The Hidden Crisis: Decreasing Spring Flows and Excessive Nutrients in Florida’s Springs

October 9, 2023October 9, 2023 WHF 25 Views 0 Comments

The increasing issue of decreasing spring flows and excessive nutrients in Florida’s springs is a hidden crisis that demands immediate attention. Renowned for their natural beauty and biodiversity, these springs play a vital role in Florida’s ecosystem and contribute significantly to the state’s economy through tourism. From supporting unique habitats to supplying water for human consumption and irrigation, Florida’s springs are indeed irreplaceable treasures.

Yet, beneath the sparkling surface of these waters, a hidden crisis is unfolding. Decreased spring flows mean less water is available for the diverse life forms these springs support, including us humans. On the other hand, an excess of nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, is leading to harmful algal blooms that stifle other aquatic life and degrade water quality.

This article will delve into this hidden crisis, exploring its causes, impacts, and potential solutions. Preserving the health of Florida’s springs isn’t merely an environmental concern but a vital issue for our future.

The Problem of Decreasing Spring Flows in Florida

The decrease in spring flows in Florida is a pressing environmental issue. Several factors contribute to this problem, which has significant implications for both ecosystems and human life. Let’s explore the causes behind the decreased spring flows, their impact, and specific case studies.

What Causes Decreased Spring Flows?

There are several contributing factors to the decrease in spring flows in Florida. According to David B. Struhs, the Secretary Florida Department of Environmental Protection, these include:

Groundwater withdrawals: When water is extracted from the Floridan aquifer for public and private supply and not returned, it reduces spring flows.
Pollution: Increases in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus due to the development of springsheds, excessive fertilizer use, and failing septic tanks can harm spring flows.
Declining groundwater levels: The water levels in the groundwater aquifer that sustains the springs have been declining, which leads to decreased spring flows.

The Impact on Ecosystems and Human Life

The decrease in spring flows doesn’t just affect the springs themselves — it also impacts the surrounding ecosystems and human life. As per Craig Pittman:

Ecosystem disruption: Reduced spring flows can disrupt the delicate balance of local ecosystems, affecting plant and animal life.
Water supply: Springs are a crucial source of fresh water for many communities. Reduced flows can threaten this supply.
Recreation: Many people enjoy recreational activities in and around the springs. Decreased flows can negatively affect these activities.

Case Studies: Springs in Florida Experiencing Reduced Flow

Several springs in Florida have experienced reduced flows in recent years. Based on the research by Dr. Sarah Spechler, a USGS hydrologist:

Spring Creek Springs: In 2006, Spring Creek Springs near Tallahassee abruptly reversed its flow and has never completely recovered.
Springs in north and east-central Florida: Record low rainfall over the years has led to reductions in flow from historic levels in many springs across these regions.

The Threat of Excessive Nutrients

Excessive nutrients in the water can pose a significant threat to Florida’s springs. Take a look at the sources of nutrient pollution, their consequences, and real-life examples of nutrient-affected springs.

Sources of Nutrient Pollution in Springs

Nutrient pollution in springs primarily comes from human activities. According to the Florida Springs Initiative Monitoring Network Report, these include:

Agriculture: The use of fertilizers in agriculture can lead to runoff that contaminates groundwater and springs with excess nutrients.
Wastewater and septic systems: Wastewater treatment plants and failing septic tanks can release nutrients into the environment.
Stormwater runoff: Urban stormwater runoff often carries pollutants, including nutrients, into the waterways.

Consequences of Excessive Nutrients: From Algae Blooms to Declining Biodiversity

Excessive nutrients in springs can have serious ecological consequences. Based on research by Dr. Mattson from the Fertilizer Task Force:

Algae bloom: High nutrient concentrations can promote the growth of harmful algal blooms, which can deplete oxygen levels in the water and harm aquatic life.
Loss of biodiversity: Excessive nutrients can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity.
Water quality degradation: Nutrient pollution can degrade the quality of water, making it unsafe for drinking and recreation.

