September 2017 Prepared by The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute
Table of Contents Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figures... v Tables... vii Acknowledgments... 1 Executive Summary... 2 Section 1.0 Regional Perspective... 1 1.1 The Suwannee River... 1 1.2 General Study Area... 6 1.2.1 Physiography... 6 1.2.2 Climate... 9 1.2.3 Human Land Uses... 10 1.3 Threats to The Middle Suwannee River and Springs... 10 Section 2.0 Description of the Middle Suwannee River Springs 13 2.1 General... 13 2.2 Lafayette County... 21 2.2.1 Allen Mill Pond Springs... 21 2.2.2 Lafayette Blue Spring... 23 2.2.3 Mearson Springs... 23 2.2.4 Owens Spring... 24 2.2.5 Ruth Spring... 25 2.2.6 Troy Spring... 26 2.2.7 Turtle Spring... 27 2.3 Suwannee County... 28 2.3.1 Branford Spring... 29 2.3.2 Ellaville Spring... 30 2.3.3 Falmouth Spring... 31 2.3.4 Little River Spring... 32 2.3.5 Running Springs... 33 2.3.6 Telford Spring... 34 i
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 3.0 Environmental Conditions in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area... 35 3.1 Climate... 35 3.2 Geology and Hydrogeology... 38 3.3 Surface Hydrology... 43 3.4 Water Quantity and Timing... 45 3.5 Water Quality... 50 3.6 Land Use... 55 3.7 Human Population... 59 3.8 General Ecology... 60 3.9 Recreational Uses... 62 Section 4.0 Summary of Existing Impairments in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area 71 4.1 Groundwater Withdrawals... 71 4.1.1 Water Use Permits... 72 4.1.2 Estimated Groundwater Use... 72 4.1.3 Groundwater Recharge... 73 4.1.4 Spring Discharge... 73 4.1.5 Inter-Basin Groundwater Transfers... 80 4.1.6 Estimated Water Budget... 80 4.2 Water Quality Degradation... 82 4.3 Groundwater Quality... 84 4.3.1 Land Use Activities Affecting Water Quality... 85 4.3.1.1 Agriculture... 85 4.3.1.2 Urbanization... 90 4.3.1.3 Non-Agricultural Industrial Point Sources... 90 4.3.2 Middle Suwannee River Nitrogen Mass Budget... 90 4.4 Summary of Impairments... 92 ii
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 5.0 Regulatory Programs for Comprehensive Protection and Restoration of the Middle Suwannee Springs Focus Area... 97 5.1 Introduction... 97 5.2 Federal and State Water Quality Regulations... 97 5.2.1 Designated Uses and Water Quality Standards... 97 5.2.2 Antidegradation Policy... 98 5.2.3 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)... 98 5.2.4 Groundwater Regulations... 98 5.2.5 Impaired Waters, TMDLs, and BMAPs... 99 5.2.5.1 Florida Impaired Waters and TMDLs... 99 5.2.5.2 Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)... 99 5.3 Water Withdrawals... 99 5.3.1 Minor Water Use Permit... 100 5.3.2 General Water Use Permit... 100 5.3.3 Individual Water Use Permit... 100 5.3.4 Obtaining a Water Use Permit... 100 5.3.5 Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) and Permitting... 101 Section 6.0 Restoration Goals and Recommendations 103 6.1 Visioning the Future for the Middle Suwannee River Springs... 103 6.2 Key Stakeholders... 103 6.2.1 Private Landowners... 103 6.2.2 Federal, State, Local Governments, and Non-Governmental Organizations... 103 6.2.3 Agricultural and Forestry Operations and Industrial, Commercial, and Development Operations... 104 6.3 Developing a Restoration Roadmap... 104 6.4 Specific Goals for Restoration and Practical Steps to Achieve Those Goals... 105 6.4.1 Water Quantity Restoration... 105 6.4.2 Water Quality Restoration... 106 6.5 Holistic Ecological Restoration... 107 iii
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 6.5.1 Education Initiatives... 107 6.5.2 Regulatory Assistance... 107 6.6 Closing Statement... 108 Section 7.0 References... 109 iv
Table of Exhibits Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figures Figure 1. Surface water basin that feeds the Suwannee River (Thom et al., 2015)... 1 Figure 2. Location of rivers and springs in the Suwannee River, the regional study areas, and the Suwannee River Water Management District boundary (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007)... 3 Figure 3. Suwannee River and Santa Fe River reaches as delineated by FDEP (Hallas and Magley, 2008)... 4 Figure 4. Estimated predevelopment map of the groundwater potentiometric surface and the extent of the entire Suwannee River Basin Springshed including the Steinhatchee, Econfina, and Aucilla Rivers (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007)... 7 Figure 5. Suwannee River springsheds and surface watersheds for the Santa Fe River and the Lower and Middle Suwannee River (based on U.S. Geological Survey potentiometric data from 2010)... 8 Figure 6. Physiographic areas in and adjacent to the Suwannee River Water Management District (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007)... 9 Figure 7. Potentiometric surface of the Floridan Aquifer in May 1980 illustrating flow lines and the approximate area of the Suwannee River Springshed lost due to regional pumping (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007)... 11 Figure 8. Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (Hallas and Magley, 2008). 14 Figure 9. Map illustrating the boundaries of the Suwannee River Water Management District and the counties adjacent to the Middle Suwannee River Springs study area.... 15 Figure 10. Surface and ground watershed basins and 2010 potentiometric surface of the Florida Aquifer for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area.... 17 Figure 11. Map showing locations of springs included in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area.... 18 Figure 12. Springs located within Lafayette County (Scott et al., 2004).... 21 Figure 13. Allen Mill Pond Springs, Lafayette County, FL. (Scott et al., 2004).... 22 Figure 14. Lafayette Blue Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 23 Figure 15. Mearson Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 24 Figure 16. Ruth Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 25 Figure 17. Troy Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 26 Figure 18. Turtle Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 27 Figure 19. Locations of springs located within Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 28 Figure 20. Branford Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 29 Figure 21. Ellaville Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 30 v
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 22. Falmouth Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004)... 31 Figure 23. Little River Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 32 Figure 24. East Running Springs, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004).... 33 Figure 25. Telford Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004)... 34 Figure 26. Mean and distribution of monthly temperature (1949 2012) at Cross City, Florida (NWS Station 82008) (Weather Warehouse undated).... 36 Figure 27. Annual rainfall totals and LOESS trend line near the Middle Suwannee River Springshed, Florida (1903-2017) (see Table 3 for station locations and period-of-records).... 37 Figure 28. 12-month rolling rainfall deficit (1998 2011) in Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD). Graph shows the difference between observed 12-month rainfall and the longterm average over the same period (SRWMD, 2011).... 39 Figure 29. Generalized geologic cross-section of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Region (WRA, 2005 adapted from Ceryak et al., 1983).... 40 Figure 30. Aquifer vulnerability within the Middle Suwannee River maximum extent study area (FGS, 2012).... 42 Figure 31. Generalized hydrogeologic conditions for the Floridan Aquifer and locations of springs (WRA, 2005).... 44 Figure 32. Annual average discharge (cfs) from six USGS gauging stations along the Middle Suwanee River from 1927 to 2017 (USGS and SRWMD data).... 46 Figure 33. Average monthly flows on the Suwannee River at Ellaville (USGS 02319500) from February 1927 to July 2017.... 47 Figure 34. Average monthly flows on the Suwannee River at Branford (USGS 02320500) from July 1931 to July 2017.... 48 Figure 35. Monthly average discharge on the Suwannee River at Ellaville and Branford from 1927 to 2017 (USGS and SRWMD data).... 49 Figure 36. Map of springs, watersheds, and dominant Florida land use and cover classifications for the entire Suwannee River Basin... 56 Figure 37. Map of land uses in the Middle Suwannee River springshed (SRWMD, 2010).... 57 Figure 38. Generalized cross sections and terrestrial plant communities of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (WRA, 2005, adapted from Lynch, 1984)... 61 Figure 39. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park from July 2005 to May 2017 (FDEP data).... 64 Figure 40. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Troy Springs State Park from March 1997 to May 2017 (FDEP data)... 65 Figure 41. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park from October 1988 to May 2017 (FDEP data).... 66 vi
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 42. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Suwannee River State Park from July 1982 to May 2017 (FDEP data)... 67 Figure 43. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Madison Blue Springs State Park from November 2004 to May 2017 (FDEP data).... 68 Figure 44. Seasonality of monthly overnight and daily human use at Middle Suwannee and North Withlacoochee River State Parks (FDEP data)... 69 Figure 45. Active consumptive use permits in the Suwannee River springshed (2015 WMD data).... 75 Figure 46. Estimated recharge within the Middle Suwannee River Springshed (Bush and Johnston, 1988)... 77 Figure 47. Time series data for Suwannee River discharge uptick between Ellaville and Branford and for annual rainfall within the Middle Suwannee River Basin.... 78 Figure 48. The relationship between total annual rainfall and increased river flow between Ellaville and Branford on the Suwannee River by decade.... 79 Figure 49. Typical nitrogen cycle in a mixed agricultural/urban landscape.... 83 Figure 50. Historic nitrate-nitrogen data from the Middle Suwannee River (Hallas and Magley, 2008)... 84 Figure 51. Map of groundwater nitrate-nitrogen concentrations for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area during the period from 2000 to 2004.... 87 Figure 52. Commercial Poultry and Dairy Farms located in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed (Source: FGS).... 89 Figure 53. Estimated 2010 land uses in the Middle Suwannee River springshed (Hansen, 2017) 91 Figure 54. Land uses in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed and PFA (Hansen, 2017).... 93 Figure 55. Septic systems, WWTFs, and confined animal feeding operations in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed and PFA (Hansen, 2017).... 94 Figure 56. Estimated Middle Suwannee River and Springshed water and nitrogen mass budgets (2007-2016).... 96 Tables Table 1. Location of springs within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Area.... 19 Table 3. Rainfall station information in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area.... 38 Table 3. Average flows (cfs) by decade at the USGS gauging stations on the Middle Suwannee River.... 45 Table 4. Water quality (STORET data) summary for the springs within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area.... 52 vii
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 5. Water quality (STORET data) summary for the river stations within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area.... 54 Table 6. Summary of land uses for the Middle Suwannee River springshed (SRWMD, 2010).... 58 Table 7. Human populations in the counties and towns surrounding the Middle Suwannee River Restoration Focus Area (2010 and 2016).... 59 Table 8. Estimated human population living in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area.... 60 Table 10. Summary human use statistics at Middle Suwannee and North Withlacoochee River Springs State Parks (FDEP data)... 63 Table 11. Estimated groundwater use by decade for the Middle Suwannee River and Springs Restoration Focus Area (Marella, USGS data).... 74 Table 12. Permitted water withdrawals requiring Water Use Permits in the Suwannee River springshed and watershed (data from SRWMD and SJRWMD).... 76 Table 13. Middle Suwannee River springs estimated nitrogen loads... 86 Table 13. Fertilizer use estimates in tons of nitrogen per year by county and for the Middle Suwannee River Springshed... 88 Table 15. Middle Suwannee River flows, nitrogen concentrations, and estimated nitrogen loads... 95 viii
Acknowledgments Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Jelks Family Foundation, Inc., and numerous private donors for preparation of this report. A work that attempts to encompass the entirety of a subject is always reliant on the work of others. This Restoration Action Plan incorporates the work of professionals from virtually every environmental research institution and agency in Florida, including the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the University of Florida (UF), and engineering and environmental consultants. Technical information relevant to this study was extracted from SRWMD Surface Water Management and Improvement (SWIM) plans for the Suwannee River, AMEC Foster Wheeler s Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) assessment for the SRWMD (AMEC 2016), from the SRWMD-funded USGS study of surface water and groundwater interactions in the Lower Suwannee River hydrologic basin by Grubbs and Crandall (2007); and from Basin Management Action Plan for the Implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads for Nutrients in the Lower and Middle Suwannee River Basin (FDEP 2016). Several selections from Thom et al. 2015 were incorporated with minor editing to add useful details. Although this report may not agree with all aspects of every prior report reviewed, continuing scientific studies by these organizations and institutions provide a valuable current and historical record that were used to develop this Middle Suwannee River Springs restoration strategy. The Florida Springs Institute accepts full responsibility for any errors or omissions in this report. ES-1
Executive Summary Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The Suwannee River is the second largest river in Florida, with a historic average flow of about 9,743 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) or 6,294 million-gallons-per-day (MGD). Arising from a surface drainage area of about 9,930 square-miles (mi²), the Suwannee s headwaters and about two-thirds of its drainage area is in Southern Georgia and the rest in North Florida. In much of the Suwannee River, flow is intimately linked to groundwater conditions. This is evident in the middle and lower reaches of the river and its main tributary, the Santa Fe River, where some of the highest concentrations of springs in Florida are located. During drought periods, the groundwater inflow that sustains these springs supplies nearly all the flow in the river. The entire springshed currently contributing groundwater flow to the Suwannee is approximately 5,249 square-miles (mi²), and includes portions of thirteen Florida counties (Hamilton, Madison, Baker, Suwannee, Union, Columbia, Bradford, Alachua, Gilchrist, Dixie, Levy, Taylor, and Lafayette 88.3%), and portions of three South Georgia counties (Echols, Lowndes, and Brooks 11.7%). This restoration plan focuses on the Middle Suwannee River and feeder springs, the reach extending approximately 54 miles from River Mile 74, at the confluence with the Santa Fe River south of Branford, and extending upstream to River Mile 128 at the river s confluence with the Withlacoochee River. The springs along the Middle Suwannee River study area receive groundwater from a 1,100 mi² springshed in North Florida and South Georgia. The Middle Suwannee River is ecologically and economically significant. Eight springs-based state and county parks, are prominent recreational draws along this stretch of the Suwannee River. The Florida Suwannee River Wilderness Trail includes the entire Middle Suwannee River reach and provides paddling and camping opportunities for the public at three river camp sites (Dowling Park, Peacock Slough, and Adams Tract). Ecological harm to the Middle Suwannee River and springs has occurred due to excessive agricultural groundwater extractions, fertilizer application, and animal waste disposal in the springshed. Regional groundwater declines also affect this portion of the Middle Suwannee through large industrial and urban withdrawals near Perry, White Springs, Jacksonville, and Gainesville. In addition to the declining spring flows feeding the Suwannee River and springs, agricultural land uses in the contributing springshed are contributing about 5,000-tons each year of nitrate-nitrogen to the underlying Floridan Aquifer. This nitrate-contaminated groundwater is the source for hundreds of artesian springs along the river. Rising nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in these springs have created eutrophic (nutrient-enriched) conditions throughout the study area and have measurably altered native plant and wildlife communities and aesthetics. Florida government efforts to conserve and protect the natural resources associated with the Middle Suwannee River and springs, include a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) evaluation for the Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers, establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for the Suwannee River and springs, and a draft Middle and Lower Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) to implement the 2008 TMDL. This BMAP is undergoing review and revision at the date of this report to fully comply with legal requirements. Prior to publication of this report there has been limited success by water managers at the Suwannee River Water Management District (WMD) and at the Florida Department of ES-2
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Environmental Protection (FDEP) to achieve comprehensive restoration of the Middle Suwannee River and springs. The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute prepared this restoration plan to focus greater attention on the causes and solutions for flow declines and nitrate contamination of the springs located in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Study Area. In quantitative terms, cost-effective restoration of the Middle Suwannee River springs will require: (1) A reduction of regional groundwater extractions by 50 percent or more as needed to restore average spring flows to 95 percent of their historic levels, and (2) A reduction of nitrogen loadings to the springshed from fertilizer and human/animal wastewater disposal by about 90 percent to achieve the springs nitrate numerical standard of 0.35 mg/l. The preliminary water quantity restoration goal for the Middle Suwannee River and springs is to reduce groundwater pumping throughout the Suwannee River Springshed by 10 MGD. In addition, another 50 MGD of reduced pumping will need to occur regionally. These reductions should be based on a springshed-wide assessment of groundwater use priorities. The FDEP target for average nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in the Middle Suwannee River springs is 0.35 mg/l. Total nitrogen loading to the springshed was estimated by FDEP to be about 15,258 tons-per-year, with about 2,000 tons-per-year reaching the groundwater in the Floridan Aquifer and discharging from the springs. The 90 percent total nitrogen reduction goal for applied agricultural fertilizer equates to a reduction of nitrogen fertilizers of about 5,640 tons-peryear and for livestock wastewater pollution of about 5,550 tons-per-year. In summary, this Middle Suwannee Springs Restoration Plan provides realistic but stringent groundwater pumping and nitrogen reduction measures, regardless of whether they adversely affect agriculture or urban land use practices. Restoration described above will require significant changes to business as usual, and will require a shift from focusing on short-term needs of individuals and businesses, to taking a longer view for conservation and protection of clean and abundant groundwater for the public welfare into the future. ES-3
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 1.0 Regional Perspective 1.1 The Suwannee River The Suwannee River is the second largest river in Florida, based on a historic mean downstream flow at Wilcox of about 9,743 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) or 6,294 million-gallons-per-day (MGD). Arising from a surface drainage area of about 9,930 square-miles (mi 2 ), the Suwannee s headwaters and about two-thirds of its drainage area is in southern Georgia and the rest in north Florida (Figure 1). Figure 1. Surface water basin that feeds the Suwannee River (Thom et al., 2015) 1
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The Suwannee River originates in the Okefenokee Swamp located in southeast Georgia. The principal tributaries to the Suwannee River in Florida from upstream to downstream are the Alapaha River, Withlacoochee River, and Santa Fe River. The Santa Fe River is the largest tributary based on average flow. The Suwannee River discharges to the Gulf of Mexico near the town of Suwannee. Streams in the upper portions of the Suwannee and Santa Fe river basins are characterized by black- or tea-colored water. Tannic compounds dissolved in the water are principally derived from forested or marshy wetlands. Tannins are complex organic compounds derived from decomposing leaves and peat and are readily dissolved in surface water under flooded conditions. Since black-water streams typically receive most of their water from rainfall, they have few dissolved and suspended solids except for the tannic acids that result in low ph. Spring discharges strongly influence the middle and lower portions of the Suwannee River Basin, with some entirely spring-fed tertiary tributaries such as the Ichetucknee River. This tributary is cool (a constant 72 F) and clear; however, the main stem of the Suwannee River retains the characteristics of a black-water river system, especially during periods of high flows. The Withlacoochee is the only river in the Georgia portion of the Suwannee River Basin that is not a typical black-water river. It is characterized by steep limestone banks and rocky shoals and during moderate to low flows is primarily spring-fed, but during high flows it also receives some tannic water from adjacent swamplands in Georgia (GAEPD, 2002). In much of the Suwannee River, the flow is intimately linked to groundwater conditions. This is evident in the middle and lower reaches of the river and its main tributary, the Santa Fe River, where some of the highest concentrations of springs in Florida are found (Figure 2). The groundwater inflow that sustains these springs accounts for a significant fraction of the average annual flow of the Suwannee River and supplies nearly all the flow in the river, during periods of low flow in the drier seasons and during droughts. Per the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Suwannee River has six distinct zones or reaches (Figure 3) as it travels from the Florida/Georgia border to the Gulf Coast of Florida (Hallas and Magley, 2008): Reach 1. Upper River Blackwater Reach 2. Cody Scarp Transitional Reach 3. Middle River Calcareous Reach 4. Lower River Calcareous Reach 5. Tidal Riverine Reach 6. Estuarine 2
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 2. Location of rivers and springs in the Suwannee River, the regional study areas, and the Suwannee River Water Management District boundary (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007) 3
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 3. Suwannee River and Santa Fe River reaches as delineated by FDEP (Hallas and Magley, 2008) 4
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The Suwannee River transitions from a rainfall- and surface-water, runoff-dominated river above Big Shoals where it comes off the Cody Escarpment (Scarp), a relic geological terrace to a more transparent, carbonate-dominated river on the karst lowland plain. As the river enters Reach 3 at White Springs, it begins to pick up increasing quantities of artesian spring flow. The pre-development groundwater basin that fed the entire Suwannee River (including inputs from the Santa Fe and Withlacoochee rivers) is illustrated in Figure 4. The 2010 springshed just for the Suwannee River and major tributaries is illustrated in Figure 5. This groundwater input has a very different water quality than the surface runoff typical of the upper reaches, in that it has high light transparency and dissolved calcium carbonate. Reach 3 ends just above the confluence of the Suwannee and Santa Fe rivers. The Santa Fe River is the largest tributary to the Suwannee with an average historic daily flow of nearly 2,000 cfs (1,300 MGD), a surface water drainage basin of almost 1,400 mi 2, and a historic springshed of about 2,000 mi 2 (FSI, 2011). The Suwannee River derives water from rainfall that falls in southeast Georgia and north central Florida. The area of land that provides groundwater recharge to the springs along the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers is illustrated in Figure 1 based on a 2010 map of the Floridan Aquifer potentiometric surface. Figure 1 also illustrates four major groundwater divisions in the Suwannee River drainage: Upper Suwannee Group 1,753 sq. mi. Middle Suwannee Group 882 sq. mi. Lower Suwannee Group 590 sq. mi. Santa Fe Group 2,024 sq. mi. A large portion of the Suwannee River Springshed extends into the region north of the Cody Scarp, an erosional boundary feature that marks the southern edge of the Hawthorn Group, which includes lower-permeability sediments that act as a confining layer. This area contains relatively impermeable soils associated with the Hawthorn Group, and as a result, a significant fraction of rainfall runs off as surface flow into lakes and streams, rather than infiltrating through the soil and into the Floridan Aquifer. Most of the lakes in the Lakes region are formed in sinkholes that have breached the confining unit, and the closed depressions formed by these sinkholes act as points of recharge to the underlying Floridan Aquifer. The entire springshed currently contributing groundwater flow to the Suwannee is approximately 5,249 square-miles (mi 2 ), and includes portions of thirteen Florida counties (Hamilton, Madison, Baker, Suwannee, Union, Columbia, Bradford, Alachua, Gilchrist, Dixie, Levy, Taylor, and Lafayette 4,636 mi 2 or 88.3%) and portions of three South Georgia counties (Echols, Lowndes, and Brooks 613 mi 2 or 11.7%). There is considerable variability in the estimation of the absolute area of any springshed due to the density of wells used to map the groundwater potentiometric surface and the normal yearto-year variation in hydrologic conditions. The pre-development springshed for the Suwannee River Basin estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) covered an area of about 6,635 mi 2 (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007). It should be kept in mind that comprehensive restoration of the springs on the Suwannee River will require significant land use changes in a large region of North Florida and South Georgia. 5
1.2 General Study Area Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan This restoration plan focuses on the Middle Suwannee River and feeder springs, the reach spans approximately 54 miles beginning at River Mile 74, downstream from the confluence with the Santa Fe River, south of Branford and extending upstream to River Mile 128 at the river s confluence with the Withlacoochee River. This study area includes FDEP s Reaches 2 and 3 (Cody Scarp Transitional and Middle River Calcareous). There are 103 recorded spring inputs to the Middle Suwannee River (FDEP, 2017). 1.2.1 Physiography All of Florida lies within the Coastal Plain physiographic province. There are three major physiographic divisions within or adjacent to the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area: Northern Highlands, Central Highlands, and Gulf Coastal Lowlands (Puri and Vernon, 1964). The Gulf Coastal Lowlands make up most of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (Figure 6). The Gulf Coastal Lowlands is a region of terraces and ancient shorelines that slope gently from the Northern Highlands and Central Highlands toward the coast. Relict barrier islands that form sand ridges, such as Bell Ridge, and that are commonly underlain by karst limestone are present in the Gulf Coastal Lowlands (Puri et al., 1967). Limestone is at or near the land surface over much of this area and karst topographic features are common. Other features of the Gulf Coastal Lowlands include: (1) extensive areas of poorly drained swamps and wet-pine flatwoods; (2) Lower Suwannee River and Lower Santa Fe River valleys, which apart from the two main rivers and the numerous springs that feed them (Figure 2), are nearly devoid of surface drainage; and (3) coastal areas that are drained by a network of sluggish streams, coastal swamps, and salt marshes. The boundary between the Northern Highlands and Gulf Coastal Lowlands is defined by the Cody Scarp, which is the most persistent topographic break or escarpment in Florida (Puri and Vernon, 1964). This escarpment is also approximately coincident with the boundary between confined and unconfined areas of the Upper Floridan Aquifer (Miller, 1986). Many of the streams draining the Northern Highlands are captured by sinkholes near the margins of the Northern Highlands and reemerge below the Cody Scarp (Ceryak et al., 1983). Two prominent examples of stream capture and reemergence occur near the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. The first is the Santa Fe River, which drains into a sinkhole at O Leno State Park and reemerges about 3 miles southwest of the sinkhole at the Santa Fe River Rise (Figure 2). The second example is the spring-fed Ichetucknee River (Figure 2), which occurs at the downstream end of a relic drainage way (Ichetucknee Trace). Intermittent runoff from two ephemeral streams (Clay Hole Creek and Rose Creek) flows into two large sinkholes within this drainage way, about 7 to 9 miles northeast of the Ichetucknee River Springs Group (Figure 2). 6
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 4. Estimated predevelopment map of the groundwater potentiometric surface and the extent of the entire Suwannee River Basin Springshed including the Steinhatchee, Econfina, and Aucilla Rivers (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007) 7
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Area Sq. Miles Watershed Santa Fe 1,383 Lower Suwannee 1,580 Springshed Santa Fe Group 2,024 Upper Suwannee Group 1,608 Middle Suwannee Group 1,027 Lower Suwannee Group 590 Maximim Extent Middle Suwannee (Max Extent) 1,100 Figure 5. Suwannee River springsheds and surface watersheds for the Santa Fe River and the Lower and Middle Suwannee River (based on U.S. Geological Survey potentiometric data from 2010) 8
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 6. Physiographic areas in and adjacent to the Suwannee River Water Management District (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007) 1.2.2 Climate The climate of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area is humid subtropical (Thom et al., 2015). Monthly average temperatures typically range from 54 to 57 F in the winter and from 79 to 91 F in the summer. Average annual precipitation ranges from about 51 to 59 9
