As the years have gone by, the population of Florida has increased to more than 19 million people*, almost 10 times the population in 1940. Between 1970 and 2010, the number of people living within the Wekiva River watershed has more than quadrupled. These population increases have been accompanied by sprawling development that has encroached upon our river basins. Changes in land use and increased recreational use of our springs have lead to alarming changes in their ecology. Excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the springs' recharge basins are carried by stormwater as it flows over lawns, gardens, pastures, farms, and golf courses. It then flows into the ground, through the soil to reach the surficial aquifer, then eventually to the aquifer. This can cause algal blooms, a decrease in the abundance of fish and native vegetation, a decline in water quality, and the unnatural growth of invasive aquatic plant species downstream. Unfortunately, the crystal-clear spring water is declining.
* 2011 Census Data
The State of Florida has made protecting our springs one of its top environmental priorities. Here at the Environmental Protection Division of Orange County, we are partnering with the Florida Park Service in pursuit of protection and restoration of these natural water systems through water use regulation, water quality management, and outreach to the people of Central Florida. Protecting our springs can start with YOU! Please check out our Protect Our Springs brochure for further information on what you can do to help our beautiful springs.
Our local springs are suffering from too much nitrogen! Nitrogen in our springs and rivers promotes algae growth and causes a decline in water quality.
More information about springs can be found on the St. Johns River Water Management District's website: https://www.sjrwmd.com/waterways/springs/
Don't Let the Green Flow Downstream!