Real-life Examples: Nutrient-Affected Springs in Florida

Several springs in Florida have been affected by nutrient pollution. As per the WaterMatters.org:

Wekiva Springs: The Wekiva basin has experienced high levels of nitrate in groundwater and springs due to a mix of inorganic (fertilizer) and organic (wastewater, manure) sources.
Florida’s spring systems: Nutrients found in fertilizers have caused eutrophication and nutrient pollution in many of Florida’s spring systems.

The Intersection: How Decreasing Flows and Excessive Nutrients Interact

When decreasing flows and excessive nutrients in water bodies combine, they create a complex interaction that can profoundly impact the health of aquatic ecosystems. This article will explore the “double whammy” effect of these two factors and highlight specific Florida springs where both issues are prevalent.

The Double Whammy Effect

The interplay between decreasing flows and excessive nutrients can create a series of negative effects on aquatic environments. According to Science Direct, these include:

Altered sediment dynamics: Decreased flows can affect the movement of sediments and nutrients, disrupting the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Impacted nutrient discharge: Changes in surface water-groundwater interactions due to decreased flows can affect nutrient discharge, leading to increased nutrient concentrations in the water.
Changed microbial food web dynamics: A decrease in flow velocity can modify the dynamics of microbial food webs, leading to shifts in the ecosystem.

Specific Florida Springs Where Both Issues Are Prevalent

Several springs in Florida are grappling with both decreasing flows and excessive nutrients. As per the research conducted by swfwmd, these include:

Wekiva Springs: This spring has seen high levels of nitrate due to both inorganic and organic sources, along with reduced groundwater flow.
Florida’s spring systems: Many of Florida’s springs have experienced eutrophication and nutrient pollution due to fertilizer runoff, compounded by decreased flow rates.

Current Measures to Mitigate The Crisis

In response to the environmental crisis facing Florida’s springs, several proactive measures have been implemented by both governmental and community entities. These initiatives aim to protect, conserve, and restore these vital ecosystems to ensure their sustainability for future generations.

Florida Government Initiatives for Spring Conservation

The Florida government, recognizing the ecological importance of the state’s springs, has launched several initiatives to ensure their conservation.

Outstanding Florida Springs: In 2016, the Florida Legislature identified 30 springs that require additional protection to ensure their conservation (source)
Conservation Lands Management: The government acquires and manages conservation lands around lakes, rivers, springs, wetlands, and estuaries to help protect them (source)
Funding for Conservation Programs: Since 1994, the Foundation has raised and given away more than $60 million for conservation and outdoor recreation and education programs (source)

The approach to restoring all of Florida’s springs to their original state has been systematically and holistically presented by environmental scientist Howard T. Odum.

Community Efforts in Protecting Florida’s Springs

Communities across Florida have also been actively involved in efforts to conserve the state’s springs. These initiatives often involve collaboration with non-profit organizations and residents.

Local Conservation Measures: Measures have been implemented to protect Wakulla, St. Marks, and Spring Creek Springs (source)
Non-Profit Organizations: Entities like the Florida Springs Institute, Florida Springs Council, Florida Wildlife Corridor, and Project Baseline are working to protect springs statewide (source)
National Environmental Nonprofits: The Conservation Fund has worked in all 50 states, protecting nearly 9 million acres of land and water (source)

The Nature Conservancy has a simple yet ambitious vision for conserving Florida’s freshwater: Ensuring enough clean water for people and nature.

The Clearwater Verdict: Balancing Springs and Society

The health of Florida’s springs is under considerable threat from decreasing flow rates and excessive nutrients. The interplay of these two factors creates a powerful “double whammy” effect, altering natural aquatic ecosystems and creating a crisis in these vital water bodies. However, hope is not lost. Through various government initiatives and community efforts, strides are being made to mitigate these issues and restore the springs.

The future of Florida’s springs now hinges on the balance between the needs of these springs and the demands of society. We must continue to work together, in unity, to ensure the springs’ survival for future generations to enjoy.