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan inches-per-year, with about half of this amount typically occurring from June to September. Summer precipitation is generally associated with localized thunderstorm activity that can produce intense rainfall. Winter precipitation is generally associated with the passage of cold fronts and is more evenly distributed geographically. Average-annual evapotranspiration estimates in the SRWMD range from about 35 to 41 inches-per-year (Bush and Johnston, 1988). 1.2.3 Human Land Uses Most of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area is sparsely populated. The most densely populated areas in 2014 were the towns of Live Oak (6,969), Mayo (1,251), and Branford (723). Primary economic activities in the study area are silviculture, the manufacture of forest products, and agriculture. Accordingly, forest and agricultural lands account for most of the land use in the study area, although natural wetlands also cover a large part of the study area. Agricultural land use is found in the better-drained areas of eastern Lafayette, eastern Dixie, Gilchrist, northeastern and northwestern Levy County, southern Suwannee, southern Columbia, and western Alachua Counties. 1.3 Threats to The Middle Suwannee River and Springs Historically, flows at the downstream gauging station on the Suwannee River at Wilcox (near Fanning Springs) averaged more than 50% artesian groundwater, technically classifying the river as a spring run. Over the past 50 years, the springs that feed the Suwannee River and tributaries have been losing flow due to groundwater withdrawals, both within the boundaries of the SRWMD, and due to aquifer withdrawals to the east and northeast in the coastal area from Jacksonville north to Brunswick, Georgia (see Figure 7 from Grubbs and Crandall 2007). In addition to the ecological harm created by reductions in clear baseflows, the Suwannee River has become one of the most polluted natural water bodies in Florida due to rising concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen (Katz et al., 2005; FSI, 2016). This pollution is largely the result of agricultural fertilizer and animal wastewater nitrogen loading on the unconfined, karst areas that recharge the Floridan Aquifer. The nitrate-contaminated groundwater in the Floridan Aquifer, in turn, is the water source for hundreds of artesian springs along the river. Rising nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in the springs and river have created eutrophic (nutrient-enriched) conditions throughout the springs and river water columns and have measurably altered native plant and wildlife communities and aesthetics (Hallas and Magley, 2008; FDEP, 2016). The Middle Suwannee River is ecologically and economically significant. Four springs-based state parks, Suwannee River State Park (1,800 acres), Troy Spring State Park (84 acres), Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park (733 acres), and Lafayette Blue Springs State Park (702 acres), are prominent recreational draws along this stretch of the Suwannee River. The Twin Rivers State Forest covers much of the area west of the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Suwannee rivers, including Anderson Spring. In addition, several county-owned parks are focused on springs, including Charles Spring Park, Royal Springs Park, Little River Springs Park, and the Ivey Memorial Park near Branford Spring. The Florida Suwannee River Wilderness Trail includes the entire Middle Suwannee River reach and provides paddling and camping opportunities for the public at three river camp sites (Dowling Park, Peacock Slough, and Adams Tract). 10
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 7. Potentiometric surface of the Floridan Aquifer in May 1980 illustrating flow lines and the approximate area of the Suwannee River Springshed lost due to regional pumping (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007) State efforts to provide protection to this segment of the Suwannee River have been ongoing. The SRWMD Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program for the entire Suwanee River has been in place since 1988. These plans outlined the SRWMD s strategy to protect the general good historic water quality and high fish and wildlife habitat values of the river system. An initial priority need that was recognized was the establishment of an ongoing monitoring network for land cover, water quality, and the river system s biota. Originally, the two top priority water bodies in the SRWMD were the Upper and Lower Suwannee River. The Upper Suwannee River was defined as the entire river and tributary system upstream of the North Withlacoochee River. The Lower Suwannee River included the river downstream of the confluence with the North Withlacoochee River (including the Middle Suwannee River as defined in this restoration plan). These segments were combined for the 1990 SWIM Priority List. An updated Suwannee River SWIM Plan was published in 1991 (SRWMD, 11
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 1991). The 1991 SWIM plan restated the issues originally identified in 1988. These areas of concern were the quantity and quality of the waters in the river. Water quantity was found to be declining due to excessive groundwater withdrawals, and excessive nitrate concentrations were evident in springs feeding the river. This nitrate was considered a threat, not only to the biota dependent on the river s water quality but also to public water supplies dependent on water from the Floridan Aquifer System. The 1991 SWIM plan indicated limited success with achieving the planning goals due to funding and staff resource constraints. In 2015, the SRWMD pursued and was awarded a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to update and develop two comprehensive SWIM Plans for the Suwannee River Basin and Coastal Rivers Basin. The new SWIM Plans are currently being developed and are scheduled for completion in 2017. Additional state activities to conserve and protect the natural resources associated with the Suwannee River in Florida, include a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) evaluation for the Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers (Hallas and Magley, 2008); an establishment of minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for the nearby Lower Suwannee River (WRA, 2005) and for the Upper and Middle Suwannee River (AMEC, 2016); and the Middle and Lower Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) to implement the 2008 TMDL (FDEP, 2016). The Middle and Lower Suwannee River BMAP was not implemented in June 2016 due to the threat of an administrative challenge. The BMAP is still undergoing review and revision at the date of this report to fully comply with legal requirements. Additional efforts to improve the BMAP are described in FDEP (2017). The Upper and Middle Suwannee River and Springs MFLs are also currently under administrative challenge. Prior to publication of this report, there has been limited success by water managers at the SRWMD or at FDEP to assemble and follow-through with the comprehensive restoration of the Middle Suwannee River and springs. In response to this failure of the state s water management agencies, the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute prepared this restoration plan to focus attention on the causes and solutions for flow declines and nitrate contamination of the springs located in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Study Area. 12
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 2.0 Description of the Middle Suwannee River Springs 2.1 General The Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area includes the Suwannee River and all tributary springs from its confluence with the Santa Fe River upstream to its confluence with the North Withlacoochee River (Figure 8). This segment of the Suwannee River is about 54 miles in length. The closest upstream gauging station on the Suwannee River is located at Suwannee River State Park, about 0.1-miles downstream of the confluence of the Suwannee and North Withlacoochee Rivers. The dominant hydrological and water quality influences on the Middle Suwannee River are the inputs of surface water from the Upper Suwannee River arising in Georgia and Florida from the Okefenokee Swamp, and the entire North Withlacoochee River drainage in Georgia and Florida, and from at least 103 springs and spring runs. The Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area is entirely within the boundaries of the SRWMD (Figure 9). Counties that bound this river reach include Madison and Lafayette on the west side of the river and Suwannee County on the east side of the river. These counties have a combined total area of 1,923 square-miles (mi 2 ) or 1.23-million acres. The springshed and watershed for the Middle Suwannee also include small portions of Taylor and Columbia counties. The surface watershed and groundwater springshed that feed water to this river segment are illustrated in Figure 10. The Middle Suwannee River and underlying Upper Floridan Aquifer are an important water resource in this region of Florida. Freshwater flow from the Middle Suwannee River helps maintain the proper balance of freshwater and saltwater that sustains estuarine life in the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Lower Suwannee River and mitigates salt water intrusion upstream in the Lower Suwannee River National Wildlife Refuge. The river also provides numerous recreational opportunities and important aesthetic benefits to the region. Groundwater from the Upper Floridan Aquifer supplies all the water for drinking, irrigation, and commercial uses in the Middle Suwannee River Basin. The flow of water in the Middle Suwannee River and its springs depends on the groundwater level in the contiguous Upper Floridan Aquifer (Upchurch et al., 2005). When groundwater levels are high relative to the river stage, groundwater inflow rates to the river are also high and flow in the river is sustained. As groundwater levels decline relative to river stages, groundwater inflow to the river declines and the flow in the river declines accordingly. Groundwater levels depend on several factors including rainfall that recharges the aquifer, the amount of groundwater that is consumed for various human uses, and the river stage (for locations close enough to the river). Because of these linkages between the river and the Upper Floridan Aquifer, a good understanding of their hydraulic interaction and the corresponding hydraulic and hydrologic characteristics is essential for managing water in the Middle Suwannee River Basin and assessing the potential consequences of intensive water development projects on stream flows. 13
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 8. Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (Hallas and Magley, 2008) 14
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 9. Map illustrating the boundaries of the Suwannee River Water Management District and the counties adjacent to the Middle Suwannee River Springs study area. Much of the hydrology of the Middle Suwannee River is influenced by groundwater discharge from numerous springs fed by the Floridan Aquifer System. Discharge from springs is substantial and is the primary source for baseflow in the middle and lower basins (Pittman et al., 1997). There are an estimated 237 springs in the overall region of hydrological influence. This is likely the highest density of artesian springs in the world (UFL et al., 2004; FDEP, 2013a). Among those, there are 15 first-magnitude springs (flow 100 cfs or 65 MGD). Below White Springs, Florida, spring discharge alone historically sustained the river flows (Hornsby and Ceryak, 1998a). Overall, the contribution from springs in the middle and lower portions of the river produce higher and less variable flows than expected from a system supplied solely by surface discharge (Schneider et al., 2008). There are also submarine springs and seeps 15
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan in the downstream Suwannee River Estuary which are evident from elevated radium concentrations there and in offshore waters (Katz and Raabe, 2005). Also, indicative are the temperature anomalies in the river and tidal creeks; thought to result from aquifer discharge, which is a constant 72 F (Raabe and Bialkowska-Jelinska, 2007). In 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the SRWMD, initiated a study to evaluate the groundwater and surface-water interactions between the Middle Suwannee River and the contiguous Upper Floridan Aquifer (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007). The specific objectives of the USGS study were twofold. The first objective was to integrate historic and current groundand surface-water data to characterize the hydrology of the river and aquifer and their interaction. Development of a hydrologic model of the river and aquifer systems was an essential element of this integration. The second objective was to use this model to assess the effects of future water-withdrawal scenarios on streamflow. The Grubbs and Crandall (2007) study area covered about 2,300 mi 2 in northern peninsular Florida (Figure 4), and included the entire Suwannee River, the Aucilla and Wacissa rivers, and the lowest 28 miles of the Santa Fe River from U.S. Highway 441 near High Springs to the mouth of the river at its confluence with the Suwannee River (defined here as the Lower Santa Fe River). The Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area includes a surface watershed basin of about 1,100 mi 2. The groundwater or springshed for this portion of the Suwannee River is about 657,280 acres. The combined area of the overlapping surface and ground watersheds is 704,000 acres (Figure 10). The FDEP has documented 75 springs or spring groups within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (Figure 11, Table 1, and Appendix A). The number of recorded springs by county located adjacent to the Middle Suwannee River are: Lafayette 28 Madison 7 Suwannee 40 Three of these springs are recorded as first-magnitude: Falmouth, Lafayette Blue, and Troy. Limited physical data are available for the springs along the Middle Suwannee River. Existing descriptive information are summarized by spring in the following sections. 16
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 10. Surface and ground watershed basins and 2010 potentiometric surface of the Florida Aquifer for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. 17
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Withlacochee River Figure 11. Map showing locations of springs included in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. 18
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 1. Location of springs within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Area. NAME MAGNITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE FALMOUTH SPRING (SUWANNEE) 1 30.361163-83.134992 LAFAYETTE BLUE SPRING (LAFAYETTE) 1 30.125834-83.226133 TROY SPRING (LAFAYETTE) 1 30.006026-82.997503 ANDERSON SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.35341-83.189726 BATHTUB SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.091726-83.098337 BONNET SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.124323-83.138183 BRANFORD SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 29.954868-82.928409 BRANTLEY SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.008283-82.986518 CHARLES SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.167364-83.230353 ELLAVILLE SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.384466-83.172505 FARA SPRING (MADISON) 2 30.276233-83.235819 LAF718971 (LAFAYETTE) 2 29.959476-82.953317 LAF718972 (LAFAYETTE) 2 30.011627-83.004261 LAF924971 (LAFAYETTE) 2 30.102211-83.166108 LAF929973 (LAFAYETTE) 2 30.18001-83.247742 LITTLE RIVER SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 29.996864-82.966318 MEARSON SPRING (LAFAYETTE) 2 30.041343-83.025028 ORANGE GROVE SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.12726-83.130763 OWENS SPRING (LAFAYETTE) 2 30.045942-83.04113 PEACOCK SPRINGS (SUWANNEE) 2 30.123226-83.133154 PEACOCK SPRINGS #2 (SUWANNEE) 2 30.12189-83.132357 PEACOCK STATE PARK KARST WINDOW (SUWANNEE) 2 30.13-83.135278 PERRY SPRING (LAFAYETTE) 2 30.096407-83.18825 ROYAL SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.083712-83.07478 RUNNING SPRINGS #1 (SUWANNEE) 2 30.104464-83.115923 RUNNING SPRINGS #2 (SUWANNEE) 2 30.103889-83.115556 SHINGLE SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 29.934393-82.920451 SUWANNEE BLUE SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.081472-83.069021 TELFORD SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.10705-83.165739 THOMAS SPRING (SUWANNEE) 2 30.14455-83.2304 ALLEN MILL POND SPRINGS (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.162841-83.243071 CONVICT SPRING (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.08834-83.095967 HIDDEN SPRING (SUWANNEE) 3 30.102604-83.113999 LAF1024001 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.007517-82.982251 LAF57981 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.090469-83.108773 LAF57982 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.061176-83.05737 LAF919972 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.092147-83.113354 LAF922975 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.261166-83.246583 LAF922976 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.260571-83.249684 LAF929971 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.21128-83.245401 LAF929972 (LAFAYETTE) 3 30.190095-83.250419 19
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 1 cont. Location of springs within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Area (cont.). NAME MAGNITUDE LATITUDE LONGITUDE LAF93971 (LAFAYETTE) 3 29.961355-82.954587 LURAVILLE SPRING (SUWANNEE) 3 30.119556-83.167125 PEACOCK SPRINGS #1 (SUWANNEE) 3 30.122294-83.132494 RUTH SPRING (LAFAYETTE) 3 29.995773-82.976806 SHIRLEY SPRING (SUWANNEE) 3 30.211008-83.244819 SUW718971 (SUWANNEE) 3 30.064046-83.061997 SUW725971 (SUWANNEE) 3 30.062015-83.057306 SUW919971 (SUWANNEE) 3 30.083636-83.087057 SUW919973 (SUWANNEE) 3 30.102567-83.114263 SUW922971 (SUWANNEE) 3 30.285747-83.231028 SUW922973 (SUWANNEE) 3 30.313219-83.209808 LAF710981 (LAFAYETTE) 4 30.0451-83.033864 LAF919971 (LAFAYETTE) 4 30.103216-83.147647 LAF922977 (LAFAYETTE) 4 30.259687-83.251501 LAF924972 (LAFAYETTE) 4 30.104804-83.203915 MAD922971 (MADISON) 4 30.306715-83.214893 MAD922972 (MADISON) 4 30.303426-83.222442 MAD922973 (MADISON) 4 30.302372-83.224816 MAD922974 (MADISON) 4 30.302297-83.224948 MAD922975 (MADISON) 4 30.293509-83.232557 MAD922976 (MADISON) 4 30.282478-83.232652 SUW106971 (SUWANNEE) 4 30.032682-83.013506 SUW919972 (SUWANNEE) 4 30.090891-83.09735 SUW919974 (SUWANNEE) 4 30.105368-83.121318 SUW922972 (SUWANNEE) 4 30.312889-83.209752 SUW922974 (SUWANNEE) 4 30.313385-83.209855 BAPTIZING SPRING (SUWANNEE) --- 30.133863-83.134156 COW SPRING (SUWANNEE) --- 30.105283-83.113808 LAF721001 (LAFAYETTE) --- 30.114306-83.226639 LAF721002 (LAFAYETTE) --- 30.106806-83.106806 ORANGE GROVE SINK (SUWANNEE) --- 30.122478-83.131986 PUMP SPRING (SUWANNEE) --- 30.138789-83.135271 WALKER SPRING (SUWANNEE) --- 30.133513-83.129786 20
2.2 Lafayette County Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Lafayette County has 27 recorded springs or spring groups (Table 1). The locations for 18 of these springs located along the west bank of the Middle Suwannee River are shown in Figure 12. Figure 12. Springs located within Lafayette County (Scott et al., 2004). 2.2.1 Allen Mill Pond Springs Allen Mill Pond Springs (Figure 13) is located on SRWMD land approximately 8.5 miles (14 km) northwest of Mayo. The springs are on the west side of the Suwannee River at the head of Allen Mill Pond. At least three spring vents occupy an elongated limestone fissure that spans 186 ft. (56.7 m) east to west. The vent is a 2.5 ft. (0.8 m) diameter hole in exposed limestone and has a 21
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan maximum depth of 8.6 ft. (2.6 m). The fissure reaches a maximum width of approximately 40 ft. (12.2 m). The banks are exposed limestone. The bottom is dark due to organic debris. The entire elongated spring pool was covered with a thick layer of duckweed in July 2002. Water quality was sampled from the westernmost spring vent in the fissure system. The sampled spring pool is estimated to be 15 ft. (4.6 m) east to west and 8 ft. (2.4 m) north to south. The depth of the sampled vent is estimated at 8 ft. (2.4 m). Allen Mill Pond Springs discharge southeastward from the east end of the fissure through a shallow run that averages about 1 ft. (0.3 m) deep and 40 ft. (12.2 m) wide. The spring run flows over scalloped limestone and rippled sand. There is an abundance of aquatic vegetation including exotic plant species. The spring water is clear. There is a thick algal covering on limestone. Several additional springs feed the upper part of Allen Mill Pond Springs Run. Approximately 100 ft. (30.5 m) downstream from the head springs, on the west side of the spring channel, a small spring discharges vertically near the bank. A small vent producing a slight boil also is present out in the middle of the shallow stream channel 20 ft. (6.1 m) to the east. Continuing downstream about 100-feet (31 m) farther another smaller spring run that is approximately 80 ft. (24.4 m) long feeds in from the east side. At its head is a small spring that has a pool measuring 15 ft. (4.6 m) in diameter. From this point, Allen Mill Pond Springs Run continues to flow southeast another 0.6-miles (1.0 km) into the Suwannee River. The spring and spring run are within the heavily forested SRWMD land. A public access area is located on the west side of the lower part of the spring run. Figure 13. Allen Mill Pond Springs, Lafayette County, FL. (Scott et al., 2004). 22
2.2.2 Lafayette Blue Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Lafayette Blue Spring (Figure 14) is located 7-miles (11.3 km) northwest of Mayo on the west side of the Suwannee River. Lafayette Blue Spring discharges from a single horizontal vent on the south side of the sink depression. The spring pool measures 57 ft. (17.4 m) north to south and 102 ft. (31.1 m) east to west. Spring depth measures 21 ft. (6.4 m). The water is clear and light bluish green. Algae are very thick on limestone and sand substrates within the spring pool and run. The spring run flows east approximately 300 ft. (91.4 m) before reaching the Suwannee River. Clear water from the spring contrasts sharply with the tannin-colored water of the river. Limestone outcrops throughout the spring pool and run. A 20 ft. (6.1 m) wide land-bridge stretches north to south across the spring run approximately 120 ft. (36.6 m) east of the vent. There is a narrow band of a few cypress trees near the spring run. The spring pool is steep sided with limestone and sand. The adjacent high ground is approximately 20 ft. (6.1 m) above the water level, and it is sparsely forested with a few pines and oaks. Several sink holes and karst windows are present in the woods west of the main spring. This spring is developed into a state park with a camping area, boat ramp, and other facilities. Figure 14. Lafayette Blue Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 2.2.3 Mearson Springs Mearson Springs (Figure 15) is located approximately 9-miles (14.5 km) east of Mayo along the southwest bank of the Suwannee River. Mearson Springs occupy a southwest to northeasttrending cove surrounded by high banks along the southwest bank of the Suwannee River. Mearson Springs pool, which has three vents, measures 75 ft. (22.9 m) southwest to northeast and 23
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 51 ft. (15.5 m) southeast to northwest. The largest spring vent is southernmost, where a cavern opens beneath a limestone shelf. The depth over the largest spring measures 11.8 ft. (3.6 m). The bottom is limestone and varying amounts of sand. Spring water is clear and slightly green, contrasting with the dark water of the Suwannee River. There are thick patches of algae but little to no other aquatic vegetation. Three springs producing prominent boils are oriented linearly along a 30 ft. (9.1 m) long, north-south trending limestone fissure. On the southwest side, a wooden boardwalk and stairs lead down into the spring from the 15 to 25 ft. (4.6 7.6 m) high banks. The short spring run discharges northeast about 30 ft. (9.1 m) into the river. The land around the spring is privately owned and forested adjacent to the spring. Bare limestone and sand banks that are typically underwater were exposed during the April 2002 visit due to extremely low river levels. The adjacent river banks are composed of scalloped limestone, shell marl, and sand. The spring is surrounded by private land and is used locally for swimming. Figure 15. Mearson Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 2.2.4 Owens Spring Owens Spring is located on SRWMD land about 8-miles (12.9 km) east of Mayo. Owens Spring pool measures 114 ft. (34.7 m) north to south and 87 ft. (26.5 m) east to west. The pool is shallow, less than 8 ft. (2.4 m) deep except in the deepest area of the vent where it measures 31.3 ft. (9.5 m) deep. The vent lies beneath a submerged limestone ledge on the southwest side of the pool. The water is clear bluish to slightly tannic. There is very little aquatic vegetation and the bottom is mainly rock and sand. There are thick patches of dark green filamentous algae covering more than half of the pool bottom. Owens Spring has steep limestone and sand banks. Its west and north banks rise vertically to approximately 20 ft. (6.1 m) higher than the water surface. In July 24
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 2002, the spring had a short run with steep sandy banks. It flowed approximately 125 ft. (38.1 m) northeast into a siphon. Also, the spring was barely flowing, crystal clear, and had an average depth of than 1 ft. (0.3 m). During a prior visit in March 2002, the water level was approximately 5 ft. (1.5 m) higher, flowing swiftly, and was slightly tannic. At higher water levels, Owens Spring flows overland through a lowland corridor leading to the Suwannee River. 2.2.5 Ruth Spring Ruth Spring (Figure 16) is located 4-miles (6.5 km) northwest of Branford within the SRWMD Troy Spring Conservation Area. Ruth Spring pool measures 75 ft. (22.9 m) in diameter north to south and 51 ft. (15.5 m) east to west. The vent is located beneath a limestone ledge on the west side of the pool, where the depth measured 5.9 ft. (1.8 m). There is a wooden erosion control wall built along the west side of the depression approximately 3 ft. (0.9 m) higher than the spring water level at the time of the visit. The bottom of the spring pool is mainly exposed sand. Limestone outcrops around the pool edge. The water is clear, with a slightly greenish hue and a small boil present on the pool surface near the vent. There is very little aquatic vegetation and algae. The shallow, sand-bottomed spring run travels eastward approximately 550 ft. (167.6 m) and flows into the Suwannee River. On the south and west sides of the spring, the land rises steeply to approximately 20 ft. (6.1 m) above the lowlands that contain the spring and its run. All lowlands and adjacent uplands are forested. There is a dirt access road and small parking area near the west side of the spring. Ruth Spring also is locally known as Sulfur Spring. Local swimmers reported that the spring often has a slight hydrogen sulfide odor, but this was not the case in March 2002. The spring is undeveloped, open to the public, and is a popular local swimming area. Figure 16. Ruth Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 25
2.2.6 Troy Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Troy Spring (Figure 17) is located within Troy Spring State Park, 5.5-miles (8.8 km) northwest of Branford. Troy Spring issues from a depression with vertical limestone walls. The pool diameter measures 138 ft. (42.1 m) north to south and 118 ft. (36 m) east to west. The pool depth is 61 ft. (18.6 m). The spring run is about 325 ft. (99 m) long and flows in a straight path eastward to the Suwannee River. A thick layer of dark green filamentous algae covers nearly all aquatic substrates. There is little to no other aquatic or emergent vegetation. Water color is clear and greenish. Limestone is exposed around the spring pool and has a scalloped appearance. High ground surrounds the spring and rises to approximately 18 ft. (5.5 m) above the water surface. The uplands are generally forested with pines and hardwoods. The Springs Fever website notes that located at the lower end of the run are the keel timbers/ribs of the 19th-century steamship, Madison, which was purposely sunk in the run during the Civil War to prevent it from falling into Union hands. The ribs resemble railroad ties. There is a nearby cabin to the south. An underwater cave system has been mapped at Troy Spring. Troy Spring has been developed with a parking area, restrooms, a cement and wooden ramp leading down to the spring, and a wooden deck surrounding the spring. Troy Spring is a swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving hotspot. Figure 17. Troy Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 26
2.2.7 Turtle Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Turtle Spring (Figure 18) is located 8-miles (13 km) southeast of Branford on the west side of the Suwannee River. Turtle Spring pool measures 30 ft. (9.1 m) north to south and 66 ft. (20.1 m) east to west. The depth over the spring vent is 21.4 ft. (6.5 m). The vent is an elongated fracture beneath a limestone ledge. The spring pool bottom is sand and limestone. The spring water is clear and greenish. There was a small boil in the center of the pool during May 2002. Algae are abundant on both rock and sand substrates. Several downed logs are inundated within the spring pool. The spring run is shallow, 90 ft. (27.4 m) long and 20 ft. (6.1 m) wide. It flows into the dark waters of the Suwannee River. Limestone is exposed in the shallow spring run and near the vent. Turtle Spring is situated along the Suwannee River in a cove surrounded by 15-18 ft. (4.6-5.5 m) high sandy banks. The surrounding lands are all forested with mixed hardwoods. The spring is undeveloped and surrounded by private land. It is locally used for swimming. Figure 18. Turtle Spring, Lafayette County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 27
2.3 Suwannee County Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Suwannee County has 27 recorded springs or spring groups (Table 1). The locations for 29 of these springs located along the east bank of the Middle Suwannee River are shown in Figure 19. Figure 19. Locations of springs located within Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 28
2.3.1 Branford Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Branford Spring (Figure 20) is located within Ivey Memorial Park in the city of Branford, 500 ft. (152.4 m) southwest of the junction between US 27 and US 129 on the east side of the Suwannee River. Branford Spring is situated in a steep-sided depression along the east side of the Suwannee River. The spring pool is nearly circular and measures 90 ft. (27.4m) in diameter north to south and 84 ft. (25.6 m) east to west. There are small boils on the surface over at least two vents within the spring pool. The depth at the sampled vent measures 12.5 ft. (3.8 m). The water is clear and has a blue-greenish hue. This spring has an abundance of long, filamentous algae covering nearly all substrates and waving in the currents. There is very little other aquatic vegetation. Its banks are nearly vertical, rising to approximately 18 ft. (5.5 m) above the water, and limestone is exposed in and around the spring. A wooden platform is built along the south and east banks. The shallow spring run travels approximately 100 ft. (30.5 m) northward, then turns sharply west and flows 100 ft. (30.5 m) into the Suwannee River. The spring run is sand-bottomed and spills into the river over three consecutive man-made limestone walls. The walls are presumably intended to maintain water levels in the spring pool for swimming. The spring is within a city park and is a popular local swimming hole. Figure 20. Branford Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 29
