Springs Initiative
Florida’s springs face serious threats from rapid and continuing population
growth. Higher-density development and intensive agricultural practices have led
to ground water and spring degradation and dramatic increases in the demand for
fresh water from ground water sources. Declining water quality—particularly
increased nutrients—has been documented in most Florida springs since the 1970s,
and declining ground water levels from well pumpage are diminishing flows in
springs to the point that some no longer flow.
In an effort to restore and protect Florida's springs, the Florida Springs
Initiative (FSI) was formed in 2001 with support from the Governor and the
Florida Legislature. The FSI is coordinated by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) with the participation of a task force made up of
representatives from federal and state agencies, water management districts,
regional planning councils, local governments, universities, nongovernmental
organizations, and the business community, as well as private citizens. The
Legislature provided initial funding to the FSI of $2.5 million. As of 2006,
approximately $15 million has been received for education and outreach,
monitoring and research, land use planning and management, and regulation
activities. DEP's Ground Water Protection Section primarily manages the
monitoring and research activities.
Contact
Gary Maddox, Professional Geologist II
Springs Initiative
Phone: 850/245-2511
Fax: 850/245-8236
Email:
Gary.Maddox@dep.state.fl.us
2012 State of Florida