrient reducing system
- Support the acquisition of conservation lands
- Check out this Springs Protection Brochure or Springs Friendly Landscaping Checklist for more ideas
- Get involved with the Santa Fe Springs Protection Forums (see below)
Santa Fe Springs Protection Forums
ACEPD coordinates quarterly meetings where concerned citizens, government officials, and professionals discuss the issues and solutions to protecting our local springs.
Click to see presentations and agendas.
Sinkholes
Sinkholes can introduce pollution to our groundwater. Report newly observed sinkholes to Natural Resources staff (352-264-6800) or fill out this form.
Well Permits
If you are planning on installing a well and/or a septic tank system, you must obtain a well and septic permit from the Alachua County Health Department. There are different guidelines for drilling a well in Alachua County depending on which water management district you are in; please contact the appropriate district. A well registration form must be submitted to Alachua County.