2.3.2 Ellaville Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Ellaville Spring (Figure 21) enters the Suwannee River from the east approximately 13-miles (21 km) northwest of Live Oak. Ellaville Spring discharges from a cave system in the limestone banks of the Suwannee River. The small spring pool is approximately 6 ft. (1.8 m) in diameter, and it has vertical limestone walls that reach heights of about 15 ft. (4.6m) above water level. In April 2002, the spring water was tannic; however, the water normally is clear and bluish. The spring pool is situated about 80 ft. (24.4 m) up an enlarged limestone fracture through which the spring run courses. The spring run is approximately 8 ft. (2.4 m) wide and averages 8 ft. (2.4 m) deep. Divers report that the spring depth reaches 150 ft. (45.7 m) within an extensive cave system associated with Ellaville Spring. The cave system reportedly extends underneath the Suwannee River eventually connecting with the Suwanacoochee Spring cave system. The spring is undeveloped and located on private property that is adjacent to Suwannee River State Park property. It is a popular cave-diving location. Figure 21. Ellaville Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 30
2.3.3 Falmouth Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Falmouth Spring (Figure 22) is 10-miles (16 km) northwest of Live Oak. Falmouth Spring is a karst window. At the head of the karst window, the pool measures 87 ft. (26.5 m) north to south and 81 ft. (24.7 m) east to west. The depth is 39 ft. (11.9 m). The water discharges from a conical depression. The bottom is sand and limestone. Water is fairly clear, greenish with tiny suspended algal particles. The bottom and sides are thickly covered with dark green filamentous algae. There was no visible boil during the October 2001 visit. Limestone is exposed along both sides of the karst window. High sand banks rise steeply along the karst window from 25 to 30 ft. (7.6 to 9.1 m) above water level. Surrounding high ground has mixed hardwood and pine forest. The run flows 450 ft. (137.2 m) northeast until disappearing into a siphon. The east side of the karst window has a wooden boardwalk leading down to spring and a foot path along the run. Rosenau et al. (1977) report an underwater cave in this karst window. Falmouth Springs is a park owned by SRWMD. Swimming is allowed. Figure 22. Falmouth Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 31
2.3.4 Little River Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Little River Spring (Figure 23) is located 3.5-miles (5.5 km) north of Branford. The Little River Spring pool measures 108 ft. (32.9 m) north to south and 93 ft. (28.3 m) east to west. The depth over the vent is 11 ft. (3.3 m). Limestone is exposed in the pool, and there are areas covered by sand. Spring water issues from an elongated fracture in the limestone. The water is clear and greenish blue. Algae cover approximately half the area in the spring and run, and frequent swimming probably keeps the other half cleared. There is a sizeable boil over the vent near the center of the spring pool. The spring discharge flows through a 150 ft. (45.7 m) long run southwesterly into the Suwannee River from the east. Steep, sandy banks rise to approximately 18 ft. (5.5 m) above the spring, and the land becomes flat on top. A boardwalk leads from a dirt parking area on the northeast side down onto the exposed sandy shores near the spring. The land surrounding the spring is generally forested. An extensive cave system exists below this spring. Cave divers report that the cave system reaches depths of well over 100 ft. (30.5 m). Little River Spring is located on SRWMD land and currently is being developed into a recreational area with a campground and full facilities. The spring is popular for swimming and cave diving. Figure 23. Little River Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 32
2.3.5 Running Springs Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Running Springs (Figure 24) is located on private land, 4.3-miles (6.9 km) northeast of Mayo. Running Springs consist of a pair of separate spring areas (East Running Springs and West Running Springs) that discharge from small cavities at the base of an approximately 20-ft (6.1 m) high limestone bank on the northeastern side of the Suwannee River. The two springs occur in depressions in the river bank that are separated by roughly 150-ft (45.7 m). East Running Springs was sampled for water quality and was approximately 2-ft (0.6 m) above the adjacent Suwannee River during the March 2002 visit. The spring pool is oblong and measures 70 ft. (21.3 m) north to south and 50 ft. (15.2 m) east to west. Its depth ranges from 2 to 6 ft. (0.6-1.8 m). The pool bottom is sand and limestone. The water is clear and bluish. There is no aquatic vegetation, and algae occur on portions of the sand and limestone substrates. It has a short southwestward flowing run that is approximately 25 ft. (7.6 m) long. The run cascades over a 2 ft. (0.6 m) high limestone ledge into the river. East Running Springs has multiple boils within the northeast end of the pool. There are several spring rivulets emerging from the base of the high banks at the northeast end of the pool. There is another spring located on the Suwannee River that creates a prominent boil alongside the riverbank just 15 ft. (4.6 m) upstream of the mouth of East Running Springs. Divers report this spring to be connected to the East Running Springs run via an underwater cavern. West Running Springs is smaller and has a run that is around 150 ft. (45.7 m) long. The run flows southwestward under a small land bridge into the river. Rosenau et al. (1977) reported steep limestone walls, natural limestone bridges and numerous vents at these springs. The high ground above Running Springs harbors a mixed hardwood and pine forest with some private landscaping intended to reduce erosion. The springs are undeveloped and on private property. Figure 24. East Running Springs, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 33
2.3.6 Telford Spring Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Telford Spring (Figure 25) is located on the north bank of the Suwannee River, 4-miles (6.4 km) north of Mayo. Telford Spring is situated adjacent to the Suwannee River at the head of a cove surrounded by steep sandy banks. The spring emerges from two caves within scalloped limestone whose passages connect underneath a 5 ft. (1.5 m) by 7 ft. (2.1 m) wide natural limestone bridge. The natural bridge over the spring was about 1 ft. (0.3 m) higher than the water level in April 2002. The main pool measures 66 ft. (20.1 m) north to south and 51 ft. (15.5 m) east to west and has a prominent boil. The maximum depth of the spring pool is 11.3 ft. (3.4 m) over the vent. The spring and its run have a sand and limestone bottom. The water color is greenish and clear. Algae are sparse and there is virtually no aquatic vegetation. The short, shallow, 1 ft. (0.3 m), spring run flows approximately 75 ft. (22.9 m) into the dark, tannic waters of the Suwannee River. Land on the 12-15 ft. (3.7-4.6 m) high, eroded banks support a dense mixed hardwood, pine forest and there is a large unpaved parking area around the perimeter of the spring pool. A sinkhole with a clear water pool is located 150 ft. (45.7 m) north of the spring across the sand access road. Spring water levels are directly tied to Suwannee River fluctuations.telford Spring is surrounded by private lands and is a heavily used local recreation area. Figure 25. Telford Spring, Suwannee County, FL (Scott et al., 2004). 34
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 3.0 Environmental Conditions in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area 3.1 Climate The Suwannee River Basin lies in a transitional area between the warm, temperate climate of the southeastern U.S. and the subtropical climate of peninsular Florida (WRA, 2005). Mean monthly temperatures for Cross City range from approximately 53 F (11.7 C) in January to 80 F (26.7 C) in July (Figure 26). Mean monthly temperatures exhibit the greatest year-to-year variability in fall and winter (November to March) and the least variability in the summer (June to September). Mean monthly precipitation was reported from 16 rainfall stations in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Focus Area (Table 2). Total annual precipitation (Figure 27) varied between 34.4 and 87.3- inches with a long-term average of 53.2-inches (135 cm). The typical annual rainfall is somewhat seasonal, with the least rain typically falling in October to May, and the most occurring from June to September. Data presented in Figure 27 indicate no long-term trends in annual rainfall near the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. The primary rainfall-producing weather events in the basin are frontal-type rainfall events in the spring and winter (more widely spread and longer in duration) and tropical events during the summer (localized thunderstorms, tropical storms, and occasional hurricanes) (Cao, 2000; Garza and Mirti, 2003). Precipitation in the Suwannee River Basin is strongly influenced by El Niño and La Niña Southern Oscillation events. El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) years on average produce stronger rainfall and flood events in winter, whereas during La Niña years, there may be lower rainfall and conditions are dry in winter (Cao, 2000; Tootle and Piechota, 2004). The fall season is typically the driest, but occasional autumn tropical storms and hurricanes may produce intense precipitation, which results in rapid but relatively short-lived increases in river discharge (USGS, undated). Florida is also susceptible to droughts; there has been at least one severe and widespread drought somewhere in Florida in every decade since 1900 (Florida Climate Center, undated), with the 1954 to 1956 droughts, correlated with a La Niña event, being one of the worst on record (Cao, 2000). This is illustrated in long-term precipitation trends recorded at Lake City and below average stream flows recorded at the USGS discharge station at Branford, Florida between 1953 and 1957. The lowest flow ever recorded at the Branford gauge was in 1955 (29% of the annual average); however, the four lowest average annual flows since 1955 have all occurred since 2000 (2000, 2002, 2007 and 2011; 30-32% of annual average). Figure 28 illustrates the 12-month rolling rainfall deficit in the SRWMD from 1998 to 2011, showing extended rainfall deficits from 1999 2003 and 2007 08 (SRWMD, 2011). During the 2011 drought in the southeastern U.S., drought intensity ranged from severe (1 in 10 years) in the Middle Suwannee River Basin to exceptional (1 in 50 years) in the upper basin, where groundwater levels reached record lows (Gordon et al., 2012). Drought impacts are also reflected in groundwater level measurements throughout the Middle Suwannee River springshed. 35
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 26. Mean and distribution of monthly temperature (1949 2012) at Cross City, Florida (NWS Station 82008) (Weather Warehouse undated). 36
100 Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 90 80 Annual Total 70 Annual Rainfall (in) 60 50 40 30 Stats Rainfall (in) Average 53.2 20 Min 34.4 Max 87.3 10 Std Dev 9.8 N 108 0 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 Year Figure 27. Annual rainfall totals and LOESS trend line near the Middle Suwannee River Springshed, Florida (1903-2017) (see Table 2 for station locations and period-of-records). 37
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 2. Rainfall station information in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. Station Period of Record SRWMD (http://www.mysuwanneeriver.org) Live Oak Ag (SVREC) 2/6/2001 1/22/2017 Jasper WWTP Raingage 6/24/2014 1/22/2017 Alapaha Tower Raingage 6/5/2000 1/22/2017 Cooks Hammock Tower Raingage 7/29/2003 1/22/2017 Midway Tower Raingage 7/31/2000 1/22/2017 Live Oak Well Field 5/10/2000 1/22/2017 Suwannee Farms Raingage 7/23/2001 1/22/2017 Foley Raingage 3/29/2002 1/22/2017 Hopewell Tower Raingage 9/21/2001 1/17/2017 Madison Blue (Nestle) 12/15/2004 1/22/2017 Mallory East Mainline Raingage 1/11/2013 1/21/2017 Mallory 5 Tom Gunter Raingage 3/1/2013 1/21/2017 PCS 6/19/2000 1/22/2017 iaims Climatic Data (http://beaumont.tamu.edu/) Live Oak 1/1/1910 12/28/2015 Madison 5/27/1903 1/19/2017 Mayo 1/1/1950 1/18/2017 3.2 Geology and Hydrogeology The uppermost geologic unit in the Suwannee River Basin consists of Pliocene- and Quaternaryage surficial sand and clay deposits associated with marine terrace formation, as well as erosion and chemical weathering of pre-existing strata. Underlying the surficial deposits is the Mioceneage Hawthorn Group, which is found in the northern and northeastern portions of the basin and consists of interbedded clay, sand, and carbonate strata (WRA, 2005; Figure 29). The Hawthorn Group has generally been removed by erosion south of the Cody Scarp. The Cody Scarp is important to understanding the hydrology of the Suwannee River Basin because the processes that formed it greatly affect rivers, groundwater, land forms, and water quality throughout the region (Copeland, 2005). The segment of the scarp within the SRWMD is predominantly a karst escarpment (White, 1970) that has been modified in many areas by marine shoreline processes (Upchurch, 2007). The strata below land surface or the Hawthorn Group (where present) are composed of carbonate rock (limestone [calcium carbonate] and/or dolomite [calcium-magnesium carbonate]) up to 2,500- feet thick (Hornsby and Ceryak, 1998a; Weary and Doctor, 2014). These strata include, in 38
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan descending order: Oligocene-age Suwannee Limestone, Eocene-age Ocala Limestone, middle Eocene-age Avon Park and Lake City Limestone Formations, and Middle Eocene-age Oldsmar Limestone Formation (Stringfield, 1966; SRWMD, 2010). The surficial aquifer is found in the Georgia portion of the basin and the Northern Highlands physiographic district of Florida, north of the Cody Scarp. It is up to 230-feet thick and consists of interlayered sand, clay, and limestone; water-bearing units supply domestic well-water (GAEPD, 2002; WRA, 2005). The clay beds and other low-permeability units within the Hawthorn Group serve as a confining unit below the surficial aquifer and minimize recharge to the underlying Floridan Aquifer. The Hawthorn Group represents the Intermediate Aquifer and Confining Beds System, which consists of thin layers of gravel, sand, and carbonate rock that produce small well-yields in the northern and northeastern portions of the basin (WRA, 2005). These permeable units can transmit water on a limited basis for domestic or livestock supplies but are not capable of supporting regional water needs (Stringfield, 1966; SRWMD, 2010). Figure 28. 12-month rolling rainfall deficit (1998 2011) in Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD). Graph shows the difference between observed 12-month rainfall and the long-term average over the same period (SRWMD, 2011). 39
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 29. Generalized geologic cross-section of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Region (WRA, 2005 adapted from Ceryak et al., 1983). 40
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The Middle Suwannee River Basin generally consists of marine sedimentary deposits including sands, clay, limestone, and dolostone of Tertiary to Quaternary age (Davis and Katz, 2007). Of note are the remnant Miocene and Holocene deposits of clays and limestones of the Hawthorn Group overlying the northern portion of the springshed and absent from the southern portion of the springshed. Groundwater recharge rates are dependent on the presence or absence and thickness of the Hawthorn formation. Below the Cody Scarp, this confining layer is generally absent and above the scarp, the confining layer may or may not be perforated by sinkholes and swallets that allow recharge from surface watersheds that may include lakes and streams. The limestone formations that underlay the Middle Suwannee River Springshed include solution channels and conduits that have formed as the limestone has slowly dissolved due to the percolation of acidic rainfall and surface water over many thousands of years. The development of karst features like sinkholes and solution channels depends on the amount of exposure the limestone has had to this acidic water. In the unconfined portions of the study area, the development of these features is the most advanced. In the upslope Streams Region, where the Floridan Aquifer is partially confined under lower-permeability soils, limestone dissolution and conduit development are much less advanced. The groundwater flow system plays a critical role in the overall hydrology of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area because of the dominance of subsurface drainage and because groundwater discharge sustains the flows of the Middle Suwannee River, Lower Santa Fe River, and numerous springs. To understand the hydrology of the groundwater system, several characteristics must be evaluated including the hydrogeologic framework, hydrologic boundaries, patterns of groundwater levels and flows, hydraulic properties, and the spatial and temporal distribution of sources and sinks of water to the groundwater flow system. Collectively, these characteristics define a conceptual model of the groundwater flow system. The Floridan Aquifer can produce thousands of gallons of water per minute to wells; natural groundwater discharge in the form of numerous seeps and artesian springs is high throughout the lower, karstic portions of the basin (WRA, 2005). Karstic regions, such as the unconfined Floridan Aquifer, have poorly developed surface drainage and many sinkholes and springs (Hornsby and Ceryak, 1998a). Most karst features such as caves and sinkholes occur in carbonate (limestone and dolomite) rocks (Weary and Doctor, 2014). Springs can occur anywhere the potentiometric surface (the water table or level to which water rises in a well) of the aquifer extends above land surface and there is an opening for water to escape through (Hornsby and Ceryak, 1998a). Within the Suwannee River Basin, the distribution of karst areas is high, given the extent of soluble strata (carbonate rocks, i.e. limestone and dolomite) and the amount of precipitation. Karst features (e.g. sinkholes, conduit systems in the underlying limestone, and springs) facilitate the exchange of water between the surface and subsurface, typically resulting in dynamic flow between groundwater and surface water (Katz and DeHan, 1996). Unique problems can arise in protecting water quality in karst areas because of the direct and rapid transport of recharge through conduits to the subsurface and through a resurgence of groundwater at springs (Katz and DeHan, 1996). In 2005, the Florida Geological Survey published the Florida Aquifer Vulnerability Assessment (FAVA), which assessed the contamination potential of Florida s principal aquifer systems. Because of Florida s hydrogeologic setting, all of Florida s groundwater is vulnerable to 41
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan contamination; however, the FAVA report identifies areas of relatively higher vulnerability based on natural hydrogeology, not anthropogenic factors. Contamination of groundwater can occur through pollution of surface-water bodies or by infiltration through soils and sediments overlying aquifer systems. The likelihood of contamination increases in karstic areas (e.g., sinkholes), in areas where the aquifer is unconfined, and in areas with permeable soils, among others. In karstic areas near major springs, groundwater has the potential to flow rapidly and traverse great distances in a short amount of time. Because groundwater flow is rapid and direct, the dispersion, dilution, and hindrance of contaminants are minimal and springs are vulnerable to contamination (WRA, 2005). Areas with numerous closed topographic depressions (very limited or no drainage), which are strongly correlated to areas with a high density of karstic features, are abundant in the Suwannee River Basin. Where the Intermediate Aquifer System is thick and low in permeability, it provides some level of protection of the underlying Floridan Aquifer System from contamination, but where it is absent or breached by sinkholes, vulnerability to contamination increases. The entire Suwannee River Basin in Florida, except for the estuary, is characterized as a potential recharge area, which also increases aquifer vulnerability to contamination (Arthur et al., 2005). Figure 30 provides the Florida Geological Survey s (FGS) aquifer vulnerability assessment for the Middle Suwannee River Springshed. The Florida Geological Survey has mapped the entire Middle Suwannee River Restoration Focus Area as More Vulnerable (89.6%) and Vulnerable (10.4%). These designations indicate that any pollutants placed on the surface of the ground in this area have a high potential of leaching into the underlying Floridan Aquifer. Relative Vulnerability Area (Sq. Miles) (%) More Vulnerable 982 89.6 Vulnerable 114 10.4 Total 1,096 100 Figure 30. Aquifer vulnerability within the Middle Suwannee River maximum extent study area (FGS, 2012). 42
3.3 Surface Hydrology Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The Suwannee River and the Upper Floridan Aquifer in Georgia and Florida are hydraulically connected. In the Suwannee River Basin, studies have described interactions between groundwater and surface water, and these interactions have been shown to impact both systems (Ceryak, 1977; Crane, 1986; Katz et al., 1997). During low-flow conditions, groundwater contributes a major part of the nitrate load along the middle reach of the Suwannee River (Hornsby and Mattson, 1997; Pittman et al., 1997) and within major tributaries like the Santa Fe River (Hornsby, 2007). During high-flow conditions, river water can flow into the aquifer and affect the chemical composition of groundwater (Crane, 1986; Hirten, 1996). Crandall et al. (1999) characterized the extent and mechanisms of hydrochemical interactions between the Suwannee River and the Upper Floridan Aquifer near Little River Springs, Florida, during high-flow conditions. Grubbs and Crandall (2007) examined the effects that reduced flow in the river could have on the forested floodplain and the mixing of freshwater and saltwater in the estuary, as well as the effects that groundwater withdrawals could have on river flows. Most aquifer recharge occurs in an area running from northwest to southeast throughout the central portion of the basin, with groundwater flowing from areas of high groundwater potential to areas of low potential (Hallas and Magley, 2008). The basin s two major discharge regions are along the Suwannee River and along the coast (Pittman et al., 1997). During dry periods, the water in the Suwannee River is supplied exclusively from groundwater (baseflow) from the Floridan Aquifer (Pittman et al., 1997). Most of the groundwater discharge is via springs in or adjacent to the river. During wet periods when the river level is high, however, the river reverses the flow of springs or groundwater and recharges local groundwater for a few miles on each side of the river corridor. The interactions between groundwater and surface water can be significant. Within the Suwannee Basin, groundwater and surface water are so intimately connected that it is best to view them as a continuum (Pittman et al., 1997). Due to the connectivity between the Suwannee River and the Floridan Aquifer, groundwater quality directly affects water quality in the Suwannee River and vice-versa, especially in river reaches with high densities of springs (Hull et al., 1981). For example, Ham and Hatzell (1996) showed that nitrate concentrations in the Suwannee River near Branford, Florida increased at a rate of 0.02 mg/l per year from 1971 to1991 due to increased nitrate sources such as septic tanks, synthetic fertilizers, and animal waste (Andrews, 1994) that were contaminating groundwater primarily in the lower reaches of the river. 43
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 31. Generalized hydrogeologic conditions for the Floridan Aquifer and locations of springs (WRA, 2005). 44
3.4 Water Quantity and Timing Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 3 and Figure 32 presents streamflow data for six gauging stations in and around the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. These streamflow stations, from downstream to upstream, include: (1) Suwannee River near Branford, (2) Suwannee near Luraville, (3) Dowling Park, (4) Suwannee at Ellaville, (5) the Withlacoochee River near Lee, and (6) Suwannee River at Nobles Ferry. Table 3. Average flows (cfs) by decade at the USGS gauging stations on the Middle Suwannee River. Station Name USGS Station 1927-1936 1937-1946 1947-1956 1957-1966 1967-1976 1977-1986 1987-1996 1997-2006 2007-2017 Total Suwannee at Nobles Ferry Withlacoochee near Lee Suwannee River at Ellaville Suwannee River at Dowling Park Suwannee at Luraville Suwannee near Branford 02315650 3260 2839 2849 02319394 2104 2004 2043 02319500 6526 5417 5813 8206 6587 6324 6367 5420 4684 6141 02319800 4279 5309 4732 5005 02320000 6789 7868 4537 5683 4933 5840 02320500 5022 6178 6523 8862 7277 7163 7107 6316 5487 6738 As noted above in Table 3, the average streamflow of the Suwannee River at each station listed upstream to downstream are 2,849 cfs (1,841 MGD) at Nobles Ferry, 6,141 cfs (3,969 MGD) at Ellaville, 5,005 cfs (3,234 MGD) at Dowling Park, 5,840 cfs (3,774 MGD) near Luraville, and 6,738 cfs (4,355 MGD) at Branford. In-flow to the Suwannee River above the Ellaville station from the Withlacoochee River near Lee is 2,043 cfs (1,320 MGD). The maximum flow recorded on this segment was 94,700 cfs (61,206 MGD) at the Ellaville gauge on April 8, 1948. The minimum flow on the Suwannee River was also recorded at the Ellaville gauge at 299 cfs (193 MGD) on May 27, 2012. Streamflow in the Middle Suwannee River is relatively consistent month-to-month over the period of record. There was a slight increase in flows measured at the Ellaville and Branford stations between 1957 and 1996 which is somewhat visible in the LOESS curves in Figure 33 and Figure 34. Maximum flows in the Middle Suwannee River typically occur from February to May, and low flows occur in November (Figure 35). 45
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 20000 Suwannee River at Nobles Ferry Withlacoochee River near Lee Suwannee River at Ellaville Suwannee River at Dowling Park Suwannee River at Luraville Suwannee River at Branford Suwannee Withlacoochee Stats Nobles Ferry Ellaville Dowling Luraville Branford Lee Average 2849 6141 5005 5840 6738 2043 Max 25489 94700 53200 66000 82800 51400 Min 349 299 715 930 1230 215 StdDev 3359 6716 5703 6237 5912 2846 N 2468 33027 7569 11573 31412 5731 15000 Discharge (cfs) 10000 5000 0 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 Year Figure 32. Annual average discharge (cfs) from six USGS gauging stations along the Middle Suwanee River from 1927 to 2017 (USGS and SRWMD data). 46
60000 50000 40000 Monthly Discharge Stats Discharge (cfs) Average 6,156 Median 3,837 Maximum 53,177 Minimum 570 Std Dev 6,226.4 N 1,086 POR Feb-1927 Jul-2017 Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Discharge Discharge LOESS Discharge (cfs) 30000 20000 10000 0 Jan-20 Sep-33 May-47 Jan-61 Oct-74 Jun-88 Feb-02 Oct-15 Jul-29 Month Figure 33. Average monthly flows on the Suwannee River at Ellaville (USGS 02319500) from February 1927 to July 2017. 47
60000 50000 40000 Monthly Discharge Stats Discharge (cfs) Average 6,750 Median 4,818 Maximum 49,040 Minimum 1,330 Std Dev 5,618.5 N 1,033 POR Jul-1931 Jul-2017 Discharge Discharge LOESS Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Discharge (cfs) 30000 20000 10000 0 Jan-27 Sep-40 May-54 Jan-68 Oct-81 Jun-95 Feb-09 Month Figure 34. Average monthly flows on the Suwannee River at Branford (USGS 02320500) from July 1931 to July 2017. 48
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 14000 Ellaville Branford 12000 10000 Discharge (cfs) 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Month Figure 35. Monthly average discharge on the Suwannee River at Ellaville and Branford from 1927 to 2017 (USGS and SRWMD data). 49
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Long-term discharge in the Middle Suwannee River generally increased between 1927 and 1966 and then has steadily declined between the 1960s and the most recent decade. The 1927 to 1966 discharge at Ellaville averaged 6,493 cfs (4,194 MGD) and was 4,684 cfs (3,025 MGD) during the decade from 2007 to 2017, for a decline of about 28%. At Branford, the average flows declined from 6,646 cfs (4,293 MGD) to 5,487 cfs (3,545 MGD) during the most recent decade, a decline of about 17%. The period-of-record difference in average flows between Ellaville and Branford was 597 cfs (385 MGD). This is primarily due to the increased influence of springflow between the Ellaville and Branford stations. 3.5 Water Quality Water quality data for the Middle Suwannee River and springs were obtained from the SRWMD, STORET, and USGS (Table 4 and Table 5). These data are summarized for the entire period-ofrecord by springs stations and middle river stations as follows: Temperature ( o C) ph (SU) o Springs 21.2 o River 21.0 o Springs 7.31 o River 7.15 Specific conductance (us/cm) o Springs 387 o River - 232 Color (CPU) o Springs 8.30 o River 160 Turbidity (NTU) o Springs 0.470 o River 3.42 Chlorophyll A (ug/l) o Springs 0.912 o River 1.43 Dissolved oxygen (mg/l) o Springs 1.66 o River 6.35 Salinity (g/l) 50
o Springs 0.222 o River 0.752 Ammonia nitrogen (mg/l) o Springs 0.034 o River 0.040 Nitrate-nitrogen (mg/l) o Springs 3.88 o River 0.600 Total nitrogen calc. (mg/l) o Springs 4.05 o River 1.19 Total phosphorus (ug/l) o Springs 43 o River 177 Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan In general, compared to the river, the Middle Suwannee River springs have less variation in temperature; lower dissolved oxygen, color, salinity, and turbidity; higher specific conductance, nitrate-nitrogen, and total nitrogen; and lower total phosphorus. The water quality data in Table 4 and Table 5 are summarized by time period, including <1980s, 1980s 90s, and since 2000. Some data trends are evident over this time span. For the spring stations with long-term data, declining trends are indicated for dissolved oxygen, copper, magnesium, and ph. Concentrations of the following water quality parameters appear to be rising in the springs: alkalinity, chlorides, sulfate, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, total nitrogen, biochemical oxygen demand, color, and total dissolved solids. Of the springs with reported nitrate-nitrogen data, only three out of 47 are below the nitrate numeric water standard of 0.35 mg/l. Twenty five of the 47 springs have average nitrate-nitrogen concentrations greater than 1 mg/l. Springs along the Middle Suwannee River with exceptionally high nitrate concentrations include Mearson and LAF924971 (>3 mg/l), Suwannee Blue (5.6 mg/l), Ruth (7.5 mg/l), Convict (9.8 mg/l), Ravine (17.5 mg/l), and SUW725971 (17.8 mg/l). For the river stations, a declining trend is indicated for total phosphorus; while the following water quality parameters appear to have rising trends: total coliforms, dissolved oxygen, chlorides, nitrate-nitrogen, specific conductance, and total dissolved solids. Average nitratenitrogen concentrations generally increase in the Middle Suwannee River from upstream at Ellaville (0.56 mg/l), to downstream at Branford (0.84 mg/l). 51
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 4. Water quality (STORET data) summary for the springs within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. Decade Period Average Period of Record Stats Parameter Group Parameter Units <1980s 1980s-90s 2000s Avg Max Min StdDev N Period of Record BACTERIOLOGICAL EColi #/100ml --- --- 13.8 13.8 580 0.500 54.0 168 Oct-2001 Jul-2007 Enterococci #/100ml --- --- 11.5 11.5 96.0 0.500 19.1 61 Oct-2001 May-2011 FC #/100ml --- 13.1 43.6 36.9 1,560 0.00 141 358 Nov-1992 May-2012 TC #/100ml --- 81.4 673 574 46,000 0.00 2,600 402 Jun-1988 Jan-2009 BIOLOGICAL Chl-a corr µg/l --- --- 0.912 0.912 14.0 0.00 0.963 308 Jun-2001 Oct-2016 Chl-b µg/l --- --- 1.21 1.21 2.85 0.500 0.864 6 Jun-2001 Oct-2007 Chl-c corr µg/l --- --- 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.00 2 Oct-2007 Oct-2007 Pheo-a µg/l --- --- 3.52 3.52 210 0.200 13.6 300 Jan-2006 Oct-2016 Chl-a/Pheo Ratio --- --- --- 3.05 3.05 45.0 0.140 9.16 23 Mar-2016 Oct-2016 Chl-a uncorr µg/l --- --- 2.46 2.46 140 0.200 9.66 243 Mar-2006 Oct-2016 DISSOLVED OXYGEN DO % 16.0 51.5 23.2 24.3 113 0.440 21.0 97 Oct-1973 Oct-2016 mg/l 2.68 2.75 1.46 1.66 451 0.00 7.39 3,875 Sep-1973 Feb-2017 GENERAL INORGANIC Alk mg/l as CaCO3 156 164 167 166 320 0.300 31.7 2,333 Nov-1960 Jan-2017 Cl-T mg/l 3.74 6.34 8.02 7.65 297 0.00 6.50 2,638 Nov-1960 Dec-2016 F-D mg/l 0.132 0.131 0.073 0.128 0.800 0.050 0.111 52 Nov-1960 Oct-2001 F-T mg/l --- 0.132 0.123 0.124 0.360 0.00 0.054 2,428 Aug-1994 Feb-2017 Hardness mg/l as CaCO3 179 186 183 184 234 21.6 31.3 53 Nov-1960 Oct-2001 Si-D mg/l 5.96 6.26 3.04 3.77 7.60 0.010 1.50 226 Nov-1960 Sep-2007 Si-T mg/l --- --- 6.18 6.18 15.0 0.020 1.65 456 Oct-2007 Dec-2012 SO4 mg/l 13.7 17.0 19.9 19.2 69.5 1.70 11.5 2,189 Nov-1960 Dec-2016 GENERAL ORGANIC DOC mg/l --- 5.52 2.65 3.05 46.2 0.050 4.69 855 Aug-1993 Dec-2013 TOC mg/l 0.00 4.49 2.58 2.85 55.5 0.00 4.63 3,351 Oct-1973 Feb-2017 METAL Ag-T µg/l --- 0.500 --- 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.00 2 Mar-1985 Mar-1985 Al-T µg/l --- --- 18.9 18.9 134 1.50 23.1 36 Oct-2001 Nov-2006 As-D µg/l --- 1.00 --- 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 2 Mar-1985 Mar-1985 As-T µg/l --- --- 1.58 1.58 8.60 0.250 1.47 60 Oct-2001 Nov-2006 Ba-T µg/l --- 50.0 7.03 12.4 50.0 4.70 14.8 16 Mar-1985 Apr-2004 Ca-D mg/l 50.8 57.7 60.0 56.0 69.0 5.70 9.69 53 Nov-1960 Oct-2001 Ca-T mg/l --- 52.3 63.8 61.7 131 0.00 12.7 2,550 Nov-1992 Dec-2016 Cd-T µg/l --- 0.500 0.210 0.222 0.500 0.013 0.126 50 Mar-1985 Nov-2006 Cr-T µg/l --- 1.00 0.836 0.843 1.50 0.150 0.354 50 Mar-1985 Nov-2006 Cu-T µg/l 10.0 0.500 1.52 1.65 10.0 0.200 1.49 51 Oct-1973 Nov-2006 Fe-D µg/l 5.00 52.2 --- 49.4 770 1.50 186 17 Dec-1975 Apr-1996 Fe-T µg/l --- --- 29.5 29.5 316 2.50 45.9 59 Oct-2001 Nov-2006 Hg-T µg/l --- 0.050 --- 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.00 2 Mar-1985 Mar-1985 K-D mg/l 0.521 1.06 0.767 0.904 4.20 0.00 0.961 53 Nov-1960 Oct-2001 K-T mg/l --- 0.975 1.83 1.68 9.28 0.00 1.69 2,556 Nov-1992 Dec-2016 Mg-D mg/l 12.6 10.3 8.03 10.8 24.0 1.80 4.69 53 Nov-1960 Oct-2001 Mg-T mg/l --- 10.3 11.0 10.9 30.7 0.00 4.38 2,553 Nov-1992 Dec-2016 Mn-D µg/l --- 3.06 --- 3.06 40.0 0.500 9.85 16 Aug-1993 Apr-1996 Mn-T µg/l --- --- 5.00 5.00 57.0 0.00 7.18 342 Oct-2001 Dec-2016 Na-D mg/l 2.34 3.19 2.70 2.94 6.00 1.90 0.976 53 Nov-1960 Oct-2001 Na-T mg/l --- 3.29 4.17 4.01 93.2 0.100 2.40 2,554 Nov-1992 Dec-2016 Ni-T µg/l --- --- 1.61 1.61 33.0 0.250 4.64 48 Oct-2001 Nov-2006 Pb-T µg/l --- --- 1.76 1.76 6.00 0.013 1.40 48 Oct-2001 Nov-2006 SAR ratio 0.100 0.108 0.087 0.105 0.410 0.060 0.050 53 Nov-1960 Oct-2001 Se-D µg/l --- 0.500 --- 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.00 2 Mar-1985 Mar-1985 Se-T µg/l --- --- 2.35 2.35 10.0 0.500 1.91 48 Oct-2001 Nov-2006 Sr-D µg/l 31.4 157 --- 75.6 290 5.00 95.4 17 Sep-1973 Aug-1990 Sr-T µg/l --- --- 95.4 95.4 248 38.7 45.7 26 Oct-2001 Apr-2004 Zn-T µg/l --- --- 2.16 2.16 14.0 0.750 2.27 48 Oct-2001 Nov-2006 52
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 4 cont. Water quality (STORET data) summary for the springs within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (cont.). Decade Period Average Period of Record Stats Parameter Group Parameter Units <1980s 1980s-90s 2000s Avg Max Min StdDev N Period of Record NITROGEN NH3-N mg/l --- --- 0.009 0.009 0.062 0.0010 0.007 277 Mar-2002 Oct-2016 NH4-N mg/l 0.005 0.020 0.038 0.034 0.270 0.00 0.032 2,130 Oct-1973 Dec-2013 NO2-N mg/l 0.006 0.006 0.0010 0.005 0.010 0.0010 0.002 11 Sep-1973 Mar-2016 NO3-N mg/l 0.725 1.44 --- 1.30 2.30 0.500 0.587 10 Sep-1973 Aug-1993 NOx-N mg/l --- 2.93 4.03 3.88 1,700 0.00 27.9 3,763 Mar-1985 Feb-2017 OrgN mg/l 0.120 0.087 --- 0.089 0.120 0.050 0.016 18 Oct-1973 Jul-1995 TKN mg/l --- 0.102 0.184 0.169 3.70-0.040 0.193 2,717 Mar-1985 Jan-2017 TN mg/l 1.10 1.25 --- 1.24 4.20 0.380 0.843 18 Oct-1973 Jul-1995 OXYGEN DEMAND BOD5 mg/l 0.200 0.419 1.12 1.10 11.0 0.050 1.32 304 Oct-1973 Mar-2016 PHOSPHORUS OrthoP mg/l 0.020 0.034 0.030 0.031 0.280 0.00 0.015 2,085 Oct-1973 Oct-2016 TDP mg/l --- 0.036 --- 0.036 0.110 0.005 0.029 27 Nov-1991 Apr-1996 TP mg/l 0.030 0.048 0.041 0.043 0.430 0.00 0.028 2,736 Oct-1973 Jan-2017 PHYSICAL Color CPU 2.86 7.84 8.44 8.30 400 0.00 22.7 2,328 Nov-1960 Oct-2016 ph SU 7.44 7.26 7.32 7.31 8.63 5.36 0.241 3,725 Nov-1960 Feb-2017 Salinity ppt --- 0.011 0.247 0.222 43.6 0.00 1.71 2,051 Sep-1980 Feb-2017 Secchi m --- 5.27 3.65 3.92 500 0.100 13.6 1,433 Nov-1992 Feb-2017 SpCond umhos/cm 341 380 388 387 1,120 0.00 91.7 8,800 Nov-1960 Apr-2017 Turb NTU 1.00 0.352 0.494 0.467 11.6 0.010 0.901 2,472 Oct-1973 Feb-2017 SOLID TDS mg/l 187 235 233 233 1,060 0.00 48.5 3,740 Nov-1960 Feb-2017 TSS mg/l --- 1.95 2.32 2.20 96.0 0.00 3.94 788 Nov-1992 Oct-2016 TEMPERATURE Wtr Temp C 21.5 21.3 21.4 21.4 26.3 0.00 1.07 3,885 Nov-1960 Feb-2017 53
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 5. Water quality (STORET data) summary for the river stations within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. Decade Period Average Period of Record Stats Parameter Group Parameter Units <1980s 1980s-90s 2000s Avg Max Min StdDev N Period of Record BACTERIOLOGICAL EColi #/100ml --- --- 56.4 56.4 2,420 1.00 249 95 Jan-2000 Sep-2016 Enterococci #/100ml --- --- 73.3 73.3 2,420 1.00 174 428 Jan-2000 Sep-2016 FC #/100ml --- 54.5 76.1 66.5 4,400 0.00 225 1,189 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 TC #/100ml --- 230 453 303 8,000 1.00 812 784 Feb-1990 Jul-2005 BIOLOGICAL Chl-a corr µg/l --- 1.21 1.44 1.43 29.0 0.00 2.22 533 Oct-1999 Sep-2016 Chl-b µg/l --- 0.500 1.00 0.964 5.80 0.00 1.17 67 Oct-1999 Sep-2008 Chl-c corr µg/l --- 0.975 1.71 1.66 9.40 0.00 2.06 66 Oct-1999 Sep-2008 Pheo-a µg/l --- 1.22 0.850 0.858 10.0 0.00 1.02 528 Oct-1999 Sep-2016 Chl-a/Pheo Ratio --- --- 1.00 1.21 1.19 4.00 0.500 0.552 55 Oct-1999 Sep-2002 Chl-a uncorr µg/l --- 1.02 2.10 1.89 17.1 0.100 2.04 530 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 DISSOLVED OXYGEN DO % 62.0 73.3 94.0 88.5 174 43.0 33.3 73 May-1967 Sep-2013 mg/l 5.78 6.12 6.44 6.35 16.1 0.420 1.52 2,168 May-1967 Sep-2016 GENERAL INORGANIC Alk mg/l as CaCO3 101 76.1 84.0 80.3 167 0.500 46.1 1,126 May-1966 May-2011 Cl-T mg/l 7.05 7.08 7.47 7.34 29.9 0.00 2.01 1,636 May-1966 Sep-2016 F-D mg/l 0.320 0.150 --- 0.256 0.400 0.050 0.114 16 May-1966 Apr-1996 F-T mg/l --- 0.153 0.178 0.169 22.0 0.010 0.551 1,591 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 Hardness mg/l as CaCO3 120 96.2 --- 111 150 22.3 39.6 16 May-1966 Apr-1996 Si-D mg/l 7.72 7.47 --- 7.63 10.0 5.40 1.42 17 May-1966 Apr-1996 Si-T mg/l --- --- 8.00 8.00 12.6 0.020 2.51 159 Oct-2007 May-2011 SO4 mg/l 17.4 15.1 19.1 17.7 49.0 0.400 9.30 1,512 May-1966 Sep-2016 GENERAL ORGANIC DOC mg/l --- 11.8 --- 11.8 31.0 3.20 9.46 13 Aug-1993 Apr-1996 TOC mg/l --- 17.4 14.9 15.7 72.0 0.075 11.0 1,854 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 METAL Al-T µg/l --- --- 102 102 410 2.00 120 12 Mar-2006 Oct-2008 As-T µg/l --- --- 0.945 0.945 10.9 0.250 1.32 90 Jul-2002 Jul-2011 Ca-D mg/l 37.4 28.6 --- 34.1 44.0 5.80 12.2 16 May-1966 Apr-1996 Ca-T mg/l --- 25.7 33.4 31.0 79.7 0.010 15.8 1,648 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 Cd-T µg/l --- --- 0.106 0.106 0.500 0.015 0.180 59 Jul-2002 Jul-2011 Cr-T µg/l --- --- 0.587 0.587 1.20 0.150 0.330 27 Mar-2006 Jul-2011 Cu-T µg/l --- --- 0.662 0.662 5.00 0.200 0.954 27 Mar-2006 Jul-2011 Fe-D µg/l 83.8 382 --- 211 780 30.0 247 14 May-1966 Apr-1996 Fe-T µg/l --- --- 90.9 90.9 652 2.50 138 42 Mar-2006 Oct-2008 K-D mg/l 0.620 1.08 --- 0.794 1.70 0.400 0.452 16 May-1966 Apr-1996 K-T mg/l --- 1.17 1.53 1.41 27.1 0.010 0.911 1,663 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 Mg-D mg/l 6.25 6.00 --- 6.16 9.20 1.90 2.38 16 May-1966 Apr-1996 Mg-T mg/l --- 5.29 6.89 6.38 28.4 0.003 3.18 1,653 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 Mn-D µg/l 2.50 19.5 --- 12.7 40.0 0.00 15.1 10 May-1967 Apr-1996 Mn-T µg/l --- --- 15.9 15.9 31.7 0.100 7.37 28 Mar-2006 Oct-2008 Na-D mg/l 4.80 5.77 --- 5.16 8.20 3.20 1.42 16 May-1966 Apr-1996 Na-T mg/l --- 5.99 7.38 6.93 68.7 0.00 3.14 1,643 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 Ni-T µg/l --- --- 0.583 0.583 1.20 0.125 0.300 10 Mar-2006 Nov-2006 Pb-T µg/l --- --- 1.02 1.02 5.00 0.075 1.82 59 Jul-2002 Jul-2011 SAR ratio 0.180 0.298 --- 0.224 0.420 0.100 0.095 16 May-1966 Apr-1996 Se-T µg/l --- --- 0.411 0.411 0.610 0.250 0.143 10 Mar-2006 Nov-2006 Sr-D µg/l 87.5 --- --- 87.5 120 10.0 51.9 4 May-1967 Apr-1968 Zn-T µg/l --- --- 2.61 2.61 8.60 0.750 1.81 27 Mar-2006 Jul-2011 54
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 5 cont. Water quality (STORET data) summary for the river stations within the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (cont.). Decade Period Average Period of Record Stats Parameter Group Parameter Units <1980s 1980s-90s 2000s Avg Max Min StdDev N Period of Record NITROGEN NH3-N mg/l --- --- 0.026 0.026 0.240 0.005 0.023 511 Jan-2002 Sep-2016 NH4-N mg/l 0.080 0.030 0.051 0.040 0.246 0.00 0.032 1,043 May-1970 Jun-2008 NO2-N mg/l 0.020 0.050 --- 0.049 0.071 0.010 0.008 104 May-1970 Sep-1991 NO3-N mg/l 0.146 0.352 --- 0.335 0.940 0.020 0.203 108 May-1966 Sep-1991 NOx-N mg/l 0.183 0.463 0.672 0.600 15.0 0.00 0.848 1,691 Aug-1975 Sep-2016 OrgN mg/l 0.607 0.163 --- 0.405 1.00 0.095 0.316 11 May-1970 Jul-1995 TKN mg/l 0.780 0.518 0.632 0.595 3.26 0.035 0.362 1,741 Aug-1975 Sep-2016 TN mg/l 0.963 0.581 --- 0.724 0.990 0.340 0.241 8 Aug-1975 Jul-1995 OXYGEN DEMAND BOD5 mg/l --- 1.61 0.238 1.23 4.00 0.100 0.864 138 Feb-1990 Nov-2006 PHOSPHORUS OrthoP mg/l 0.190 0.139 0.132 0.135 1.29 0.00 0.078 1,365 May-1966 Aug-2011 TDP mg/l --- 0.104 --- 0.104 0.150 0.060 0.027 10 Aug-1993 Apr-1996 TP mg/l 0.210 0.184 0.174 0.177 1.32 0.001 0.087 1,750 May-1971 Sep-2016 PHYSICAL Color CPU 72.0 171 155 160 910 2.50 135 1,655 May-1966 Sep-2016 ph SU 7.08 7.01 7.21 7.15 9.95 3.80 0.602 2,167 May-1966 Sep-2016 Salinity ppt --- --- 0.752 0.752 259 0.020 12.0 470 Sep-2001 Sep-2013 Secchi m --- 1.23 1.13 1.16 11.0 0.00 0.706 1,806 Feb-1989 Sep-2016 SpCond umhos/cm 188 209 245 232 1,570 25.0 104 3,322 May-1966 Sep-2016 Turb NTU 6.33 3.33 3.45 3.42 37.0 0.015 3.95 1,618 May-1970 Sep-2016 SOLID TDS mg/l 155 154 167 162 358 1.50 48.8 1,625 May-1966 Sep-2016 TSS mg/l --- 4.40 4.03 4.21 45.0 0.00 3.56 1,158 Feb-1990 Sep-2016 TEMPERATURE Wtr Temp C 22.1 20.6 21.1 21.0 30.4 7.99 4.59 2,188 May-1967 Sep-2016 3.6 Land Use The entire watershed that supplies surface and groundwater to the Suwannee River in Georgia and Florida is sparsely developed (Figure 36). Most of the contributing basin is devoted to agriculture, particularly silviculture, row crops, and pasture (Katz and Raabe, 2005). Agricultural land uses include irrigated acreages for crops and related products including dairy, poultry, fruits, vegetables, grains, and forestry products. As agriculture has increased and intensified, so has the need for irrigation, resulting in major water withdrawals across Georgia and Florida. Population density has remained low (rural) when compared to the rest of Florida. Large population centers, such as Jacksonville and Gainesville, along with the Interstate-75 corridor, including Lake City, have seen population increases since the early 2000s. Rapid population growth outside the watershed may have future impacts and inter-basin water transfers from the Suwannee River to south Florida have long been suggested as one solution to South Florida's growing water crisis (UFL et al., 2004). Figure 37 illustrates 2010 land uses within the Middle Suwannee River springshed. The dominant land uses were (see also Table 6): forestry (46%), followed by agriculture and rangeland (31%), water and wetlands (15%), and urban/commercial (about 8%). Much of the forest area in the springshed is dominated by managed pine plantations, including pine mulch harvesting sites. 55
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 36. Map of springs, watersheds, and dominant Florida land use and cover classifications for the entire Suwannee River Basin. 56
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 37. Map of land uses in the Middle Suwannee River springshed (SRWMD, 2010). 57
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 6. Summary of land uses for the Middle Suwannee River springshed (SRWMD, 2010). Area Percent Land Use (Sq. Mi.) of LEVEL 1 of Total Urban (1000) 71.6 100 6.51 Commercial and Services 2.38 3.33 0.22 Extractive 2.16 3.02 0.20 Industrial 0.54 0.75 0.05 Institutional 1.99 2.77 0.18 Open Land 3.64 5.08 0.33 Recreational 0.76 1.07 0.07 Residential High Density 0.25 0.35 0.02 Residential Low Density 58.8 82.1 5.34 Residential Medium Density 1.08 1.51 0.10 Agriculture (2000) 225 100 20.5 Cropland and Pastureland 208 92.4 18.9 Feeding Operations 3.55 1.58 0.32 Nurseries and Vineyards 2.92 1.30 0.27 Other Open Lands <Rural> 5.28 2.34 0.48 Specialty Farms 3.05 1.35 0.28 Tree Crops 2.29 1.02 0.21 Rangeland (3000) 112 100 10.2 Herbaceous 62.0 55.5 5.64 Mixed Rangeland 23.4 20.9 2.12 Shrub and Brushland 26.3 23.6 2.39 Upland Forest (4000) 503 100 45.8 Tree Plantations 329 65.3 29.9 Upland Coniferous Forests 21.0 4.16 1.91 Upland Hardwood Forests 52.3 10.4 4.75 Upland Mixed Forests 102 20.2 9.23 Water (5000) 6.95 100 0.63 Lakes 2.03 29.2 0.18 Major Springs 0.02 0.36 0.00 Reservoirs 1.31 18.8 0.12 Slough Waters 0.01 0.13 0.00 Streams and Waterways 3.58 51.5 0.33 Wetlands (6000) 168 100 15.3 Non-Vegetated 1.14 0.68 0.10 Vegetated Non-Forested Wetlands 107 63.5 9.71 Wetland Coniferous Forests 17.2 10.2 1.56 Wetland Forested Mixed 26.8 15.9 2.44 Wetland Hardwood Forests 16.2 9.62 1.47 Barren Land (7000) 2.61 100 0.24 Disturbed Lands 2.57 98.3 0.23 Sand Other Than Beaches 0.04 1.66 0.00 Transportation (8000) 10.6 100 0.96 Communications 0.11 1.07 0.01 Transportation 5.29 49.8 0.48 Utilities 5.22 49.1 0.47 Total 1,100 --- 100 58
3.7 Human Population Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Compared to other areas in Florida, the Middle Suwannee River Springshed is sparsely populated (Table 7). Approximately 150,584 people live in the four counties that are in the springshed based on 2016 data. Approximately 79% of these counties residents live in unincorporated areas. Prison inmates make up an estimated 8% of the region s human population. Table 8 provides estimates of the 2016 human population living within the boundaries of the Middle Suwannee River Springshed. There are about 32,779 persons living in this area, with Suwannee County having the largest estimated population (24,383) and Taylor County the smallest number of residents (502). The largest incorporated town in the springshed is Live Oak in Suwannee County with about 6,819 residents in 2016. The smallest incorporated town is Branford in Suwannee County with 699 persons. The human population density in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed in 2016 was about 29.8 persons-per-square-mile, compared to a statewide average of 345 persons-per-square-mile in Florida. Table 7. Human populations in the counties and towns surrounding the Middle Suwannee River Restoration Focus Area (2010 and 2016). Population Estimates Inmates Estimate less Inmates Area April 1, 2016 April 1, 2010 Change April 1, 2016 April 1, 2016 Columbia County 68,566 67,531 1,035 4,037 64,529 Fort White 554 567-13 0 554 Lake City 12,121 12,046 75 310 11,811 Unincorporated 55,891 54,918 973 3,727 52,164 Lafayette County 8,621 8,870-249 1,621 7,000 Mayo 1,201 1,237-36 0 1,201 Unincorporated 7,420 7,633-213 1,621 5,799 Madison County 19,238 19,224 14 1,525 17,713 Greenville 803 843-40 24 779 Lee 318 352-34 0 318 Madison* 3,044 3,049-5 0 3,044 Unincorporated* 15,073 14,980 93 1,501 13,572 Suwannee County 44,349 41,551 2,798 2,705 41,644 Branford 699 712-13 0 699 Live Oak 6,819 6,850-31 0 6,819 Unincorporated 36,831 33,989 2,842 2,705 34,126 Taylor County 22,478 22,570-92 2,780 19,698 Perry 6,974 7,017-43 0 6,974 Unincorporated 15,504 15,553-49 2,780 12,724 * Includes all Census corrections as of February 11, 2014. Source: University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, December 2016. 59
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 8. Estimated human population living in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. County Population Estimates % Springshed Population Estimates w/in Springshed County April 1, 2016 April 1, 2010 Change in County April 1, 2016 April 1, 2010 Columbia County 68,566 67,531 1,035 5.2 3,576 3,522 Lafayette County 8,621 8,870-249 27.4 2,363 2,431 Madison County 19,238 19,224 14 10.2 1,955 1,954 Suwannee County 44,349 41,551 2,798 55.0 24,383 22,844 Taylor County 22,478 22,570-92 2.2 502 504 Total 163,252 159,746 3,506 100 32,779 31,255 Source: University of Florida, Bureau of Economic and Business Research, December 2016. 3.8 General Ecology The Middle Suwannee River Restoration Focus Area begins at the Suwannee River s confluence with the North Withlacoochee River and lies entirely within the Gulf Coast Flatwoods sub-region. In this reach, the river channel is typically less than 200-feet in width and generally between 10- and 20-feet in depth at average water levels. Several prominent rocky shoals occur in this reach. The river channel substratum includes coarse sand and exposed limestone. The floodplain has numerous topographic features caused by the fluvial action, including relict levees, oxbow lakes, and high and low terraces (Figure 38). Floodplain plant communities include a diversity of types, ranging from swamps to bottomland hardwoods. Swamps are dominated by bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), water tupelo (Nyssa aquatica), planer elm (Planera aquatica), swamp privet (Forestiera segregate), and pop ash Fraxinus caroliniana). Bottomland hardwood forests include some of the above, plus live oak (Quercus virginiana), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia), American elm (Ulmus americana), water hickory (Carya aquatic), overcup oak (Quercus lyrata), blue beech (Carpinus caroliniana), and other broadleaf deciduous hardwoods. Benthic invertebrate communities are dominated by chironomids, mayflies, caddisflies, and snails. Major and minor artesian springs are found on both banks throughout the length of the Middle Suwannee River. Because the Suwannee Basin coincides, in part, with a climatic transition zone, it is a significant biogeographic transition zone in Florida. Many species of flora and fauna reach their southernmost limits of distribution in the U.S. in the Suwannee region (Clewell, 1985). Over half of the native freshwater fishes found in Florida river systems occur only in, or west of, the Suwannee (Bass and Cox, 1985; Bass, 1991). The Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi) is a long-lived anadromous fish that can grow to eight-feet and weigh up to 200-pounds, making it one of the world s largest freshwater fishes (Sulak et al., 2001; FDEP, 2015a). A close relative of the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus), the Gulf of Mexico sturgeon (or Gulf sturgeon) exists in coastal rivers from the Pearl River in Louisiana to the Suwannee River in Florida. The Suwannee River supports the largest population of Gulf sturgeon in Southeastern coastal rivers (FDEP, 2014). The main threats to Gulf sturgeons in the Suwannee River are low water and habitat degradation to both spawning and feeding grounds of juveniles in the Suwannee estuary (Sulak and Randall, 2009). A minor but increasing threat is boat strikes, with large adult sturgeons seeming to be the most vulnerable to death from collisions (Sulak et al., 2007). Boat strikes have increased annually as more speed boats, ski boats, and jet skis use the river. Most strikes occur in summer holding areas where sturgeons congregate. 60
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 38. Generalized cross sections and terrestrial plant communities of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area (WRA, 2005, adapted from Lynch, 1984) The West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus) is found in marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. Manatees range throughout Florida waters, and individuals can move long distances seasonally. When the Gulf waters warm, manatees utilize the Suwannee River and its estuary, typically from March through November (Langtimm and Beck, 2003). Manatees are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and are listed as federally Endangered throughout their range. The Marine Mammal Section of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) monitors the status of these endangered animals and helps coordinate other activities needed to protect manatees. Research and monitoring of manatees include population monitoring, aerial surveys, radiotelemetry, and tracking. Manatee reproduction rates, population dynamics modeling, and occupancy modeling have also been completed (see MacKenzie et al., 2002; Kendall et al., 2004; Langtimm et al., 2004; Runge et al., 2004). Many springs in Florida are known to provide important warm-water refuge during the winter for populations of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), when water temperatures 61
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan drop below 68 F (20 C; Manatee Warm-Water Task Force, 2004). The manatees need these warmwater refuges, as they are unable to tolerate cold temperatures for an extended period. Florida has expansive karst areas that include a combination of diverse and globally unrivaled large-magnitude springs, caverns, caves, sinks, disappearing streams and lakes, and complex subterranean aquifers (Rosenau et al., 1977; Miller, 1997). Karst systems of Florida contain high aquatic faunal diversity, with the greatest karst biodiversity found in the northern peninsula and east-central panhandle (Walsh, 2001). Franz (2002) reviewed the cave faunas of Florida and southern Georgia and identified 267 biologically important caves serving as critical habitat for populations of 27 invertebrate and one vertebrate taxon, of which nearly all species (93%) are aquatic. Compared to cave faunas, fewer synoptic studies are available for the myriad of spring habitats and species of the U.S. Woodruff (1993) summarized previous literature, conducted a limited survey of 13 selected Florida springs, and developed a classification system based on a cluster analysis of springs using water chemistry data provided by Rosenau and others (1977), USGS, Water Management Districts, and other sources. Mattson and others (1995) examined the biota of springs and spring-influenced streams of the Suwannee River drainage in northwest Florida and included a synopsis of the periphyton and benthic invertebrate communities. Walsh (2001) summarized the relevant literature and information on the aquatic macrofauna of Florida karst habitats. 3.9 Recreational Uses Recreational activities at springs along the Middle Suwannee River include swimming, scuba diving, camping, picnicking, nature study, and lodging. Detailed records of park attendance for daytime and overnight visitors are available for Suwannee River, Peacock, Lafayette, Troy Springs State Parks, and for Madison Blue Spring State Park on the North Withlacoochee River (Figure 39 to Figure 43). Table 9 provides statistics for public use at these parks. Between 2005 and 2017, Lafayette Blue Springs State Park had a total of 11,671 visitors, averaging 986 per year. Summer visitation is highest at this park and peaked in 2011, and has declined since that date (Figure 39). From March 1997 through May 2017, Troy Springs State Park had a total of 62,107 visitors, with an average of 230 per year. Visitation is not very seasonal, and peaked in 2007, declined for several years, and recently had another smaller surge in 2016 (Figure 40). Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park reported visitation data for the period from October 1988 through May 2017. The total number of registered visitors was 12,643 with an annual average of 442. Visitation is not seasonal and was highest from 2010 to 2014 and lower before and after that period (Figure 41). From July 1982 through May 2017, Suwannee Springs State Park had a total of 62,107 registered visitors with an annual average of 986. Visitation is seasonal with greater use during summer months and dropped off markedly in 1999. Since that time, visitation has been increasing and overnight camping is also increasing (Figure 42). Madison Blue Springs State Park on the North Withlacoochee River had a total of 14,547 registered visitors from November 2004 through May 2017 (Figure 43). The annual average number of visitors was 1,163 with visitation primarily seasonal and peaking during the summer months. Figure 44 illustrates the seasonal pattern of human use at these springs state parks. Madison Blue use is highly seasonal, followed by Lafayette Blue. All the others show a declining seasonality for human uses with a typical early summer maximum use in June and a minimum use in January. 62
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 9. Summary human use statistics at Middle Suwannee and North Withlacoochee River Springs State Parks (FDEP data) Statistic Overnight Visitors (#) Day Visitors (#) Total (#) Lafayette Blue Springs (July 2005 - May 2017) Average 13.9 68.0 81.9 Maximum 199 1,199 1,398 Minimum 0 0 0 Std Dev 18.5 104 122 Count 4,353 4,353 8,706 Std Err 0.28 1.58 1.31 Madison Blue Springs (November 2004 - May 2017) Average 0.022 97.2 97.2 Maximum 70.0 1,646 1,716 Minimum 0 0 0 Std Dev 1.12 187 188 Count 4,581 4,581 9,162 Std Err 0.02 2.76 1.97 Peacock Springs (October 1998 - May 2017) Average 0.270 36.5 36.8 Maximum 107 617 724 Minimum 0 0 0 Std Dev 3.05 45.2 48.2 Count 10,467 10,467 20,934 Std Err 0.03 0.44 0.33 Suwannee River State Park (July 1982 - May 2017) Average 37.2 111 148 Maximum 470 1,241 1,711 Minimum 0.00 0.00 0.00 Std Dev 34.7 102 136 Count 12,754 12,754 25,508 Std Err 0.31 0.90 0.85 Troy Springs (March 1997 - May 2017) Average 0.020 19.2 19.2 Maximum 48.0 670 718 Minimum 0.00 0.00 0.00 Std Dev 0.705 41.6 42.3 Count 7,364 7,364 14,728 Std Err 0.01 0.48 0.35 Source: FDEP 63
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 300 Overnight Visitors Daytime Visitors 250 200 Monthly Total Visitors 150 100 50 0 Oct-04 Feb-06 Jun-07 Nov-08 Mar-10 Aug-11 Dec-12 May-14 Sep-15 Jan-17 Figure 39. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park from July 2005 to May 2017 (FDEP data). 64
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 120 Overnight Visitors Daytime Visitors 100 80 Monthly Total Visitors 60 40 20 0 Jan-96 Sep-98 Jun-01 Mar-04 Dec-06 Sep-09 Jun-12 Mar-15 Nov-17 Figure 40. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Troy Springs State Park from March 1997 to May 2017 (FDEP data). 65
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 120 Overnight Visitors Daytime Visitors 100 80 Monthly Total Visitors 60 40 20 0 Sep-88 Feb-94 Aug-99 Feb-05 Jul-10 Jan-16 Figure 41. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park from October 1988 to May 2017 (FDEP data). 66
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 300 Overnight Visitors Daytime Visitors 250 200 Monthly Total Visitors 150 100 50 0 Jan-81 Jun-86 Dec-91 Jun-97 Nov-02 May-08 Nov-13 Figure 42. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Suwannee River State Park from July 1982 to May 2017 (FDEP data). 67
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 600 Overnight Visitors Daytime Visitors 500 400 Monthly Total Visitors 300 200 100 0 Oct-04 Feb-06 Jun-07 Nov-08 Mar-10 Aug-11 Dec-12 May-14 Sep-15 Jan-17 Figure 43. Monthly overnight and daily human use at Madison Blue Springs State Park from November 2004 to May 2017 (FDEP data). 68
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Monthly Average Visitors 350 300 250 200 150 Period of Record: Lafayette: 7/2005-5/2017 Madison: 11/2004-5/2017 Peacock: 10/1988-5/2017 Suwannee: 7/1982-5/2017 Troy: 3/1997-5/2017 Lafayette - Daytime Lafayette - Overnight Madison Blue - Daytime Peacock - Daytime Peacock - Overnight Suwannee - Daytime Suwannee - Overnight Troy - Daytime 100 50 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 44. Seasonality of monthly overnight and daily human use at Middle Suwannee and North Withlacoochee River State Parks (FDEP data). 69
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The University of Florida in cooperation with The Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Inc., and Save Our Suwannee, Inc., evaluated the direct and indirect economic benefits and ecosystem services provided by 15 public and private recreational springs in a nine-county area of North Central Florida that included the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee, and Suwannee rivers (Borisova et al., 2014). Ten of the spring sites are on public land with six in state parks (Fanning, Ichetucknee, Lafayette Blue, Manatee, Troy, and Wes Skiles Peacock) and four in county parks (Hart, Little River, Poe, Rum Island). The study also included five privately owned spring sites: Blue Grotto, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Devil s Den, Ginnie Springs, and Hornsby Springs. These springs are located in a study area that includes Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Suwannee, and Union counties in Florida. The authors estimated gross regional product, employment, labor income, other property income, industry output, and local/state and federal government tax revenues. The total recreational use at all spring sites, including related Santa Fe River activities, was estimated to average slightly over one-million visitor-days annually for the previous five years. The total number of scuba diving visitor-days was estimated at 57,000 annually, with over 10,000 visitor-days at Peacock Springs, Ginnie Springs, and Blue Grotto. Average annual visitor spending in the study area attributed to springs recreation was estimated at $84 million, including $45 million by non-local visitors. The estimated total annual economic contributions of recreational spending (due to direct spending, supply chain activity and income re-spending) included the creation of 1,160 full-time and part-time jobs, labor income of $30 million, industry output (revenue) of $94 million, and a value-added contribution to the gross domestic product of $53 million annually. Impacts to local and state government revenues totaled $6.6 million and impacts to federal revenues were also $6.6 million. The largest tax impact items for local and state governments were property taxes ($4.1 million) and sales taxes ($1.6 million). Springs visitors may place a value on their experience that is higher than their actual total spending. The difference between what visitors are willing to pay and what they actually pay is known as a consumer surplus. Applying consumer surplus estimates to the Santa Fe and Suwannee River study area, and using the estimates of average length of stay at the spring sites from previous studies and responses from spring site owners and managers, the University of Florida researchers estimated that the total consumer surplus for the 15 spring sites in the 2014 study area was $9.4 million annually. These estimates of Florida springs economic contributions and consumer surplus focus on the value of recreational activities only. In addition to recreational activities, spring sites and related hydrologic systems provide a variety of other monetary and non-monetary ecosystem services, including provisioning services (e.g., spring water bottling), supporting services (e.g., hydrologic and nutrient cycling), regulating services (e.g., flood control), and cultural services (e.g., inspiration, art, cultural heritage, scientific knowledge, environmental education, existence value for endangered species, etc.). 70
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 4.0 Summary of Existing Impairments in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area 4.1 Groundwater Withdrawals In the Suwannee River Basin, pre-development groundwater recharge/discharge is estimated at 4,000 MGD or 27% of the entire recharge/discharge for the Floridan Aquifer (Bush and Johnston, 1988 cited in Knight and Clarke, 2014). Increasing groundwater use for irrigating agricultural, residential, and golf course lands in the basin has led to declining spring flows. Over time, groundwater withdrawals may lower aquifer water levels to the point that there is no longer a sufficient pressure gradient to cause a spring to discharge (Harrington et al., 2010). Groundwater withdrawals in the SRWMD increased by 64% between 1975 and 2000, most of which occurred because of increased irrigation. Demand in the SRWMD has remained stable since 1990 (Marella, 2004), and the number of wells (residential and agricultural irrigation) began to decrease in the mid-2000s (Nash et al., 2013; Marella, 2014). In 2010, an estimated 218 MGD of groundwater was withdrawn from the SRWMD, nearly equivalent to the daily discharge at Ichetucknee Springs, with agricultural irrigation accounting for 99% (Marella, 2014). Most groundwater withdrawals in the basin occur in agricultural areas along the Suwannee River and generally, take place during the spring and summer (Marella, 2004). There are also public supply withdrawals at multiple cities in South Georgia (e.g., Tifton, Valdosta, Douglas, etc.) and in North Florida (Gainesville, Lake City, Perry, Cross City and Chiefland). Groundwater is also withdrawn regionally for industrial uses such as pulp and paper mills, mining (phosphate and sand), and once-through cooling water for power generation. There is a major industrial withdrawal for a pulp and paper mill in Taylor County, and phosphate mining for fertilizer production utilizes a large quantity of groundwater in Hamilton County near White Springs, Florida. The largest sand and heavy minerals mine in the basin is in Bradford County, Florida, near the headwaters of the New River. Additionally, some springs are utilized for bottled drinking water, such as the Nestle bottling operation at Madison Blue Spring on the North Withlacoochee River in Madison County, Florida, and the Seven Springs Water Company wells at Ginnie Springs on the Santa Fe River in Gilchrist County, Florida. Groundwater pumping is drawing down aquifer levels, which may lead to dry wells, more sinkholes, saltwater intrusion, lower spring flows and reduced river baseflows, which are dependent on spring flow in the middle and lower portions of the basin (Knight and Clarke, 2014). Groundwater flow in north Florida is defined by a divide in the potentiometric surface (known as the northeastern flow-line divide) that separates groundwater flowing eastward toward the Atlantic Ocean from water flowing westward toward the Suwannee River Basin. Larger withdrawals from counties to the northeast of the Suwannee River Basin (i.e., Duval and Nassau) have lowered groundwater levels over a larger area and shifted the divide westward, thus increasing the groundwater contributing area (recharge area) for those northeastern wells, but decreasing the contributing area to the Suwannee River Basin (i.e., when there is rainfall and resulting recharge to the system, it is shifting east towards Jacksonville and the St. Johns River Basin) (SRWMD, 2010; Grubbs, 2011). 71
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Excessive pumping within the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), the SRWMD, and the state of Georgia has reduced the pre-development groundwater contributing area (recharge zones) to the Suwannee River Basin by approximately 1,900 square-miles from 1936 to 2005, which is equivalent to a transfer of about 130 MGD (SRWMD, 2010). Groundwater levels in selected wells located east and west of the divide decreased by approximately 4- to 12- feet from 1960 to 2009, and the rate of decline has increased over time (Grubbs, 2011). Regional long-term wells in the Upper Floridan Aquifer in the northeastern portion of the SRWMD and northwestern edge of the SJRWMD are reported in monthly hydrologic conditions reports prepared by the SRWMD and show an overall decreasing trend in water levels dating back to the late 1940s (SRWMD, 2013b). Also, because of the potentiometric declines in the northeastern SRWMD, the groundwater basin divide has migrated more than 35-miles to the southwest in 70 years (SRWMD, 2010). This migration is the result of the combination of groundwater withdrawals from the SRWMD, the SJRWMD, and water users in southern Georgia. The migration of the groundwater divide and subsequent lowering of the potentiometric surface of the Floridan Aquifer may be responsible for the reduction and intermittent cessation of flow at White Springs (i.e., White Sulfur or Sulphur Springs) in Hamilton County, Florida, which is near the edge of the groundwater divide. Water that once moved southwestward toward the springs is being redirected toward the northeast. Historical discharge at the spring indicated it was a strong, second-magnitude spring prior to groundwater development in the region, but it ceased regular discharge in the mid-1970s (SRWMD, 2010). Other springs in the basin that essentially no longer flow include Pettis Spring in Madison County and Ewing Spring in Taylor County (Harrington et al., 2010). 4.1.1 Water Use Permits Figure 45 summarizes the locations and quantity of permitted water use in the Suwannee and Santa Fe drainage basins. There are 2,994 water use permits in the region for a total authorized average extraction rate of 282 MGD (Table 11). Most of these permits are for groundwater pumping with average daily uses greater than 0.1 MGD. Smaller groundwater withdrawals (< than 100,000 gallons per day, classified as domestic self-supply) are allowed without permit and number in the tens of thousands. Note the two locations of large water use permits in Figure 45. PCS Phosphate in Hamilton County and Buckeye Cellulose in Taylor County have been the largest historic groundwater users. Even though these uses are outside of the Middle Suwannee Springshed, groundwater pumping impacts are regional and changing water uses at these commercial sites may be changing regional aquifer levels and spring flows, as discussed later in this report. This inventory does not include groundwater withdrawals in the portion of the Suwannee River Springshed that are in southeast Georgia. 4.1.2 Estimated Groundwater Use Groundwater is the sole source of permitted water supply within the Middle Suwannee River Springshed. Table 10 summarizes the estimated groundwater withdrawals in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed by decade starting in the 1960s. Total estimated groundwater withdrawals increased from about 2.5 MGD for the period from 1965 1970 to about 21.4 MGD for the period from 1990 2010. During the most recent period of water-use estimations (2010), 72
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan the dominant groundwater uses were agriculture (76%), commercial/industrial/mining (9%), domestic self-supply (9%), and public supply (5%). 4.1.3 Groundwater Recharge Bush and Johnston (1988) have estimated recharge for the entire Floridan Aquifer that extends from South Carolina, through the Coastal Plain of Georgia, under all the Florida peninsula, and into coastal Alabama and Mississippi. The average recharge to the Floridan Aquifer in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed was estimated based on a digitized version of the Bush and Johnston (1988) map. Annual average (area weighted) recharge within the springshed was estimated by Bush and Johnston to be 16.6 inches-per-year (Figure 46). Over the estimated 1,100 mi 2 of the existing Middle Suwannee River springshed, this is equivalent to an average recharge estimate of about 869 MGD (1,346 cfs). This estimated value is considerably higher than the measured net flow increase of about 800 to 900 cfs recorded between the Ellaville and Branford stations on the Middle Suwannee River. Assuming an average groundwater recharge of about 627 MGD (970 cfs) in the maximum extent Middle Suwannee Springshed results in an estimated average recharge of about 12 inches-per-year. 4.1.4 Spring Discharge The Middle Suwannee River springs contribute a significant amount of clear groundwater to the river. The estimated average discharge from the 59 identified springs in this river reach for the period from 1990 to present is about 878 cfs (567 MGD). Only 13 of the springs have long-term flow records (see Appendix A for detailed data). Charles Springs has a reported average discharge of 19.4 cfs for the period-of-record (POR) between 1915 and 2015. Flow in this spring was essentially zero during the 2000 decade and was found to have reversed flow during the most recent decade. Allen Mill Pond Spring had an average flow of 22.7 cfs for the POR from 1973 to 2016. Flow in this spring was also observed to reverse direction during 2012. Lafayette Blue Springs has a long-term average flow of 72.4 cfs for the POR from 1973 to 2016, with a noticeable declining trend during that period. Flow reversals became relatively common during the past decade. Telford Springs in Suwannee County had a POR average flow of 36.9 cfs from 1927 to 2014. Flows in this spring appear to have been declining since the 1970s. Peacock Spring in Suwannee County had an average flow of 66.4 cfs during the POR from 1973 to 2016. Existing data are inadequate to determine if recent trends indicate a long-term decline in spring discharge. Convict Spring has a POR average flow of 5.99 cfs since 1973 with a declining trend and periodic flow reversals in the past decade. Royal Spring has a POR discharge averaging 11.9 cfs with no apparent decline in the existing data. Suwannee Blue Spring has had flow data frequently reported since 1997 with an average of 15.6 cfs and no apparent trend during that period. Ravine Spring in Suwannee County has a POR average flow of 4.56 cfs with an apparent declining trend since 1997. Troy Spring in Lafayette County has a POR average flow of 115 cfs starting in 1927, the highest of any measured spring on this segment of the Suwannee River. A slight declining trend in flows at this spring is apparent with increasing flow reversals documented since 2004. Ruth Spring in Lafayette County has a POR average spring flow of 7.86 cfs since 1973 with no apparent trend in the flow. Little River Springs has an average flow of 65.9 cfs since 1973 with no apparent long-term trend during that POR. Branford Spring in Suwannee County has a POR average flow of 29.7 cfs since 1927, with an apparent increase in flows since the 1950s. 73
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 10. Estimated groundwater use by decade for the Middle Suwannee River and Springs Restoration Focus Area (Marella, USGS data). Estimated Groundwater Withdrawals (mgd) Category 1960-69 1970-79 1980-89 1990-99 2000-09 2010-12 Columbia 2.20 3.65 8.50 13.7 13.1 13.7 Agricultural 0.40 1.00 1.88 5.58 5.10 5.93 Comm, Ind, Mining 0.00 0.14 0.18 0.13 0.29 0.19 Domestic 0.60 1.86 4.31 3.94 3.72 3.63 Power Generation 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Public Supply 1.20 1.82 2.26 3.02 3.52 3.70 Recreational --- --- 0.27 0.18 0.36 0.29 Lafayette 0.50 2.10 4.80 8.11 7.40 6.62 Agricultural 0.34 2.39 4.16 7.00 6.32 5.53 Comm, Ind, Mining 0.00 0.00 0.09 0.19 0.26 0.27 Domestic 0.10 0.27 0.62 0.81 0.63 0.65 Power Generation 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Public Supply 0.10 0.13 0.16 0.19 0.19 0.17 Recreational --- --- 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Madison 1.30 3.45 4.70 7.99 11.5 13.9 Agricultural 0.16 2.30 1.96 4.21 5.83 10.8 Comm, Ind, Mining 0.00 0.02 0.25 0.17 0.15 0.56 Domestic 0.40 0.81 1.42 2.05 1.23 1.00 Power Generation 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Public Supply 0.70 0.96 1.23 1.56 1.65 1.39 Recreational 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.06 0.20 0.17 Suwannee 1.80 9.70 16.6 30.7 26.3 30.0 Agricultural 0.56 4.70 12.4 25.1 20.5 24.2 Comm, Ind, Mining 0.00 3.82 0.88 1.20 1.56 1.78 Domestic 0.50 1.16 2.00 3.10 2.71 2.71 Power Generation 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.15 0.09 0.15 Public Supply 0.60 1.02 1.26 1.39 1.42 1.14 Recreational --- --- 0.16 0.05 0.08 0.06 Taylor 51.3 57.3 51.0 50.3 46.8 42.9 Agricultural 0.12 0.19 0.38 0.40 1.89 0.37 Comm, Ind, Mining 50.0 53.0 48.2 46.9 42.2 39.5 Domestic 0.20 0.56 0.99 1.16 0.95 0.90 Power Generation 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Public Supply 1.00 1.42 1.49 1.58 1.73 2.03 Recreational 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.12 0.07 0.06 MSR Estimate 2.52 7.73 12.5 21.7 19.4 21.4 Agricultural 0.44 3.53 8.24 16.4 13.9 16.2 Comm, Ind, Mining 1.12 3.30 1.62 1.78 1.90 2.00 Domestic 0.38 0.90 1.66 2.37 2.00 1.98 Power Generation 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.08 0.05 0.08 Public Supply 0.51 0.82 1.01 1.17 1.22 1.05 Recreational --- --- 0.10 0.04 0.08 0.07 County Columbia Lafayette Madison Suwannee Taylor % Springshed in County 5.2 27.4 10.2 55.0 2.2 Average values from USGS, Scientific Investigation Report http://fl.water.usgs.gov/ 74
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 45. Active consumptive use permits in the Suwannee River springshed (2015 WMD data). 75
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Spring flows in the Middle Suwannee Basin are roughly equivalent to the increased flow measured between the Ellaville and Branford gauging stations on the Suwannee River. Figure 47 illustrates the pickup in flow between these stations for a 90-year POR. The average flow increase during this POR is 762 cfs (492 MGD). Combined spring flows for the basin averaged 878 cfs (567 MGD) for the past three decades and 528 MGD (818 cfs) over the decade from 2007 to 2016. Annual average rainfall in the springshed region was generally steady throughout this POR with an annual average of 52 inches during the most recent decade. Surprisingly, there was no apparent correlation between rainfall and springflow throughout this period of measurement (Figure 47). Table 11. Permitted water withdrawals requiring Water Use Permits in the Suwannee River springshed and watershed (data from SRWMD and SJRWMD). Springshed Watershed Water Use Lower Suwannee Middle Suwannee Upper Suwannee Santa Fe Total Lower Suwannee Santa Fe Total SRWMD Augmentation 0.03 0.16 0.01 0.37 0.57 0.16 0.37 0.53 Bottled Water --- --- 1.61 1.30 2.92 --- 1.30 1.30 Commercial 0.98 0.92 0.73 1.77 4.41 1.92 0.88 2.80 Drinking 0.67 0.66 0.36 1.16 2.85 1.37 0.51 1.88 Freeze Protection --- 0.09 0.01 --- 0.10 0.09 --- 0.09 Industrial 0.23 0.28 180.65 1.60 182.8 3.48 1.41 4.88 Irrigation 70.26 84.04 80.81 58.02 293.1 178.24 35.27 213.5 Livestock 7.59 13.00 2.50 8.93 32.03 22.65 7.59 30.25 Mining --- 1.01 12.24 1.57 14.82 2.58 --- 2.58 Public Supply 3.07 4.18 139.93 15.17 162.4 6.87 12.86 19.73 Unidentified --- --- --- 0.01 0.01 --- --- 0.00 SJRWMD Agricultural --- --- --- 21.18 21.18 --- --- 0.00 Commercial/Industrial/Institutional --- --- --- 7.38 7.38 --- --- 0.00 Landscape/Recreation/Aesthetic --- --- --- 10.15 10.15 --- --- 0.00 Mining/Dewatering --- --- --- --- 0.00 --- 4.06 4.06 Public Supply --- --- --- 80.43 80.43 --- 0.03 0.03 Total 82.85 104.3 418.8 209.1 815.1 217.4 64.28 281.6 SRWMD (1/3/2014); SJRWMD (9/9/2014) 76
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Area Recharge (in/yr) Avg. Recharge (in/yr) Area (mi 2 ) Weighted Recharge (in/yr) 10 to 15 12.5 202 --- 15 to 20 17.5 898 --- Total 1,100 16.6 Figure 46. Estimated recharge within the Middle Suwannee River Springshed (Bush and Johnston, 1988) 77
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 2000 1500 Discharge Discharge LOESS Rainfall Rainfall LOESS 100 90 80 70 Average Discharge (cfs) 1000 500 60 50 40 30 Annual Rainfall (in) 0 20 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 2020 10-500 Year 0 Figure 47. Time series data for Suwannee River discharge uptick between Ellaville and Branford and for annual rainfall within the Middle Suwannee River Basin. 78
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 2000 1500 Aveage Discharge (cfs) 1000 500 1931-1939 1940-1959 1960-1979 1980-1999 2000-2016 0 30 40 50 60 70 80 90-500 Annual Rainfall (in) Figure 48. The relationship between total annual rainfall and increased river flow between Ellaville and Branford on the Suwannee River by decade. 79
4.1.5 Inter-Basin Groundwater Transfers Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Springsheds are defined based on potentiometric surfaces in the Floridan Aquifer. As groundwater levels change, the springshed boundaries can move with regards to the areas contributing to springs. In some cases, large withdrawals or significant changes in rainfall and evapotranspiration (ET) have resulted in springshed boundaries shifting between adjacent Water Management Districts. This has occurred near the Suwannee River in North Florida where areas formerly part of the SRWMD have shifted and are now contributing to the SJRWMD (Grubbs and Crandall, 2007). Knight and Clarke (2014) provided an estimated water balance for the Florida springs that receive groundwater inflows from the Floridan Aquifer. The estimated overall spring water balance indicates that total average recharge to the Floridan Aquifer pre-development was about 13.9 billion-gallons-per-day (BGD), resulting in an estimated total spring discharge in Georgia and Florida of about 12.3 BGD, and about 11.2 BGD through North Florida s springs (Bush and Johnson, 1988; Knight, 2015). Current average springflow in Florida s 1,000+ springs during the most recent decade (2000 2009) was estimated as 7.2 BGD, resulting in an estimated 36% reduction (Knight and Clarke, 2014). In the SRWMD, the estimated springflow decline was about 48% or nearly one half since the 1930s. The estimated average lost springflow in the SRWMD is 2.3 BGD. It is surmised that this quantity of water is not only extracted through estimated pumping of 219 MGD in the SRWMD but also by groundwater extraction in surrounding springsheds in Georgia and Florida. Bush and Johnston (1988) reported an average recharge of about 8.8 BGD for the portion of the Floridan Aquifer in Florida and about 3.1 BGD in the SRWMD. Pre-development, an estimated average of 1.7 BGD was entering Florida s springs from groundwater recharged in southern Georgia and Alabama. Under current (2009) conditions, it is estimated that the amount of imported groundwater from north of the state line has been significantly reduced. 4.1.6 Estimated Water Budget A water budget is an inventory of all inflows, outflows, and storage for a water system. The system of interest in this report is the entire Middle Suwannee River. Water budgets for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area were estimated for two periods: 1967 to 1976, assumed to be early enough to represent a period of relatively low groundwater extractions, and 2007 to 2016, assumed to be typical of current conditions. Principal water inputs to the Middle Suwannee River water budget include: Water inflows from the Upper Suwannee River, including inflows from the North Withlacoochee River, the Alapaha River, the Okefenokee Swamp, and a series of creeks that feed the Upper Suwannee River, and Water inflows from springs and diffuse groundwater inputs. The only significant surface water outflows in the Middle Suwannee River water budget include outflows to the Lower Suwannee River below Branford. 80
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan For this water budget, all groundwater extracted in the springshed was assumed to be consumed, and not recycled to the Floridan Aquifer. This assumption is reasonable since most of the water use was for agriculture, and typical agricultural practice is to consume irrigation water through evapotranspiration, or incorporation in the crop. It was also assumed that over the ten-year data collection period used for the two water budgets (1967 to 1976 and 2007 to 2016), there was no net change in water stored in this reach of the Suwannee River. Additional assumptions in the preparation of this water budget are that groundwater experiences no losses through evapotranspiration (ET) and that ET from the river and spring surface areas is not significant and generally equal to rainfall inputs. Based on the law of conservation of mass, total water outflows must equal inflows. This principle is used below to estimate the one unmeasured flow in the simplified water budget, namely groundwater inflows other than those at named and monitored springs. These undocumented inflows include unobservable (submarine) springs and diffuse groundwater inputs on the floor of the Middle Suwannee River. For the earlier 10-year period from 1967 to 1976, the estimated water budget was: Inflows (total = 7,278 cfs or 4,702 MGD) o o Upper Suwannee River at Ellaville (6,588 cfs or 4,256 MGD) Estimated spring inflows by difference (690 cfs or 446 MGD) Outflows (total 7,278 cfs or 4,702 MGD) o Middle Suwannee River outflow to Lower Suwannee River (7,278 cfs or 4,702 MGD) Based on measured rainfall and an assumed ET loss of 77%, the estimated water use affecting the Middle Suwannee River during this early time period is 186 MGD (288 cfs), which is higher than the estimated water use for the more recent period summarized below. For the more recent period from 2007 to 2016, the estimated water budget for the Middle Suwannee River Focus Area was: Inflows (total = 5,549 cfs or 3,585 MGD) o o Upper Suwannee River (4,732 cfs or 3,057 MGD) Measured spring inflows (817 cfs or 528 MGD) Outflows (total 5,550 cfs or 3,585 MGD) o Middle Suwannee River outflow to the Lower Suwannee River (5,550 cfs or 3,585 MGD) The estimated regional groundwater pumping effect on this springshed during this recent period inside and outside the springshed was 99 MGD (153 cfs). These water balances appear to indicate that spring flows feeding the Middle Suwannee River may have increased between these two periods. One possible explanation for this observation is that groundwater pumping in Taylor County at the Buckeye Cellulose plant and in Hamilton County at PCS Phosphate have declined during this period due to water conservation practices. PCS Phosphate in the Middle Suwannee River Basin was historically permitted for a groundwater 81
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan pumping capacity of 226.9 MGD, which discharges into Swift and Hunter creeks and Camp Branch, all of which are tributaries to the Suwannee River (FDEP, 2003). While neither of these groundwater pumping sites is thought to be in the springshed, their extreme levels of historic pumping may have had regional effects on Floridan Aquifer levels and Middle Suwannee River flows. 4.2 Water Quality Degradation Water quality is a primary concern in the Suwannee River Basin, due to both point and non-point sources of pollutants. Point sources in the basin include permitted facilities, such as industrial and domestic wastewater facilities, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), mining operations, pulp and paper mills, concrete batch plants, petroleum cleanup sites and stormwater sewer system discharges (FDEP, 2003; Hallas and Magley, 2008). Most point sources are required to have discharge permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The primary nonpoint sources in the basin consist of runoff and recharge from agricultural lands, including row and field croplands, ranchland, animal operation and silviculture (Hallas and Magley, 2008). Other nonpoint sources in the basin include onsite sewage systems (i.e., septic tanks), atmospheric deposition, and diffuse stormwater runoff from urban/suburban areas, including industrial and residential land-uses (FDEP, 2003; Hallas and Magley, 2008). Activities associated with these point and nonpoint sources contribute to pollutant loading in the basin. Water quality stressors in the Suwannee River Basin include excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), oxygen depletion, fecal coliform bacteria, excess sediment, heavy metals (e.g., mercury), and synthetic organic chemicals (e.g., pesticides and herbicides) (GAEPD, 2002). States are required to assess waterbodies to determine whether they are meeting their designated uses and to develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) of primary pollutants for waterbodies that are impaired. The most common TMDLs throughout the Suwannee River basin are for nutrients and dissolved oxygen, followed by fecal coliform bacteria. Additionally, Georgia has several TMDLs for mercury contamination, which is due to industrial point sources and acid deposition in the upper portion of the Suwannee River Basin (EPA, 2009). According to FDEP (2003), nitrates are by far the biggest water quality concern in the middle and lower portions of the Suwannee River Basin (Figure 49). Nitrates seep into the groundwater and are introduced to the river via springs (FDEP, 2003). Total estimated nitrogen from all nonpoint sources (fertilizers, animal wastes, atmospheric deposition, and septic tanks) increased continuously from 1955 to 1997 in Gilchrist and Lafayette counties (Katz et al., 1999). Nitrates have been monitored at the USGS monitoring site at Branford, Florida since 1954, and the overall trend is increasing, even after the Suwannee River was designated as an Outstanding Florida Water in 1979 (Figure 50). The area where the largest increase in nitrate concentration occurs is a 38-mile segment of the Middle Suwannee River from Dowling Park to Branford, followed by the Santa Fe River (Hallas and Magley, 2008). Agriculture is the dominant land use in the basin and constitutes the largest source of excess nutrients. High nutrient concentrations lead to changes in periphyton and extensive, frequent algal blooms, which deplete dissolved oxygen and cause fish kills. Black-water rivers, such as the Suwannee River, already have naturally-occurring low dissolved oxygen concentrations. 82
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 49. Typical nitrogen cycle in a mixed agricultural/urban landscape. 83
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 50. Historic nitrate-nitrogen data from the Middle Suwannee River (Hallas and Magley, 2008) 4.3 Groundwater Quality Many of the springs in the Middle Suwannee River Basin are impaired due to human releases of nitrogen, resulting in overgrowth of algae and causing an imbalance in spring ecosystems (Harrington et al., 2010). The oxidized forms of nitrogen (nitrate and nitrite) are the most elevated in area groundwaters. Figure 49 illustrates the natural and human-influenced nitrogen cycle. Nitrate-nitrogen is weakly absorbed by soil and sediment and is transported entirely in water (GAEPD, 2002). According to Nolan (2001), the most significant factors contributing to nitrate contamination in groundwater are: 1) nitrogen fertilizer loading, 2) percent cropland/pasture, 3) population density, 4) percent well-drained soils, 5) depth to minimum water table, and 6) presence/absence of fracture zones within an aquifer. The primary anthropogenic sources of nitrogen to Florida springs, in order of importance, are fertilizer, animal waste, human wastewater, and atmospheric deposition. The application of inorganic fertilizers to row and field crops (e.g., corn) is the largest nitrate source to springs in the Middle Suwannee River Basin. Springs with the highest nitrate concentrations are in agricultural areas or areas with a mix of agricultural and residential development (Harrington et al., 2010). Until the early 1970s, nitrate was found in lower concentrations (<0.2 mg/l) in Florida springs, but since then, many springs have reached or exceeded nitrate concentrations greater than 1 mg/l (see Figure 51; Pittman et al., 1997; Harrington et al., 2010). Nitrate levels appear to be 84
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan highest in springs with low flow rates and younger water that has been underground for 10 years or less (FDEP, 2003). All the springs with recent data along the Middle Suwannee River have elevated nitrate concentrations (Table 15). For data reported since 2010, the highest average nitrate concentrations are: Ravine Spring (11.4 mg/l), Convict Spring (9.8 mg/l), Ruth Spring (7.5 mg/l), Owens Spring (5.6 mg/l), Suwannee Blue Springs (5.1 mg/l), and Mearson Spring (3.0 mg/l). All the other monitored springs have nitrate concentrations greater than 1 mg/l, except Branford Spring with a concentration of 0.70 mg/l. 4.3.1 Land Use Activities Affecting Water Quality 4.3.1.1 Agriculture Agricultural nitrogen sources include point and nonpoint pollutant discharges from pasture lands, row crops, field crops, animal feeding operations, and silviculture. In an analysis of data from 1988 to 1998, Wear and Greis (2002) found that agriculture was the leading source of nutrient impairment to rivers and streams in Florida. As shown in Table 6 and Figure 53, agricultural land use increased in all subbasins of the Suwannee River Basin between 1992 and 2006, particularly in the upper basins (Little, Withlacoochee, and Alapaha). Agriculture is the most significant land use in the middle portion of the Suwannee River Basin, especially from row crops, dairies, and poultry production. Nutrients, especially nitrates, are a major water quality concern in the middle and lower basins. Fertilizers, manure, and other waste products from current agricultural practices are believed to be the main sources of nitrate contamination to the river and groundwater (i.e., springs) through surface runoff and groundwater seepage. Studies have shown that nitrates seep into and are transported by groundwater, then re-emerge through springs and other groundwater flows, especially during low flow periods (Pittman et al., 1997; Katz et al., 1999; FDEP, 2003). Differences in nitrate loads from springs are probably controlled by factors such as differences in the magnitude of spring discharges, the size and land use in spring basins, hydrologic characteristics such as differences in water levels between the river and the aquifer, and the water-transmitting properties of the aquifer (Pittman et al., 1997). The nutrient and dissolved oxygen TMDL for the Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers (Hallas and Magley, 2008) concludes that in the middle and lower Suwannee and Santa Fe basins, fertilizer application accounts for 40 to 49% of total nitrogen inputs. More recently in the Middle Suwannee BMAP analysis, FDEP has estimated fertilizer inputs as about 6,270 tons-per-year. The published data for fertilizer use (Table 13) indicates that about 7,800 tons-per-year of nitrogen fertilizer was sold in the counties including the Middle Suwannee River and springs restoration focus area. Data summarized in Figure 52 indicate that in 2010 there were 11,246,834 chickens and 18,809 dairy cows being raised in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed. Based on a study conducted in Suwannee County by the University of Florida s Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS), dairies and poultry operations are areas of high nitrogen intensity, with some recorded groundwater nitrate concentrations above 200 mg/l (UF and SRWMD, 2008). Chickens have an estimated nitrogen excretion rate of about 0.0025 lbs N/d, while dairy cows excrete about 110 lbs N/yr. The estimated nitrogen load from chickens penned in the springshed is 5,131 tons/yr and the estimated load from dairy cows is about 1,034 tons/yr. 85
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 12. Middle Suwannee River springs estimated nitrogen loads Avg Flow (cfs) Avg NOx-N (mg/l) NOx-N (kg/d) LOCATION 1990 2000 2010 POR 1990 2000 2010 POR 1990 2000 2010 POR ELLAVILLE SPRING --- --- --- 0.748 0.390 1.047 0.73 --- --- --- --- ANDERSON SPRING IN SUWANNEE RIVER 15.0 10.0 --- 12.50 1.350 0.720 --- 1.04 50 18 --- 33.6 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922972) 0.500 --- --- 0.50 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922973) 1.19 --- --- 1.19 1.000 --- --- 1.00 3 --- --- 2.9 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922974) 0.500 --- --- 0.50 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922971) 0.190 --- --- 0.19 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922972) 0.100 --- --- 0.10 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922973) 0.120 --- --- 0.12 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922974) 0.260 --- --- 0.26 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922975) 0.300 --- --- 0.30 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922971) 1.00 --- --- 1.00 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922976) 0.300 --- --- 0.30 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- FARA SPRINGS 10.4 --- --- 10.43 0.290 --- --- 0.29 7 --- --- 7.4 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF922975) 3.58 --- --- 3.58 0.030 --- --- 0.03 0 --- --- 0.3 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF922976) 1.09 --- --- 1.09 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF922977) 0.500 --- --- 0.50 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- SHIRLEY SPRING 1.67 --- --- 1.67 1.420 --- --- 1.42 6 --- --- 5.8 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF929971) 5.00 6.61 --- 5.81 1.320 1.120 --- 1.22 16 18 --- 17.1 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF929972) 2.40 1.00 --- 1.70 0.880 0.980 --- 0.93 5 2 --- 3.8 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF929973) 10.0 --- --- 10.00 1.210 --- --- 1.21 30 --- --- 29.6 CHARLES SPRINGS 22.2 0.067 15.1 12.45 1.933 1.520 2.197 1.88 105 0 81 62.1 ALLEN MILL POND SPRING 25.3 8.57 24.2 19.35 1.107 1.064 1.500 1.22 69 22 89 59.8 BLUE SPRINGS 118 63.2 60.5 80.47 1.844 1.767 2.658 2.09 531 273 393 399.3 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF924972) 0.100 --- --- 0.10 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- PERRY SPRINGS --- 5.00 --- 5.00 --- 0.600 --- 0.60 --- 7 --- 7.3 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF924971) 13.0 8.00 --- 10.50 3.190 3.025 --- 3.11 101 59 --- 80.3 TELFORD SPRINGS 43.4 31.3 36.2 36.99 2.399 9.716 2.624 4.91 255 745 232 410.7 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF919971) 0.170 --- --- 0.17 1.620 --- --- 1.62 1 --- --- 0.7 LURAVILLE SPRINGS 6.74 --- --- 6.74 0.050 --- --- 0.05 1 --- --- 0.8 BOSEL SPRING --- --- --- --- 2.500 --- 2.50 --- --- --- --- BONNET SPRINGS 40.0 --- --- 40.00 2.300 --- --- 2.30 225 --- --- 225.1 KARST WINDOW IN PEACOCK ST. PARK --- --- --- 2.237 --- --- 2.24 --- --- --- --- ORANGE GROVE SPRING 28.7 --- --- 28.70 1.120 --- --- 1.12 79 --- --- 78.6 PEACOCK SPRING 97.6 --- 29.2 63.43 2.165 --- --- 2.17 517 --- --- 517.1 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919974) 0.930 --- --- 0.93 2.040 --- --- 2.04 5 --- --- 4.6 RUNNING SPRINGS 19.8 28.8 --- 24.32 1.954 2.288 2.780 2.34 95 161 --- 128.0 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919973) 2.62 1.00 --- 1.81 2.080 1.810 --- 1.95 13 4 --- 8.9 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF919972) 3.80 0.867 --- 2.33 2.990 1.700 --- 2.35 28 4 --- 15.7 UN NAMED SPRING (LAF57981) 3.83 --- --- 3.83 2.870 --- --- 2.87 27 --- --- 26.9 BATH TUB SPRINGS 11.5 --- --- 11.50 1.230 1.400 1.600 1.41 35 --- --- 34.6 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919972) 0.690 --- --- 0.69 1.300 --- --- 1.30 2 --- --- 2.2 CONVICT SPRING 6.98 3.66 4.50 5.05 7.366 9.819 9.830 9.01 126 88 108 107.4 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919971) 7.69 2.00 --- 4.85 0.500 0.530 --- 0.52 9 3 --- 6.0 ROYAL SPRING 13.6 --- 10.2 11.86 1.459 1.389 2.199 1.68 48 --- 55 51.5 SUWANNEE BLUE SPRINGS 20.5 13.6 17.5 17.17 5.411 4.046 5.113 4.86 271 134 219 207.9 RAVINE SPRING 6.55 4.55 4.56 5.22 17.493 12.389 11.407 13.76 280 138 127 181.9 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF57982) 5.00 --- --- 5.00 2.520 --- --- 2.52 31 --- --- 30.8 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW725971) 6.99 4.56 --- 5.77 17.833 14.680 --- 16.26 305 164 --- 234.3 OWENS SPRING 90.0 --- --- 90.00 3.470 1.900 5.600 3.66 764 --- --- 764.1 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF710981) 1.00 --- --- 1.00 0.500 --- --- 0.50 1 --- --- 1.2 MEARSON SPRING 68.0 55.6 --- 61.79 1.794 2.265 3.040 2.37 299 308 --- 303.2 UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW106971) 0.430 --- --- 0.43 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF718972) 10.6 15.0 --- 12.80 2.360 1.960 --- 2.16 61 72 --- 66.6 TROY SPRING 133 112 127 124.01 1.930 1.882 2.463 2.09 630 516 763 636.3 RUTH SPRING 9.06 7.08 9.70 8.61 3.470 4.681 7.474 5.21 77 81 177 111.8 LITTLE RIVER SPRINGS 100 55.2 63.8 73.13 1.387 1.135 1.253 1.26 341 153 196 229.9 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF93971) 3.77 0.500 --- 2.14 --- 0.090 --- 0.09 --- 0 --- 0.1 UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF718971) 10.8 9.00 --- 9.92 0.760 0.479 --- 0.62 20 11 --- 15.4 BRANFORD SPRING 38.9 8.24 31.1 26.10 0.802 0.688 0.700 0.73 76 14 53 47.9 SHINGLE SPRINGS 12.1 --- --- 12.13 1.380 --- --- 1.38 41 --- --- 41.0 Total 878 Flow-weighted Average 2.42 Total 5,200 86
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 51. Map of groundwater nitrate-nitrogen concentrations for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area during the period from 2000 to 2004. Other water quality concerns from agricultural activities include erosion, sedimentation, and contamination from chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. Conversion of forested lands to intensive agriculture and removal of riparian vegetation increases erosion (e.g., streambank destabilization) and sediment runoff to nearby waterways. Residual usage of pesticides and herbicides may continue to impact water quality even after the application has ceased due to its persistence in the soil and groundwater (GAEPD, 2002). Though it ranks low among waterimpairing land use activities in the South, silviculture also contributes to sedimentation, due primarily to logging roads and skid trails. Silviculture also causes short-term increases in nutrient concentrations, herbicides and fertilizers, and thermal pollution (Wear and Greis, 2002). Pesticide and herbicide application is generally limited to the early phases of silviculture, during clearcutting and planting (GAEPD, 2002). However, the abundant pine straw silviculture operations in the springshed apply nitrogen fertilizers on a routine basis. 87
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The establishment of best management practices (BMPs) is required for waterbodies with TMDLs. BMP manuals have been developed by the University of Florida s IFAS and adopted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for activities such as vegetable and agronomic crops, cow/calf operations, and silviculture. The adopted BMPs also cover activities such as pesticide and fertilizer application, erosion control, and sediment management. University of Florida researchers and SRMWD staff conducted demonstration projects on row crop, poultry, and dairy farms to evaluate the effectiveness of BMPs for animal waste and fertilizer management in reducing nutrient inputs to groundwater in the Middle Suwannee River Basin. Results indicated small decreases in groundwater nitrate concentrations from row crop BMPs, with additional reductions anticipated over time as the groundwater responds to lower nitrate concentrations in the soil. Similarly, soil nitrate levels have decreased since implementation of the BMP program at the representative poultry farm; however, corresponding improvements to groundwater quality were not observed. Due to delays in implementing the dairy farm BMPs, their effectiveness could not be fully evaluated, but groundwater nitrate levels (the highest of the three land uses) were expected to be slow to respond given the quantity of residual nitrogen in the soils (UF and SRMWD, 2008). Table 13. Fertilizer use estimates in tons of nitrogen per year by county and for the Middle Suwannee River Springshed County Fertilizer Use w/in County % County in Springshed Est. Fertilizer Use w/in Springshed % of Fertilizer Load Columbia 1,055 5.2 55.0 2.1 Lafayette 1,730 27.4 474 17.8 Madison 1,344 10.2 137 5.1 Suwannee 3,617 55.0 1,989 74.9 Taylor 96 2.2 2.1 0.08 Total 7,842 100 2,657 100 Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Period: July 2011 - June 2012 Fertilizer sold in the county was assumed to be applied in the county based on the proportion of the county in the Springshed 88
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Milking/Dry Cows Total Avg Max Count 18,809 508 2,900 37 Poultry Company Total Avg Max Count CAL-MAINE 72,135 72,135 72,135 1 Egg-Layer 72,135 72,135 72,135 1 PILGRIM'S PRIDE 11,174,699 86,626 215,611 129 Meat-Breeders 399,600 26,640 59,900 15 Meat-Broilers 10,381,399 97,938 215,611 106 Meat-Pullets 393,700 49,213 75,700 8 Total 11,246,834 86,514 215,611 130 Figure 52. Commercial Poultry and Dairy Farms located in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed (Source: FGS). 89
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan More recently, IFAS scientists have estimated the acres of buffering natural lands that would be required to reduce nitrogen inputs to the aquifer and springs from various agricultural operations with BMPs in vulnerable areas such as the Middle Suwannee River Basin. For a dairy operation with BMPs to achieve the springs nitrate-nitrogen limit of 0.35 mg/l in most of the Middle Suwannee River Springshed, IFAS estimated it would take from 84 to 120 acres of natural buffer for each acre of dairy. This ratio is 47 to 70 acres per acre for row crops, 19 to 28 acres per acre for poultry, and 0.7 to 1.9 acres per acre for planted pine and row crops (Graham and Clarke, 2013; Knight, 2015). 4.3.1.2 Urbanization Urbanized land uses result in point and nonpoint sources of pollutants from low-density residential development, multifamily residential development, commercial development, and highways. Specifically, this includes domestic and industrial wastewater treatment, storm sewage and diffuse stormwater runoff, and on-site sewage systems (i.e., septic tanks). Urban land use in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed was estimated as 10% in 2010 (Figure 53 from Hansen, 2017). Total nitrogen inputs from human sources represent a small percentage of overall inputs in the Middle Suwannee basin (2 to 3%), and a larger percentage in the Santa Fe basin (over 9%), which has roughly twice the number of wastewater facilities and all the municipal separate storm sewer systems (Hallas and Magley, 2008). Given the Suwannee River Basin is primarily rural, most domestic sewage is treated with septic systems. A typical septic system in the Middle Suwannee River basin is assumed to discharge about 20 lbs N/yr at a concentration of about 40 mg/l to the regional groundwater. 4.3.1.3 Non-Agricultural Industrial Point Sources Nitrogen is also contributed to the springshed from permitted discharges from industries other than agriculture, such as mining and mills. These sources can lower water quality, though their impacts are typically localized and their effects are more predictable based on permitted discharge rates. The major industrial dischargers in the basin are located in the upper and middle Suwannee River basins. Phosphate strip mining for fertilizer production occurs in Hamilton County near White Springs, Florida within the Hawthorn Group, which is high in phosphate (Harrington et al., 2010). During mining, drainage and stormwater are managed by a mine-water recirculation system; excess water may be discharged through permitted outfalls during wet periods (Wilson and Hanlon, 2012). 4.3.2 Middle Suwannee River Nitrogen Mass Budget The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for preparing a Basin Management Action Plan for the Middle Suwannee River (Hansen, 2017). Boundaries chosen for their BMAP are shown on Figure 54 and are slightly different than those used for the FSI restoration plan. FDEP is also required to establish a Priority Focus Area (PFA) for their Middle Suwannee BMAP. A draft of the PFA is shown in Figure 54. The FDEP Middle Suwannee PFA includes about 867 mi 2 (as compared to the 1,100 mi 2 area of the FSI study area; Figure 11). 90
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Middle Suwannee Forest 47% Water 1% Rangeland 6% Urban 10% Wetlands 9% Agriculture 27% Figure 53. Estimated 2010 land uses in the Middle Suwannee River springshed (Hansen, 2017) FDEP conducted a detailed evaluation of nitrogen loads to their Middle Suwannee PFA (Hansen, 2017). Estimated average annual nitrogen loads to the land surface in the FDEP Middle Suwannee springshed were: Fertilizer (farm and urban) 6,270 tons/yr Confined animal feeding operations 6,165 tons/yr Atmospheric 2,675 tons/yr Human wastewater 148 tons/yr For an estimated total annual average load of about 15,258 tons/yr. Estimated average nitrogen loads reaching the Floridan Aquifer were: Farm fertilizer 2,411,145 lbs/yr (57%) Livestock waste 1,228,219 lbs/yr (29%) Atmospheric 362,637 lbs/yr (8.6%) Septic systems 108,122 lbs/yr (2.6%) Turf grass fertilizer 96,898 lbs/yr (2.3%) Wastewater facilities 5,472 lbs/yr (0.1%) 91
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan For a total estimated nitrogen load to the Floridan Aquifer of 4,212,493 lbs/yr (5,235 kg/d). A nitrogen budget or mass balance accounts for all inflows and outflows of nitrogen in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed. Data presented above and measured river and spring nitrogen loads are utilized to estimate a nitrogen budget for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. Table 14 indicates that since 2010, the average total nitrogen input to this river segment from upstream was 2,950 tons-of-nitrogen/year (7,332 kg/d). The measured nitrogen in the outflow of this river segment since 2010 was 5,215 tons/yr (12,963 kg/d), for an increased nitrogen load of 2,266 tons/yr (5,631 kg/d). The springs nitrogen data summarized in Table 15 generally confirms these values with an estimated total spring load of 2,092 tons/yr (5,200 kg/d) since the 1990s. 4.4 Summary of Impairments Figure 56 summarizes the water and nitrogen budget estimates for recent (2007-16) average conditions in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. Since the 1960s to 1970s, this river segment has may have gained some flow due to decreased rates of industrial pumping at Buckeye Cellulose in Perry and at PCS Phosphate in White Springs. Based on this analysis there is no overall apparent change in river and spring flows in this segment of the Suwannee River. Nitrogen loads present in the Middle Suwannee River and springs have increased markedly during the past 50 years. Nitrate-nitrogen concentrations at the Branford station at the southern end of the Middle Suwannee segment have increased from about 0.1 mg/l in the 1950s to a current average concentration of 0.84 mg/l. This increased concentration indicates a greater than 700% increase in nitrogen loads heading downriver to the Gulf of Mexico. This nitrogen load continues to increase as the Suwannee River flows from Branford to the Gulf, picking up additional spring flows from Fanning and Manatee springs, and the many springs along the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers. The total average nitrogen load entering the Gulf at the mouth of the Suwannee River is about 5,500 tons-per-year. 92
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 54. Land uses in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed and PFA (Hansen, 2017). 93
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 55. Septic systems, WWTFs, and confined animal feeding operations in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed and PFA (Hansen, 2017). 94
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Table 14. Middle Suwannee River flows, nitrogen concentrations, and estimated nitrogen loads Avg Flow (cfs) Avg NOx-N (mg/l) NOx-N (kg/d) LOCATION 1990 2000 2010 POR 1990 2000 2010 POR 1990 2000 2010 POR SUWANNEE RIVER AT ELLAVILLE 6,769 4,661 5,080 5,503 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM ELLAVILLE 7,066 2,267 5,080 4,804 0.39 0.41 0.59 0.46 6,666 2,276 7,332 5,425 SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM GOLDKIST --- --- --- --- 0.36 --- --- 0.36 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW922974 --- --- --- --- --- 0.39 0.44 0.42 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER AT 88TH ST. --- --- --- --- --- 0.34 --- 0.34 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER AT DOWLING PARK 6,314 4,521 5,187 5,341 0.34 0.42 0.58 0.45 5,286 4,686 7,412 5,795 SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM DOWLING PARK --- --- --- --- --- 0.41 0.58 0.49 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SHIRLEY SPRING --- --- --- --- --- 0.38 0.56 0.47 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR DELL --- --- --- --- --- 0.20 --- 0.20 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR BLUE SPRING --- --- --- --- --- 0.21 --- 0.21 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM BLUE SPRINGS --- --- --- --- --- --- 0.80 0.80 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF924972 --- --- --- --- --- --- 0.60 0.60 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER AT LURAVILLE 6,608 4,888 5,399 5,632 0.41 0.48 0.66 0.52 6,625 5,717 8,725 7,023 SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF924971 --- --- --- --- --- 4.90 --- 4.90 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DNSTRM TELFORD SPRINGS --- --- --- --- --- 0.71 0.72 0.71 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF919971 --- --- --- --- --- 0.70 0.72 0.71 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM PEACOCK SLOUGH --- --- --- --- --- 0.37 0.75 0.56 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW919974 --- --- --- --- --- 0.72 0.79 0.76 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW919973 --- --- --- --- --- 0.88 0.78 0.83 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF919972 --- --- --- --- --- 2.00 --- 2.00 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF57981 --- --- --- --- --- 0.80 0.83 0.82 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM CONVICT SPRING --- --- --- --- --- 0.67 0.85 0.76 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER ABOVE ROYAL SPRING NR ALTON --- --- --- --- --- --- 0.78 0.78 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM ROYAL SPRING --- --- --- --- --- 0.62 0.86 0.74 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DNSTRM BLUE SPRING --- --- --- --- --- 0.90 0.88 0.89 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF57982 --- --- --- --- --- 15.00 15.00 15.00 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW725971 --- --- --- --- --- 0.95 0.92 0.94 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER AT CR251A --- --- --- --- --- 0.80 0.94 0.87 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW106971 --- --- --- --- --- 1.01 1.09 1.05 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR TROY SPRING --- --- --- --- --- 1.10 1.05 1.08 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM BRANTLEY SPRING --- --- --- --- --- 0.72 0.70 0.71 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LITTLE RIVER SPRINGS --- --- --- --- --- 1.10 1.00 1.05 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF93971 --- --- --- --- --- 0.77 1.00 0.89 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER AT BRANFORD 7,445 5,404 5,908 6,253 0.68 0.73 0.90 0.77 12,333 9,591 12,963 11,629 SUWANNEE RIVER UPSTRM SHINGLE SPRINGS --- --- --- --- --- --- 0.84 0.84 --- --- --- --- SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SHINGLE SPRINGS --- --- --- --- --- 0.68 0.31 0.50 --- --- --- --- 95
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Figure 56. Estimated Middle Suwannee River and Springshed water and nitrogen mass budgets (2007-2016). 96
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 5.0 Regulatory Programs for Comprehensive Protection and Restoration of the Middle Suwannee Springs Focus Area 5.1 Introduction The Middle Suwannee River springs are protected through existing federal, state, and local ordinances and designations that are intended to limit or totally prevent ecological impairment. With each passing year additional protections are being considered and in some cases implemented. However, as documented by the environmental information collected for this report, the piecemeal or non-existent enforcement of existing regulations has not been successful at halting the continuing decline in the health of Middle Suwannee River springs or the Floridan Aquifer which they depend on for nourishment. Examination of existing policies and elimination of their inadequate and/or lax enforcement of existing laws is necessary to reverse the ongoing decline of Florida s springs and the rivers that depend on their inflows. 5.2 Federal and State Water Quality Regulations 5.2.1 Designated Uses and Water Quality Standards In the Florida portion of the Suwannee River Basin, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is responsible for water quality regulation. The Suwannee River and its springs and other tributaries are Class III waterbodies, which are designated for recreation and the propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife. The Suwannee River is also designated an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW) by the FDEP (Florida Administrative Code Rule 62-302.700), which is a waterbody designated worthy of special protection because of its natural attributes. In general, FDEP cannot legally issue permits for direct discharges that would lower existing water quality or indirect discharges that would significantly degrade a nearby waterway designated as an OFW (FDEP 2012a). Florida surface water quality standards and criteria are described in Chapter 62-302 of the Florida Administrative Register and Administrative Code (Florida Department of State, undated). In 1998, the EPA issued a strategy requesting each state to develop a plan for adopting Numeric Nutrient Criteria (NNC), in addition to already established numeric criteria for other parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, ph, temperature, bacteria, metals, pesticides, and other organic chemicals). Florida has adopted statewide numeric nitrogen and phosphorus criteria for springs and rivers. (F.A.C. Rules 62-302.531 and 62-302.532). In addition to numeric criteria, there are also narrative criteria such as the prohibition of discharging toxic materials in toxic amounts. Under 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, states are required to compile a list of impaired waters and submit that list to EPA for approval. Impaired waters do not meet applicable state water quality standards, i.e., do not support their designated use(s). The Florida Watershed Restoration Act (FWRA; Subsection 403.067[4] Florida Statutes [F.S.]) requires the listing of all impaired waters. These waters are scheduled for development of a TMDL, which provides a pollutant reduction goal that can be implemented to restore the designated use of the water. 97
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan States have responsibility for the development of TMDLs, which are subject to EPA approval. Sections 403.067(6) and (7) of the Florida Statutes state that FDEP may develop a basin management action plan (BMAP) that addresses the watersheds and basins that contribute to a TMDL waterbody. The purpose of the BMAP is to implement load reductions to achieve TMDLs, including specific projects, monitoring approaches and best management practices (BMPs) (FDEP, 2012b). BMPs were cited by the FWRA of 1999 as the best way to reduce pollution to Florida s waters. BMP Manuals contain a combination of practices designed to reduce loading from activities, such as nutrient management, pesticide usage, and water management. As required by Section 403.067(7)(b)2(g) of Florida law, agricultural producers in basins with TMDLs must implement a BMP plan or conduct water quality monitoring to prove discharges meet state water quality standards. The FWRA also requires that when BMPs are adopted, FDEP must verify their effectiveness in achieving pollutant reductions (Migliaccio and Boman, 2013). 5.2.2 Antidegradation Policy On March 15, 2012, the EPA approved Georgia s Water Use Classifications and Water Quality Standards (Chapter 391-3-6-.03), which include the state s Antidegradation Policy. Implementation procedures for this policy have not yet been established. Florida s Antidegradation Policy, effective July 17, 2013, is found in Rule 62-302.300. 5.2.3 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) As authorized by the Clean Water Act, the NPDES permit program regulates point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. NPDES permits are required for operation and sometimes construction associated with domestic or industrial wastewater facilities or activities (e.g., wastewater treatment facilities, mines, etc.). In Georgia and Florida, the EPA has delegated administration of the NPDES permit program to GAEPD and FDEP, respectively. 5.2.4 Groundwater Regulations Existing laws at both the federal and state levels protect groundwater quantity and quality. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for groundwater protection through the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires maximum contaminant level standards for drinking water. The Safe Drinking Water Act established the Underground Injection Control, Wellhead Protection, and Source Water Protection Programs, which are administered by FDEP (Aquifer Protection Program) in Florida. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) authorizes EPA to control the availability of potentially harmful pesticides. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) authorizes EPA to control toxic chemicals that could pose a threat to the public and contaminate groundwater. The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA), regulates mining activities, some of which can negatively impact groundwater. In addition to the Aquifer Protection Program, FDEP has a Ground Water Management Program that is responsible for evaluating and addressing groundwater resources that adversely affect surface water quality as part of Florida s Watershed Restoration Program. This program conducts groundwater surface water interaction assessments, restoration of springs and implementation of best management practices for agrochemical effects on water quality. 98
5.2.5 Impaired Waters, TMDLs, and BMAPs 5.2.5.1 Florida Impaired Waters and TMDLs Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan To meet Clean Water Act and FWRA requirements, watersheds within the state - as defined by FDEP - have been allocated into five groups based on geography. Each group undergoes a cycle of five phases on a rotating schedule. Phases 1 and 2 entail preliminary water quality assessments and strategic monitoring to verify detected impairments. Phase 3 addresses the development and adoption of TMDLs for waters verified as impaired in Phase 2. In Phases 4 and 5, a BMAP is developed and implemented to achieve the TMDL. Each phase is scheduled to take about a year (FDEP, 2003). The Middle Suwannee River is part of the Suwannee watershed, which is in Group 1. Group 1 has completed Phase 3 of the assessment cycle. Impairment and TMDL information have been spatially assigned by FDEP to watershed polygons (WBIDs), rather than to linear reaches of streams, so it is not possible to calculate lengths of impaired streams. Common causes for impairments requiring TMDLs within the Middle Suwannee River are nutrients, dissolved oxygen, and fecal coliform bacteria. The nutrient and dissolved oxygen TMDL for the Lower and Middle Suwannee River is of the most relevance to the Springs Restoration Focus Area. It also includes the Santa Fe River, Manatee Springs, Fanning Springs, Branford Spring, Ruth Spring, Troy Spring, Royal Spring, and Falmouth Spring (Hallas and Magley, 2008). 5.2.5.2 Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) FDEP s method of achieving the TMDLs for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area is development and implementation of a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). A BMAP is a restoration plan developed by FDEP and basin stakeholders that formalizes the activities that will are necessary to reduce the pollutant loads and achieve the TMDL. Stakeholders in these BMAPs include the SRWMD, local governments, agriculture, and other businesses, and interested local citizens and environmental groups. Given that agricultural activities are a significant source of the nitrate-nitrogen loads, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), also has an important role in the implementation of restoration activities. The final BMAP for the Santa Fe River was published in March 2012 (FDEP, 2012b). FDEP is currently working to develop a BMAP for the Lower and Middle Suwannee River and springs. The deadline for completion of this BMAP is likely to be July 2018 as required by the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act of 2016 (Thomas Frick, FDEP, personal communication, July 23, 2015). 5.3 Water Withdrawals The Suwannee River Water Management District regulates all water uses within its boundaries pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 373, F.S. and consistent with Chapter 62-40, F.A.C. A water use permit (minor water use permit by rule, general water use permit, or individual water use permit) is required prior to the withdrawal or diversion of water for any water use except those expressly exempted by law or District rule. Individual residential water wells, exempted from the permitting process, are required to be permitted during installation, tested for contamination, 99
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan and permitted for abandonment. Reporting requirements and withdrawal capacities for each permit type are outlined below and in Chapter 40B-2 F.A.C. 5.3.1 Minor Water Use Permit A minor water use permit is needed in the SRWMD for: Water used for agriculture, commercial, potable water supply, augmentation, and other uses provided the average daily use is less than 100,000 gallons per day and the maximum daily use is less than 250,000 gallons per day, water is being drawn through a single pipe/well casing no larger than four inches, water is not transported across District boundaries, and water conservation practices shall be implemented. Water used for landscape irrigation provided the average daily use is less than 100,000 gallons per day and the maximum daily use is less than 250,000 gallons per day, and water is being drawn through a single pipe/well casing no larger than four inches or a utility. Permittee also must follow rules pertaining to irrigation volume output and timing of irrigation. Water used for hydrostatic testing provided the permittee provides a written notice to the District at least ten business days prior to each test, the water is not transported across District boundaries, and the permittee allows District personnel access to monitor the test. 5.3.2 General Water Use Permit A general water use permit is required for all withdrawals or diversions which are less than ten million gallons-per-day maximum and less than two million gallons-per-day average daily rate of withdrawal. 5.3.3 Individual Water Use Permit An individual water use permit is required for all withdrawals exceeding general water use permit daily rates. 5.3.4 Obtaining a Water Use Permit A permit applicant must meet three conditions to receive a consumptive use permit, as per F.S. Section 373.223. The use must be a reasonable-beneficial use, which is defined as "the use of water in such quantity as is necessary for economic and efficient utilization for a purpose and in a manner which is both reasonable and consistent with the public interest. Second, the use must not cause harm to other users. Finally, the use must be consistent with the public interest (Fla. Stat. 373.223(1)(1995)). The Florida Water Resources Act of 1972 (Chapter 40B-4 F.A.C.) specifies that FDEP creates a state water use plan which includes policies related to water supply, water quality, flood protection, and regional supply plans (Christaldi, 1996). The SRWMD is required by Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, to assess water supplies every five years to determine if natural systems will be able to maintain a healthy condition and supply demands for water. Exemptions from the water permitting process include domestic uses as defined in Section 373.019(6), F.S., water used strictly for firefighting, withdrawals made for dewatering activities for a total period not to exceed 180 consecutive days, withdrawal from artificial retention structures for structure repair, and groundwater remediation authorized by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 100
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 5.3.5 Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) and Permitting Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) means the minimum flow for a watercourse or the minimum water level for groundwater in an aquifer or the minimum water level for a surface water body that is the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area. These levels have been established by the SRWMD for designated water bodies, including the Lower Suwannee River, in Chapter 40B-8, F.A.C. Minor, general, and individual water use permitting for groundwater withdrawal can be granted or denied based on the potential effect to complying with the river MFLs. Agricultural irrigation is currently the largest single water user type permitted in SRWMD. Further permitting for development can also be affected as these permits allow a certain amount of groundwater to be withdrawn. Increased withdrawal may affect one of the ten values that MFLs were established with and compromise the interests of those values (e.g., recreation, fish passage, and water quality). Previously, approved permits in one WMD could affect an adjoining WMD as many of the district boundaries are rivers. To avoid duplicative efforts and reduce costs, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 244 in June 2013 amending several Florida Statutes in Chapter 373 (Water Resources) to better manage cross boundary MFLs between adjoining WMDs (Florida Senate 2013; SRWMD 2013e) and facilitate more effective regional water supply planning. Both the Florida Statutes (primarily Chapter 373 Water Resources) and the Florida Administrative Code (especially Chapter 62-40) address minimum flows and water resources. As per Chapter 373.042 from the Florida Statutes (F.S.), the SRWMD is required to establish the minimum flow for all surface watercourses (lakes, rivers, and streams) in the area. The minimum flow for a given watercourse is the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area. The SRWMD also determines the minimum water levels, which are the level of groundwater in an aquifer and the level of surface water at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources of the area. The statute (Chapter 373.042(1), F.S.) also provides guidance for establishing MFLs using the best information available, considering seasonal variations and protection of nonconsumptive uses. MFLs are intended to protect nonconsumptive uses of water which includes the water necessary for navigation and recreation and for fish and wildlife habitat and other natural resources (Chapter 62-40, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The State Water Resources Implementation Rule provides additional policy guidance (Chapter 62-40.473, F.A.C.), indicating that consideration shall be given to the protection of water resources, natural seasonal fluctuations in water flows or levels, and environmental values associated with coastal, estuarine, aquatic, and wetlands ecology... These environmental values may include: Recreation in and on the water; Fish and wildlife habitats and the passage of fish; Estuarine resources; Transfer of detrital material; Maintenance of freshwater storage and supply; Aesthetic and scenic attributes; 101
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Filtration and absorption of nutrients and other pollutants; Sediment loads; Water quality; and Navigation. The scientific analysis completed for establishing the MFL is subject to a peer review process. Before the SRWMD Governing Board adopts the MFL into the District rules (40B-8, F.A.C.), a four- to six-month process must be followed that involves public workshops, review by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and publication in the Florida Administrative Weekly (SRWMD, 2013c). MFLs are currently being established for the Upper and Middle Suwannee River, the North Withlacoochee River, and four Outstanding Florida Springs (OFS) along these river segments (Falmouth, Lafayette Blue, Peacock, and Troy). MFLs are applied when the District reviews water withdrawal permit applications, declares water shortages, and when assessing water supply sources. During the permit application review process, effects of existing and/or proposed consumptive uses on both surface and groundwater are evaluated by computer simulation models to determine the likelihood they might cause significant harm. A water use cannot be permitted that causes any MFL to be violated. In cases where a water body currently does not or will not meet an established MFL, the District must develop recovery or prevention strategies (SRWMD, 2013c). Previously, approved permits in one WMD could affect an adjoining WMD because many of the district boundaries are rivers. To prevent MFLs from being violated across WMD boundaries, and for more consistent MFL application across the state, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 244 in June 2013 to adopt cross-boundary MFLs to avoid duplicative efforts of adjoining WMDs and reduce costs (Florida Senate, 2013; SRWMD, 2013e). This Senate Bill also addressed issues related to differing MFLs on the same river managed by adjoining WMDs. Senate Bill 244 also allowed interagency agreements for resource management activities, including the ability for multiple WMDs to jointly develop water supply planning document(s) at a regional scale (Florida Senate, 2013). 102
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Section 6.0 Restoration Goals and Recommendations 6.1 Visioning the Future for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Early botanist and explorer William Bartram in his book, Travels, described the Suwannee River in the mid-1770s (Bartram, 1791). Bartram described the waters of the Little San Juan River (Suwannee River) as extremely clear with plants and fish clearly visible. In the 1770s, the Suwannee River was technically a spring run with more than 50% of its average flow provided by groundwater. As groundwater resources in and around the Suwannee River Basin have been and continue to be over-exploited, the clear, artesian baseflows of the Suwannee and its hundreds of springs are greatly diminished. William Bartram s Suwannee River of the 1770s presents a vision of what the Suwannee River and its springs can be again. This best-case scenario is to provide adequate and clean groundwater to an otherwise untrammeled river to rejuvenate its springs. The alternative to this vision is the increasing reality of declining spring flows with resulting loss of water clarity and wildlife and human habitat values; and the increasing nitrate pollution that is exacerbating plant community changes in the springs of the Middle Suwannee River. In quantitative terms, the vision for restored Middle Suwannee River springs includes the following general recommendations: Reduce regional groundwater extractions by 50 percent or more as needed to restore average spring flows to 95 percent of their historic levels, and Reduce nitrogen loadings to the springshed from fertilizer and human/animal wastewater disposal by 80 percent or more as needed to achieve the springs nitrate numerical standard of 0.35 mg/l. 6.2 Key Stakeholders This section briefly lists the key stakeholder groups that will need to come together as partners to support the recommendations outlined in this report. 6.2.1 Private Landowners There are tens of thousands of private landowners who will be affected by any comprehensive restoration of the Middle Suwannee River springs because the majority of the springshed is in private ownership. Based on our current understanding of the actions that will need to be taken to achieve the desired spring restoration goals, many of these private landowners will be affected by water and fertilizer use restrictions and possibly increased fees for wastewater management - either through local utility rate increases or by possible upgrades to on-site sewage disposal systems. 6.2.2 Federal, State, Local Governments, and Non-Governmental Organizations Key public stakeholders identified during this restoration planning effort include U.S. government agencies (e.g., Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Geological 103
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resource Conservation Service). Florida government agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection, the Suwannee River Water Management District, the Florida Department of Forestry, the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Economic Opportunity, and the Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Local governments, including counties and cities, are also stakeholders in restoring the springs along the Middle Suwannee River. Non-Governmental Organizations who are focused on restoring the Middle Suwannee River springs include the Florida Springs Council, a federation of over 45 individual organizations, the Florida Springs Institute, the Suwannee-St. Johns Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Florida Defenders of the Environment, Environment Florida, 1000 Friends of Florida, the Nature Conservancy, Audubon Florida, and many other groups. 6.2.3 Agricultural and Forestry Operations and Industrial, Commercial, and Development Operations The list of Middle Suwannee springs restoration stakeholders also includes the numerous private businesses located in the basin. Corporate farms include dairies, chicken producers, row crop operations, and cattle operations. All retail businesses in the restoration focus area will also lose revenue due to surface and groundwater depletion and pollution, and are stakeholders for any restoration plan. 6.3 Developing a Restoration Roadmap A holistic restoration roadmap for the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area must include the following components: Restoration Plan (this report) o o o o o Summary of Existing Conditions Impairments that can be restored Specific Goals for Restoration Practical Steps Needed to Achieve Those Goals Responsible Parties Implementation Plan (future report) o o o A Timeline for Implementing the Restoration Plan Approximate Costs and Funding Sources Monitoring of Progress with Continuing Adaptive Management in Response to Measured improvements 104
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan 6.4 Specific Goals for Restoration and Practical Steps to Achieve Those Goals 6.4.1 Water Quantity Restoration The preliminary water quantity restoration goal for the Middle Suwannee River and springs is to restore at least half of the estimated clear groundwater that has been lost. This goal will require a reduction in average groundwater pumping throughout the Suwannee River Springshed of about 10 MGD. In addition, the water balance presented above indicates that an additional pumping reduction of more than 50 MGD will need to occur regionally. These reductions should be based on a springshed-wide assessment of groundwater use priorities. Reductions in groundwater pumping need to be prioritized based on their regional economic importance and can be made through a combination of the following proactive measures: Increased water use efficiency; Increased water conservation; and Increased reliance on alternative surface water supplies to reduce reliance on groundwater uses as much as possible. Until a detailed economic evaluation is conducted, it is reasonable to assume that all existing groundwater users in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed need to reduce their groundwater use by an equal percentage. Public and domestic self-supplies could reasonably achieve this water use reduction goal by reducing, or eliminating, landscape and lawn irrigation with groundwater. If rainfall could be stored locally in ponds, cisterns, or rain barrels, then these outside water use activities could be permitted and continued where necessary. Agricultural production in North Florida has relatively recently developed a dependency on crop irrigation using groundwater. This use cannot be sustained at current rates if restoring spring flows and river health is a priority. The most practical first step is to stop issuance of any new groundwater use permits for crop irrigation in North Florida. The next step is to revise existing agricultural permits to restrict water use to the most necessary and efficient cropping methods and to meter all uses. Local and regional groundwater pumping will need to be reduced by more than 60 MGD to restore adequate spring flows in the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area. Conversion of a large percentage of crops being grown on over-drained, highly vulnerable lands, to non-irrigated crops such as long-leaf pine plantations or in some cases unimproved pasture will be necessary to attain the ultimate water quantity restoration goal. Springs protection zones should be developed based on the aquifer vulnerability maps reproduced in this report. No new high-intensity agricultural operations should be permitted on vulnerable lands unless they can rely totally on rainfall and surface water storage. Subsidies and tax incentives may need to be developed to lessen the impact of these types of restrictions on existing agricultural producers located in vulnerable areas. Other significant water uses, including commercial/industrial and recreational, will also need to reduce their reliance on groundwater supplies by about 50 percent. 105
6.4.2 Water Quality Restoration Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan The preliminary target for average nitrate-nitrogen concentrations in the Middle Suwannee River springs is 0.35 mg/l as determined by FDEP in the nutrient TMDL developed by FDEP (Hallas and Magley, 2008). This goal will require an estimated 90 percent reduction in all nitrogen loads to the vulnerable portions of the springshed. This report estimates that there are approximately 1,254 tons-per-year of total nitrogen introduced into the Floridan Aquifer in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed in the form of nitrogen fertilizer. Other important nitrogen sources include concentrated animal-feeding operations (CAFOs), with an estimated 614 tons-per-year, and septic tank effluents, with an estimated annual load of about 57 tons. Rainfall contributes on average about 181 tons-per-year of nitrogen to the aquifer in the springshed area. The estimated combined load of total nitrogen reaching the groundwater in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed from these sources is about 2,106 tons-per-year. The average nitrate-nitrogen load discharging through the Middle Suwannee River springs for the period from 1980 through 2010 was also about 1,944 tons-per-year. The estimated attenuation of nitrogen between the pointof-application to the land surface and the Floridan Aquifer and the spring vents due to crop uptake and microbial processes is about 85%. Assuming these assimilative processes will continue at this rate, the total nitrogen applied by human activities to the land surface in the springshed needs to be reduced by 86%, for a reduction goal of 13,050 tons-per-year. The nitrogen load in municipal wastewaters, septic tank effluents, and from CAFOs can technically be reduced by more than 70% through upgrades to advanced nitrogen removal processes such as oxidation ditches and constructed wetlands. However, since the nitrogen load to the aquifer contributed by rainfall is not readily controllable, fertilizer use will also need to be reduced in the vulnerable portions of the springshed by an estimated 85%, or about 5,330 tons of nitrogen in fertilizer per year, to meet FDEP s TMDL goal of 0.35 mg/l. To achieve this goal, it may be necessary to discontinue many uses of nitrogen fertilizer in the Middle Suwannee River Springshed, to collect and treat CAFO wastewaters in pond-wetland systems, and to connect many on-site sewage systems to central sewers with advanced levels of nitrogen reduction. A significant portion of this reduction could probably be accomplished in concert with the water quantity restoration described above. Nearly 100 percent of the springshed is considered vulnerable in terms of groundwater contamination by surface pollutants. Eliminating agricultural and residential fertilizer uses in these most vulnerable areas would provide the greatest reduction of nitrogen inputs to the Middle Suwannee River springs. A more acceptable solution might be to phase in cuts to all nitrogen fertilizer use in the springshed at about 50 percent reduction in the first five years, followed by a second phased reduction of an additional 50 percent over the next five years, and consideration of one additional phased reduction if found to be necessary based on the measured nitrate-nitrogen levels in the Middle Suwannee River springs. A phased program to reduce fertilizer use would allow greater flexibility for agricultural producers to develop less polluting cropping strategies. Nutrient loads originating from confined livestock (primarily chicken houses and dairies) will also need to be reduced by about 85% to achieve the TMDL nitrate limit for the Lower Suwannee River springs. One way to accomplish this goal is to eliminate all pasture fertilization and then to limit the density of grazing animals to what can be supported by unimproved pasture. A second alternative is to collect all animal manure and to recycle it as an alternative to using inorganic nitrogen fertilizers. A third method is to combine all nitrogen waste streams as an effluent and 106
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan remove the nitrogen from this water through nitrification/denitrification treatment technologies. Ultimately, the number of large grazing animals in the springshed may need to be reduced significantly to achieve the nitrate TMDL goal. Human wastewater nitrogen loads in the springshed can be reduced by implementing advanced nitrogen removal for all central wastewater facilities and by providing centralized collection and wastewater treatment for any high-density septic tank areas. A detailed analysis evaluating and comparing nitrogen removal measures using advanced nitrogen removal technologies such as constructed wetlands, biological nutrient removal processes, and nitrogen-removal on-site systems should be prepared as part of the Middle Suwannee River BMAP process. In summary, the anticipated Middle Suwannee River BMAP must provide realistic but stringent nitrogen reduction measures, regardless of whether they adversely affect agriculture or urban land use practices. Costs for these upgrades are likely to be significant and should, in turn, be compared to costs to reduce other nitrogen inputs to the aquifer from fertilizers and animal/ human wastes. The nitrate contamination at the Middle Suwannee River springs will not be solved unless all options are on the table and evaluated for cost effectiveness (dollar-per-pound of nitrogen that is prevented from reaching the aquifer). 6.5 Holistic Ecological Restoration The effects of reduced flows, increasing concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen, invasions by exotic plant and animal species, and increasing recreational uses are resulting in visible long-term changes to the natural flora and fauna of the Middle Suwannee River springs. Ecological restoration will require a comprehensive approach to dealing with all sources of impairment simultaneously, rather than a piecemeal approach of divided responsibilities by an array of state and local agencies. 6.5.1 Education Initiatives Ongoing public education about the threats facing the long-term health of the Middle Suwannee River and springs will be essential for achieving ultimate restoration. This Restoration Plan provides a preliminary roadmap to fully accomplish restoration goals. However, getting this information out to the public and to the State officials and legislators who are most concerned with springs protection is an important part of this educational process. This will require public presentations, public meetings, newspaper and TV reporting, rallies at area springs, and many partnerships. The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute can provide technical support and educational materials and will be joined to complete this effort by other springs advocacy and educational organizations throughout North Florida. 6.5.2 Regulatory Assistance In 2008, the FDEP formally adopted TMDL nitrate-nitrogen goals for the Middle Suwannee River and associated springs (Hallas and Magley, 2008). Active participation in this process to enact a BMAP for the Middle Suwannee River and springs will be critical to reverse the increasing nitrate levels and declining flows. This Middle Suwannee Springs Restoration Action Plan can serve as the People s BMAP if the FDEP plan does not provide an efficient and timely plan to achieve success with restoration and protection of this spring system. 107
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan In 2007, the SRWMD developed Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for the Lower Suwannee River and springs. Evidence presented in an earlier report (FSI, 2016) indicates that these MFLs have already been violated, yet the WMD has not acknowledged this violation of Florida law. This situation is unacceptable and must be remedied. MFLs are currently being established for the springs feeding the Middle Suwannee River. These need to be set at protective flow levels and strictly enforced by capping groundwater pumping throughout the SRWMD. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Community Services (FDACS) is the state agency responsible for regulating agricultural practices in Florida. A change in thinking is necessary at FDACS and in the development of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs). For example, existing BMPs are developed to maximize economic yield while minimizing environmental damage. This prioritization does not result in adequate springs protection. Agricultural BMPs must be re-designed to first achieve necessary environmental protections and secondly to provide reasonable economic returns. An effort to develop Advanced BMPs should result in zoning restrictions on certain intensive agricultural activities. In areas of high groundwater vulnerability, existing research indicates that one and possibly the only agricultural crop that is consistently capable of maintaining an average groundwater nitrate concentration of less than 0.35 mg/l is long leaf pine. Until a better Advanced BMP becomes available, an unfertilized, non-irrigated forestry crop should be mandated by FDACS for the vulnerable karst areas of the state. 6.6 Closing Statement Implementation of the recommendations listed above will require significant will-power and changes to business as usual. Eventual restoration and long-term protection of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area will require a shift from focusing on short-term needs of individuals and businesses to taking a longer view for conservation and protection of clean and abundant groundwater for the public as a whole. Groundwater is one of the most important natural resources in Florida. Currently, the groundwater that feeds the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area is neither clean nor abundant. Clearly evident by the deteriorating water quality and declining flows of Middle Suwannee River springs, North Florida s groundwater resources are also on a declining trajectory. Fortunately, as long as it rains, groundwater is a renewable resource. Hope for the future health of the Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Focus Area and for Florida s springs, in general, is in the hands of the people who have learned to appreciate the unique value of these public resources. 108
Section 7.0 References Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan AMEC Foster Wheeler. 2016. Minimum Flows and Levels For the Middle Suwannee River And Priority Springs. Prepared for the Suwannee River Water Management District. Andrews, W.J. 1994. Nitrate in Ground Water and Spring Water near Four Dairy Farms in North Florida, 1990-93. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 94-4162. 63 pp. Accessed 12 October 2015. Available from: http://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/1994/4162/report.pdf. Arthur, J.D., A.E. Baker, J.R. Cichon, A.R. Wood, and A. Rudin. 2005. Florida Aquifer Vulnerability Assessment (FAVA): Contamination potential of Florida s principal aquifer systems. Prepared by Florida Geological Survey Division of Resource Assessment and Management. Submitted to Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water Resource Management. Bartram, W. 1791. Travels through North & South Carolina, Georgia, East & West Florida, the Cherokee Country, the Extensive Territories of the Muscogulges, or Creek Confederacy, and the Country of the Choctaws; Containing an Account of the Soil and Natural Productions of Those Regions, Together with Observations on the Manners of the Indians. Embellished with Copper- Plates. Bass, D.G., Jr. 1991. Riverine fishes of Florida. Pp. 65-83 In: R. J. Livingston (ed.), The Rivers of Florida. Ecological Studies Vol. 83. Springer-Verlag, New York, NY. Bass, D.G. and D.T. Cox. 1985. River habitat and fishery resources of Florida. Pp. 121-187, In: W. Seaman, Jr. (ed.), Florida Aquatic Habitat and Fishery Resources. Florida Chapter, American Fisheries Society, Kissimmee, FL. Borisova, T., A.W. Hodges, and T.W. Stevens. 2014. Economic Contributions and Ecosystem Services of Springs in the Lower Suwannee and Santa Fe River Basins of North-Central Florida. University of Florida, Food & Economic Resource Department. Gainesville, FL. Bush, P.W., and R.H. Johnston. 1988. Ground-water hydraulics, regional flow, and ground-water development of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and in parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama: Regional aquifer-system analysis. USGS Professional Paper 1403-C. 89 pp. Cao, H. 2000. El Nino-La Nina events, precipitation, flood-drought events and their environmental impacts in the Suwannee River Watershed, Florida. Environmental Geosciences 7(2): 90-98. Ceryak, R. 1977. Hydrogeology of a river basin in karst terrain, Alapaha River, Hamilton County, Florida. Suwannee River Water Management District, Information Circular 5. 21 pp. Ceryak, R., M.S. Knapp, and T. Burnson. 1983. The Geology and Water Resources of the Upper Suwannee River Basin, Florida. Report of Investigation No. 87. Published for the Florida Department of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Suwannee River Water Management District. Christaldi, R.A. 1996. Sharing the Cup: A Proposal for the Allocation of Florida s Water Resources. Florida State University Law Review 23(4): 1063-1101. Clewell, A.F. 1985. Guide to the Vascular Plants of the Florida Panhandle. Florida State University Press, Tallahassee, FL. 605 pp. 109
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Copeland, R. (compiler). 2005. Geomorphic Influence of Scarps in the Suwannee River Basin. Southeastern Geological Society, Field Trip Guidebook 44. 56 pp. Crandall, C.A., B.G. Katz, and J.J. Hirten. 1999. Hydrochemical evidence for mixing of river water and groundwater during high-flow conditions, lower Suwannee River basin, Florida, USA. Hydrogeology Journal 7: 454 467. Crane, J.J. 1986. An Investigation of the Geology, Hydrogeology, and Hydrochemistry of the Lower Suwannee River Basin. Florida Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Geology. Report of Investigation No. 96: 1-205. Davis, J.H. and B.G. Katz. 2007. Hydrogeologic investigation, water chemistry analysis, and model delineation of contributing area for City of Tallahassee public-supply wells, Tallahassee, Florida. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2007-5070. EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2009. Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for Fecal Coliforms in Fivemile Creek (WBID 3578). FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). 2003. Water Quality Assessment Report: Suwannee (including Aucilla, Coastal, Suwannee and Waccasassa Basins in Florida). Division of Water Resource Management, Bureau of Watershed Management, Tallahassee, FL. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). 2012b. Basin Management Action Plan for the Implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads for Nutrients Adopted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the Santa Fe River Basin. Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Bureau of Watershed Restoration, Tallahassee, FL. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). 2013a. Final Springs Master List. Provided by Debra Harrington, 30 July 2013. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). 2015a Learn about your watershed. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). 2016. Basin Management Action Plan for the Implementation of Total Maximum Daily Loads for Nutrients by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the Lower and Middle Suwannee River Basin. Tallahassee, Florida. FDEP (Florida Department of Environmental Protection). 2017. Suwannee River Basin Management Action Plan. Terry Hansen. Power Point Presentation. April 13, 2017. Florida Climate Center. Undated. Drought. Florida Constitution. 1968. Article X, Section 11 (Sovereignty lands). Florida Department of State. Undated. Florida Administrative Register and Florida Administrative Code. Chapter 62-302. Surface Water Quality Standards. Florida Senate. 2013. Senate Bill 244: Water Management Districts. Chapter No. 2013-229. Effective 7/1/2013. Franz, R. 2002. Crustacean Surveys in Spring Habitats of Seventeen Florida State Parks. Final Report submitted to the Florida Park Service by Florida Museum of Natural History. Gainesville, FL. 13 pp. 110
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan FSI (Florida Springs Institute). 2011. Lower Suwannee River springs An Adaptive Management Strategy Working Draft Prepared for the Lower Suwannee River springs Working Group. August 12, 2011. FSI (Florida Springs Institute). 2016. Lower Suwanee River Springs Restoration Plan. Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, High Springs, Florida. GAEPD (Georgia Environmental Protection Division). 2002. Suwannee River Basin Management Plan. Garza, R. and T. Mirti. 2003. Implementation of a river-level forecast site in the Suwannee River Basin, Florida. In: Hatcher, K.J., editor. Proceedings of the 2003 Georgia Water Resources Conference. April 23-24, 2003. University of Georgia Institute of Ecology, Athens, Georgia. Gordon, D.W., M.F. Peck, and J.A. Painter. 2012. Hydrologic and water-quality conditions in the lower Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint and parts of the Aucilla-Suwannee-Ochlocknee River basins in Georgia and adjacent parts of Florida and Alabama during drought conditions, July 2011. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2012-5179, 69 p Graham, W. and Clark, M. 2013. Review of BMP Effectiveness for Groundwater and Springs Protection. PowerPoint presentation to the Florida Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee, October 8, 2013. Grubbs, J.W. 2011. Analysis of Long-Term Trends in Flow from a Large Spring Complex in Northern Florida. In: U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, Fayetteville, Arkansas, April 26-29, 2011; pp. 160-167. Grubbs, J.W. and C.A. Crandall. 2007. Exchanges of Water between the Upper Florida Aquifer and the Lower Suwannee and Lower Santa Fe Rivers, Florida. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1656-C. 83 pp. Hallas, J.F. and W. Magley. 2008. Nutrient and Dissolved Oxygen TMDL for the Suwannee River, Santa Fe River, Manatee Spring (3422R), Fanning Spring (3422S), Branford Spring (3422J), Ruth Spring (3422L), Troy Spring, (3422T), Royal Spring (3422U), and Falmouth Spring (3422Z). Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Ham, L.K., and H.H. Hatzell. 1996. Analysis of nutrients in the surface waters of the Georgia- Florida Coastal Plain study unit, 1970-91. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 96-4037. 67 pp. Harrington, D., G. Maddox, and R. Hicks. 2010. Florida Springs Initiative Monitoring Network Report and Recognized Sources of Nitrate. February 2010. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Bureau of Watershed Restoration, Ground Water Protection Section. Hirten, J.J. 1996. Geochemical and hydraulic dynamics of the Suwannee River and Upper Floridan Aquifer System near Branford, Florida. MS Thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville, 101 pp. Hornsby, D. 2007. Influences on the Distribution and Occurrence of Nitrate-Nitrogen and Total Phosphorus in the Water Resources of the Suwannee River Water Management District. University of Florida. 262 pp. Hornsby, D. and R. Ceryak. 1998a. Springs of the Suwannee River Basin in Florida. Suwannee River Water Management District, Live Oak, FL, WR99-02. 111
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Hornsby, D. and R. Mattson. 1997. Surface water quality and biological monitoring network annual report, 1996. Suwannee River Water Management District, Live Oak, Florida, Annual Rep WR-97 03. 200 pp. Hull, R.W., J.E. Dysart, and W.B. Mann, IV. 1981. Quality of surface water in the Suwannee River Basin, Florida, August 1968 through December 1977. U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 80-110. 97 pp. Katz, B.G., R. Copeland, T. Greenhalgh, R. Cerzak, and W. Zwanka. 2005. Using Multiple Chemical Indicators to Assess Sources of Nitrate and Ages of Groundwater in a Karst Springs Basin. Environmental and Engineering Geoscience 11(4): 333-346. Katz, B.G. and R.S. DeHan. 1996. The Suwannee River Basin Pilot Study: Issues for Watershed Management in Florida. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Fact Sheet FS- 080-96. 4 pp. Katz, B.G., R.S. DeHan, J.J. Hirten, and J.S. Catches. 1997. Interactions between ground water and surface water in the Suwannee River Basin Florida. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 33(6): 1237 1254. Katz, B.G., H.D. Hornsby, J.F. Bohlke, and M.F. Mokray. 1999. Sources and Chronology of Nitrate Contamination in Spring Waters, Suwannee River Basin, Florida. US Geological Survey. Water- Resources Investigation Report 99-4252. Katz, B.G. and E.A. Raabe. 2005. Suwannee River Basin and Estuary: An Integrated Watershed Science Program. White Paper. USGS Open-File Report 2005-1210. Kendall, W.L., C.A. Langtimm, C.A. Beck, and M.C. Runge. 2004. Capture-recapture analysis for estimating manatee reproductive rates. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 424-437. Knight, R.L. 2015. Silenced Springs: Moving from Tragedy to Hope. Florida Springs Institute Press. Gainesville, FL. Knight, R.L. and R.A. Clarke. 2014. Florida Springs A Water Balance Approach to Estimating Water Availability. 15 pp. Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute Special Publication No. 1, Gainesville, Florida. Langtimm, C.A. and C.A. Beck 2003. Lower survival probabilities for adult Florida manatees in years with intense coastal storms. Ecological Applications 13(1): 257-268. Langtimm, C.A., C.A. Beck, H.H. Edwards, K.J. Fick-Child, and B.B. Ackerman. 2004. Survival estimates for Florida manatees from the photo-identification of individuals. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 438-463. Lynch, J.M. 1984. Suwannee River Preserve design project. Report prepared for the Florida Natural Areas Inventory Program and the Southeast Regional Office of the Nature Conservancy. Vol. 1: vi, 220 pp. MacKenzie, D.I., J.D. Nichols, G. Lachman, S. Droege, J.A. Royal and C.A. Langtimm. 2002. Estimating site occupancy rates when detection probabilities are less than one. Ecology 83(8): 2248-2255. 112
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Manatee Warm-Water Task Force. 2004 (Draft). Recommendations for Future Manatee Warm- Water Habitat. Report prepared under the auspices of the Florida Manatee Recovery/Implementation Team. Review Draft dated December 27, 2004. 26 pp. Marella, R.L. 2004. Water Withdrawals, Use, Discharge, and Trends in Florida, 2000. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004-5151. 136 pp. Marella, R.L. 2014. Water withdrawals, Use, and Trends in Florida, 2010. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2014 5088. 59 pp. Mattson, R.A., J.H. Epler, and M. Hein. 1995. Benthic communities in karst, spring-fed streams in north central Florida. J. Kansas Entomological Soc. 68(2) Supplement: 18-41. Migliaccio, K.W. and B.J. Boman. 2013. Total Maximum Daily Loads and Agricultural BMPs in Florida. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication #ABE362. Miller, J.A. 1986. Hydrogeological framework of the Floridan Aquifer System in Florida and parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1403-B. 91 p. Miller, J.A. 1997. Hydrogeology of Florida. Pp. 69-88 In: A.F. Randazzo and D.S. Jones (eds.), The Geology of Florida. University Press of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Nash, U., N. Johnson, and A. Foster. 2013. Analysis of the Suwannee River Basin: Factors Affecting Status and Distribution of Imperiled Species. Presentation during the Suwannee River NWR WRIA kick-off meeting. USGS Ecological Science Center, Gainesville, FL. June 12, 2013. Nolan, B.T. 2001. Relating nitrogen sources and aquifer susceptibility to nitrate in shallow ground waters of the United States. Ground Water 39(2): 290 299. Pittman, J.R., H.H. Hatzell, and E.T. Oaksford. 1997. Spring contributions to water quantity and nitrate loads in the Suwannee River during base flow in July 1995. U.S. Geological Survey, Water- Resources Investigations Report. Puri, H.S. and R. O. Vernon. 1964. Summary of the Geology of Florida and A Guidebook to the Classic Exposures. Florida Geological Survey Special Publication No. 5. 255 pp. Puri, H.S., J.W. Yon, Jr., and W. Oglesby. 1967. Geology of Dixie and Gilchrist Counties, Florida. Florida Geological Survey Bulletin no. 49. 155 pp. Raabe, E.A. and E. Bialkowska-Jelinska. 2007. Temperature anomalies in the Lower Suwannee River and tidal creeks, Florida, 2005. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2007-1311. 28 pp. Rosenau, J.C., G.L. Faulkner, C.W. Hendry, Jr., and R.W. Hull. 1977. Springs of Florida. Bulletin 31 (revised). Division of Resource Management, Bureau of Geology, Florida Department of Natural Resources. Tallahassee, Florida. 461 pp. Runge, M.C., C.A. Langtimm, and W.L. Kendall. 2004. A stage-based model of population dynamics. Marine Mammal Science 20(3): 361-385. Schneider, J.W., S.B. Upchurch, J. Chen, and C. Cain. 2008. Simulation of Groundwater Flow in North Florida and South-Central Georgia: A Three-Dimensional Model of Groundwater Flow in the Surficial, Intermediate and Floridan Aquifer Systems. Suwannee River Water Management District. August 2008. 113
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan Scott, T.M., G.H. Means, R.P. Meegan, R.C. Means, S.B. Upchurch, R.E. Copeland, J. Jones, T. Roberts, and A. Willet. 2004. Springs of Florida. Florida Geological Survey, Bulletin No. 66. Tallahassee, FL. 677 pp. SRWMD (Suwannee River Water Management District). 1991. Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan. Suwannee River System. Live Oak, Florida. SRWMD (Suwannee River Water Management District). 2010. Water Supply Assessment. 110 pp. SRWMD (Suwannee River Water Management District). 2011. July 2011 Hydrologic Conditions Report for the District. SRWMD (Suwannee River Water Management District). 2013b. June 2013 Hydrologic Conditions Report for the District. July 5, 2013. SRWMD (Suwannee River Water Management District). 2013c. Minimum Flows and Levels, Lower Santa Fe and Ichetucknee Rivers and Priority Springs: Protecting Water Resources from Significant Jarm. SRWMD (Suwannee River Water Management District). 2013e. SRWMD resolution requests DEP to adopt minimum flows and levels. Stringfield, V.T. 1966. Artesian Water in Tertiary Limestone in the Southeastern States. Geological Survey Professional Paper 517. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 233 pp. Sulak, K.J., R.A. Brooks, and M.T. Randall. 2007. Seasonal Refugia and Trophic Dormancy in Gulf Sturgeon: Test and Refutation of the Thermal Barrier Hypothesis. Pp. 19-51 In: J. Munro (ed.), Anadromous Sturgeons: Habitats, Threats, and Management. American Fisheries Society Symposium 56. Sulak, K.J. and M.T. Randall. 2009. The Gulf Sturgeon in the Suwannee River Questions and Answers. USGS General Information Publication #72. Sulak, K.J., M. Randall, and J. Clugston. 2001. Critical spawning habitat, early life history requirements, and other life history and population aspects of the Gulf Sturgeon in the Suwannee River. Results of research conducted 1995-2000. Report submitted to the Nongame Wildlife Program, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tallahassee, FL. 105 pp. Thom, T.A., K.J. Hunt, and J. Faustini. 2015. Water Resource Inventory and Assessment (WRIA): Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, Dixie and Levy Counties, Florida. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, Atlanta, Georgia. 151 pp. + appendices. Tootle, G.A. and T.C. Piechota. 2004. Suwannee River long range streamflow forecasts based on seasonal climate predictors. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 40(2): 523-532. UF and SRWMD (University of Florida and Suwannee River Water Management District). 2008. Evaluating Effectiveness of Best Management Practices for Animal Waste and Fertilizer Management to Reduce Nutrient Inputs into Groundwater in the Suwannee River Basin. Final Report. Prepared by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida and the Suwannee River Water Management District. January 2008 114
Middle Suwannee River Springs Restoration Plan UFL (University of Florida), Florida State University, University of South Florida, University of Central Florida, University of Georgia, USGS, USDA, and SRWMD. 2004. The Suwannee River: A Coastal Plain Watershed in Transition. Suwannee Hydrologic Observatory Prospectus. Upchurch, S.B. 2007. An Introduction to the Cody Escarpment, North-Central Florida. Prepared by SDII Global Corporation for the Suwannee River Water Management District. Available within A. Lawn (compiler) Guidebook No. 63 (2014), Karst hydrogeology of the Upper Suwannee River Basin, Alapaha River Area, Hamilton County, FL. The Southeastern Geological Society. 79 pp. Upchurch, S.B., K.M. Champion, and J.C. Schneider. 2005. Ground Water Chemistry and Origin of Water Discharging from Manatee and Fanning Spring, Levy and Gilchrist Counties, Florida. Live Oak, Florida, Suwannee River Water Management District. 41 p. USGS (U.S. Geological Survey). 2013. U.S. Geological Survey. National Water Information System. Data from 2013. Last updated 13 October 2015. USGS (U.S. Geological Survey). Undated. Physiographic regions of Florida. Modified from Randazzo and Jones (eds.), 1997. Walsh, S. 2001. Freshwater Macrofauna of Florida Karst Habitats. In: Eve L. Kuniansky (ed.), U.S. Geological Survey Karst Interest Group Proceedings, St. Petersburg, FL, February 13-16, 2001. Water-Resources Investigations Report 01-4011.211, p. 78-88. Wear, D.N. and J.G. Greis, editors. 2002. Southern Forest Resource Assessment. Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-53. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southern Research Station. 635 p. Chapters 19 and 21. Weary, D.J. and D.H. Doctor. 2014. Karst in the United States: A Digital Map Compilation and Database. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2014 1156. 23 p. Weather Warehouse. Undated. Past Monthly Weather Data for Cross City, FL ( Cross City 2 Wnw ) 1948 2013. White, W.A. 1970. The Geomorphology of the Florida Peninsula. Florida Bureau of Geology, Geological Bulletin No. 51, 71. 164 p. plus plates. Wilson, M. and E.A. Hanlon. 2012. Multiple-Use Landscapes: Reclaimed Phosphate Mined Lands. University of Florida IFAS Extension Publication #SL374. Woodruff, A. 1993. Florida Springs Chemical Classification and Aquatic Biological Communities. M.S. Thesis. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 117 pp. WRA (Water Resources Associates, Inc.). 2005. Technical Report: MFL Establishment for the Lower Suwannee River and Estuary, Little Fanning, Fanning and Manatee Spring. October 2005. 115
Appendix A Springs Location Map 1
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Appendix B Middle Suwannee River Springs Water Quality Trends 11
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) ALLEN MILL POND SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 11442 58 30.16284-83.24307 Lafayette 2319915 59 30.16284-83.24307 Lafayette 2319915 60 30.16284-83.24307 Lafayette G1TLHR0006 61 30.16284-83.24307 Lafayette 21020049FLA 62 30.16298-83.24270 Lafayette 21020010 64 30.16095-83.24123 Lafayette 3525-A 65 30.15622-83.23970 Lafayette 21020118 66 30.15616-83.23963 Lafayette AMP010C1 67 30.15472-83.23806 Lafayette 62 63 60 61 64 6566 67 55 54 56 57 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 416 419 654 53 90 1,225 11/26/1973 4/15/2017 ph (SU) 7.30 7.26 8.14 6.61 0.37 38 11/26/1973 3/1/2016 Temperature (C) 21.17 21.25 25.27 15.07 1.57 38 11/26/1973 3/1/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.11 1.50 10.61 0.10 3.24 38 11/26/1973 3/1/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.09 1.20 1.97 0.03 0.44 36 11/12/1992 3/1/2016 Discharge (cfs) 23 22 51-33 15 40 11/26/1973 3/3/2016 2.5 2 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographic CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerog IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 1.5 1 0.5 0 Nov-1901 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 12
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) ANDERSON SPRING IN SUWANNEE RIVER Stn ID Latitude Longitude County ANS010C1 15 30.35306-83.18972 Suwannee 13 14 15 16 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 364 362 399 338 22 5 9/22/1997 7/11/2000 ph (SU) 7.26 7.28 7.38 7.07 0.11 5 9/22/1997 7/11/2000 Temperature (C) 21.20 21.20 21.30 21.00 0.12 5 9/22/1997 7/11/2000 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.23 1.70 8.00 1.50 3.18 4 9/22/1997 8/26/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.22 1.33 1.39 0.72 0.28 5 9/22/1997 7/11/2000 Discharge (cfs) 13 13 15 10 4 2 9/22/1997 7/11/2000 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 13
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) BATH TUB SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30112 131 30.09173-83.09836 Suwannee BTS010C1 132 30.09139-83.09861 Suwannee 131 132 133 137139 138 136 140 141 142 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 378 388 390 355 20 3 7/30/1997 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.33 7.35 7.42 7.22 0.10 3 7/30/1997 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 21.75 21.73 21.81 21.70 0.06 3 7/30/1997 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.74 2.80 2.81 2.61 0.11 3 7/30/1997 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.41 1.40 1.60 1.23 0.19 3 7/30/1997 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) 12 12 12 12 --- 1 7/30/1997 7/30/1997 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 14
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) BLUE SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2319950 71 30.12606-83.22597 Lafayette 2319950 72 30.12606-83.22597 Lafayette 9671 73 30.12583-83.22613 Lafayette 3528Z-A 74 30.12589-83.22597 Lafayette 22051011 75 30.12583-83.22597 Lafayette LBS010C1 76 30.12528-83.22556 Lafayette 70 69 7475 71 76 73 77 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 410 451 518 49 108 1,199 8/11/1995 12/20/2016 ph (SU) 7.22 7.20 8.21 6.00 0.19 697 78 8/11/1995 12/20/2016 Temperature (C) 21.50 21.70 22.50 11.30 0.66 696 8/11/1995 12/20/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 0.82 0.70 7.81 0.10 0.82 697 8/11/1995 12/20/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.41 2.66 3.47 0.01 0.75 637 8/11/1995 12/20/2016 Discharge (cfs) 72 62 257-269 62 194 11/21/1973 10/3/2016 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 15
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) BONNET SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County BON010C1 107 30.12417-83.13833 Suwannee 108 109 106107 112 110 111 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 383 383 383 383 --- 1 6/2/1998 6/2/1998 ph (SU) 7.92 7.92 7.92 7.92 --- 1 6/2/1998 6/2/1998 Temperature (C) 21.00 21.00 21.00 21.00 --- 1 6/2/1998 6/2/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.80 1.80 1.80 1.80 --- 1 6/2/1998 6/2/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.30 2.30 2.30 2.30 --- 1 6/2/1998 6/2/1998 Discharge (cfs) 40 40 40 40 --- 1 6/2/1998 6/2/1998 2.5 2 101 102 103 104 105 117118 116 122123 125 114115 121 12 1.5 1 0.5 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 16
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) BOSEL SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 11365 106 30.12432-83.13818 Jackson 108 109 106107 112 110 111 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 288 288 288 288 --- 1 3/6/2002 3/6/2002 ph (SU) 7.24 7.24 7.24 7.24 --- 1 3/6/2002 3/6/2002 Temperature (C) 19.81 19.81 19.81 19.81 --- 1 3/6/2002 3/6/2002 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.77 5.77 5.77 5.77 --- 1 3/6/2002 3/6/2002 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.50 2.50 2.50 2.50 --- 1 3/6/2002 3/6/2002 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 3 2.5 101 102 103 104 105 117118 116 122123 125 114115 121 12 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 17
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) BRANFORD SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 21020048FLA 243 29.95497-82.92860 Lafayette 11405 244 29.95487-82.92841 Suwannee 2320502 245 29.95444-82.92889 Suwannee BRA010C1 246 29.95472-82.92861 Suwannee 239240 243 246 245 242 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 464 469 562 319 45 33 6/19/1996 12/12/2016 ph (SU) 7.10 7.10 7.62 6.72 0.18 35 7/22/1980 12/12/2016 Temperature (C) 21.76 21.70 25.98 18.70 1.33 35 7/22/1980 12/12/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.68 1.32 6.44 0.11 1.38 33 6/19/1996 12/12/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.74 0.70 1.11 0.02 0.26 34 6/19/1996 12/12/2016 Discharge (cfs) 30 30 83 7 18 19 5/15/1927 12/9/2014 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 18
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) BRANTLEY SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300029082591201 207 30.00806-82.98667 Suwannee 194 195 201 197198 196 205 204 203 202 207 206 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 330 330 367 292 53 2 7/31/1995 10/30/1995 ph (SU) 7.78 7.78 7.80 7.75 0.04 2 7/31/1995 10/30/1995 Temperature (C) 21.40 21.40 21.40 21.40 --- 1 7/31/1995 7/31/1995 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 0.65 0.65 1.00 0.30 0.49 2 7/31/1995 10/30/1995 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.84 0.84 1.60 0.07 1.08 2 7/31/1995 10/30/1995 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 19
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) CHARLES SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2319900 51 30.16744-83.23042 Suwannee 2319900 52 30.16744-83.23042 Suwannee 22051010 53 30.16736-83.23035 Suwannee CHS010C1 54 30.16694-83.23139 Suwannee G1TLHR0021 55 30.16741-83.23001 Suwannee 62 63 60 61 64 55 54 56 57 6566 67 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 351 358 402 58 55 36 11/19/1973 11/14/2016 ph (SU) 7.15 7.23 7.42 5.93 0.29 36 11/19/1973 11/14/2016 Temperature (C) 20.31 20.74 21.48 15.95 1.09 36 11/19/1973 11/14/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.90 1.50 7.64 0.29 1.42 35 11/19/1973 11/14/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.07 2.09 3.90 0.12 0.92 37 7/25/1995 11/14/2016 Discharge (cfs) 19 19 49-26 16 39 5/13/1927 3/31/2015 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 20
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) CONVICT SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2320100 134 30.08856-83.09597 Lafayette 2320100 135 30.08856-83.09597 Lafayette 3422V-A 137 30.08842-83.09584 Lafayette 2342 138 30.08806-83.09583 Lafayette CON010C1 139 30.08833-83.09611 Lafayette 131 132 133 137139 138 136 140 141 142 144145 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 421 438 559 60 125 86 11/26/1973 2/6/2017 ph (SU) 7.19 7.21 7.84 5.78 0.27 112 11/26/1973 2/6/2017 Temperature (C) 20.61 21.58 26.30 0.00 3.90 116 11/26/1973 2/6/2017 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.10 3.86 8.58 0.10 1.59 111 11/26/1973 2/6/2017 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 8.49 8.70 16.67 0.00 4.38 121 11/4/1991 2/6/2017 Discharge (cfs) 6 5 41-22 10 41 11/26/1973 4/22/2015 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 143 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar G CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapp IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Commun Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 21
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) ELLAVILLE SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2319502 3 30.38438-83.17236 Suwannee 11406 4 30.38447-83.17251 Suwannee ELL010C1 5 30.38389-83.17250 Suwannee G1TLHR0027 6 30.38437-83.17249 Suwannee 8 4 7 6 3 5 1 2 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 391 411 423 333 32 17 11/8/1973 10/11/2016 ph (SU) 6.99 6.97 7.60 6.40 0.29 17 11/8/1973 10/11/2016 Temperature (C) 20.86 20.90 22.91 19.80 0.64 17 11/8/1973 10/11/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.31 0.60 4.50 0.20 1.25 17 11/8/1973 10/11/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.93 0.98 1.40 0.39 0.26 16 8/16/1990 10/11/2016 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 22
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) FARA SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922977 30 30.27611-83.23583 Madison 29 30 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 311 311 311 311 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.47 7.47 7.47 7.47 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 21.00 21.00 21.00 21.00 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.40 6.40 6.40 6.40 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.29 0.29 0.29 0.29 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Discharge (cfs) 10 10 10 10 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 23
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) KARST WINDOW IN PEACOCK ST. PARK Stn ID Latitude Longitude County WIN010C1 108 30.13000-83.13528 Suwannee 108 109 106107 112 110 111 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 377 362 412 358 30 3 6/18/1996 8/20/1996 ph (SU) 7.19 7.01 7.62 6.95 0.37 3 6/18/1996 8/20/1996 Temperature (C) 21.83 21.80 21.90 21.80 0.06 3 6/18/1996 8/20/1996 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.67 1.70 1.80 1.50 0.15 3 6/18/1996 8/20/1996 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.24 2.33 2.44 1.94 0.26 3 6/18/1996 8/20/1996 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 3 2.5 101 102 103 104 105 117118 116 122123 125 114115 121 12 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 24
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) LITTLE RIVER SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2320400 220 29.99639-82.96639 Suwannee 2320400 221 29.99639-82.96639 Suwannee 22051006 222 29.99686-82.96632 Suwannee 3496Z-A 223 29.99689-82.96639 Suwannee 11410 224 29.99686-82.96632 Suwannee LRS010C1 225 29.99667-82.96639 Suwannee 218 219 224 225 223221 220 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 362 364 421 67 28 200 11/27/1973 12/14/2016 ph (SU) 7.35 7.36 8.63 6.02 0.26 227 11/27/1973 12/14/2016 Temperature (C) 21.76 21.80 22.80 17.70 0.42 226 11/27/1973 12/14/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.64 1.54 7.10 0.13 0.75 225 11/27/1973 12/14/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.14 1.14 2.00 0.00 0.32 233 8/11/1993 12/14/2016 Discharge (cfs) 66 61 217 12 33 155 11/27/1973 8/26/2015 2.5 2 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geogr CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 1.5 1 0.5 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 25
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) LURAVILLE SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LUR010C1 104 30.10472-83.14361 Suwannee 100 101 103 102 104 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 422 422 422 422 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 ph (SU) 6.97 6.97 6.97 6.97 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Temperature (C) 20.60 20.60 20.60 20.60 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Discharge (cfs) 7 7 7 7 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 26
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) MEARSON SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2320240 178 30.04111-83.02556 Lafayette 3422P-A 180 30.04131-83.02511 Lafayette 11411 181 30.04134-83.02503 Lafayette 2282 182 30.04083-83.02500 Lafayette MEA010C1 183 30.04111-83.02528 Lafayette G1TLHR0025 184 30.04128-83.02511 Lafayette 177 184 178183 180 182 185 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 377 362 635 306 59 26 12/3/1975 7/13/2016 ph (SU) 7.24 7.25 7.88 6.50 0.31 47 12/3/1975 7/13/2016 Temperature (C) 21.58 21.65 21.87 20.70 0.27 46 12/3/1975 7/13/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.65 1.60 5.87 0.53 0.75 45 8/12/1993 7/13/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.13 2.10 3.50 0.00 0.62 49 8/12/1993 7/13/2016 Discharge (cfs) 65 62 94 49 13 9 11/30/1995 10/24/2000 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Nov-1901 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Apr-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 27
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) ORANGE GROVE SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County ORG010C1 109 30.12722-83.13083 Suwannee 108 109 106107 112 110 111 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 358 358 362 353 4 4 6/18/1996 5/8/1998 ph (SU) 7.19 7.11 7.70 6.84 0.41 4 6/18/1996 5/8/1998 Temperature (C) 22.83 23.20 24.10 20.80 1.53 4 6/18/1996 5/8/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.08 0.55 3.10 0.10 1.40 4 6/18/1996 5/8/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.12 0.93 2.53 0.09 1.08 4 6/18/1996 5/8/1998 Discharge (cfs) 29 29 29 29 --- 1 5/8/1998 5/8/1998 3 2.5 101 102 103 104 105 117118 116 122123 125 114115 121 12 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Feb-1900 28
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) OWENS SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300244083022901 170 30.04556-83.04139 Lafayette 11482 171 30.04594-83.04113 Lafayette OWN010C1 172 30.04583-83.04139 Lafayette G1TLHR0036 173 30.04596-83.04121 Lafayette 173 172 171 170 175 174 176 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 391 383 484 320 45 12 9/10/1973 8/9/2016 ph (SU) 7.31 7.27 7.88 6.80 0.30 11 9/10/1973 8/9/2016 Temperature (C) 21.01 21.30 21.70 18.30 0.93 11 9/10/1973 8/9/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.26 0.80 3.40 0.20 1.07 11 9/10/1973 8/9/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 3.27 3.42 5.60 0.50 1.28 12 9/10/1973 8/9/2016 Discharge (cfs) 71 71 90 51 27 2 9/10/1973 6/2/1998 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Apr-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 29
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) PEACOCK SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County PEA010C1 110 30.12222-83.13250 Suwannee 300718083075701 111 30.12189-83.13236 Suwannee 2320048 112 30.12306-83.13333 Suwannee 108 109 106107 112 110 111 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 378 408 426 53 84 1,228 113 11/20/1973 4/15/2017 ph (SU) 7.28 7.31 7.54 6.95 0.16 15 11/20/1973 8/19/1998 Temperature (C) 21.69 21.70 24.50 18.90 1.08 15 11/20/1973 8/19/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.17 2.20 3.00 1.50 0.41 15 11/20/1973 8/19/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.17 2.32 2.54 0.28 0.55 15 11/12/1992 8/19/1998 Discharge (cfs) 66 41 201 6 59 36 11/20/1973 1/5/2016 3 2.5 101 102 103 104 105 117118 116 122123 125 114115 121 126 79 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 30
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) PEACOCK SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County PEA010C1 110 30.12222-83.13250 Suwannee 300718083075701 111 30.12189-83.13236 Suwannee 2320048 112 30.12306-83.13333 Suwannee 108 109 106107 112 110 111 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 378 408 426 53 84 1,228 113 11/20/1973 4/15/2017 ph (SU) 7.28 7.31 7.54 6.95 0.16 15 11/20/1973 8/19/1998 Temperature (C) 21.69 21.70 24.50 18.90 1.08 15 11/20/1973 8/19/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.17 2.20 3.00 1.50 0.41 15 11/20/1973 8/19/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.17 2.32 2.54 0.28 0.55 15 11/12/1992 8/19/1998 Discharge (cfs) 66 41 201 6 59 36 11/20/1973 1/5/2016 3 2.5 101 102 103 104 105 117118 116 122123 125 114115 121 126 79 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 31
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) PERRY SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County PER010C1 83 30.09639-83.18806 Lafayette 80 82 81 83 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ph (SU) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Temperature (C) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 --- 1 7/21/2000 7/21/2000 Discharge (cfs) 5 5 5 5 --- 1 7/21/2000 7/21/2000 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 32
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) RAVINE SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300350083034401 158 30.06389-83.06222 Suwannee SUW718971 159 30.06389-83.06222 Suwannee 2320140 161 30.06389-83.06167 Suwannee 160162 157 161 163 159 164 167168 165 166 169 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 451 464 526 58 58 128 7/18/1997 12/8/2016 ph (SU) 7.32 7.35 8.03 5.68 0.24 129 7/18/1997 12/8/2016 Temperature (C) 21.27 21.40 23.21 16.85 0.63 129 7/18/1997 12/8/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.24 3.10 8.40 1.00 1.17 129 7/18/1997 12/8/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 12.36 12.84 29.00 0.09 4.49 134 7/18/1997 12/8/2016 Discharge (cfs) 5 4 11 0 2 71 7/18/1997 12/19/2013 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Ea CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 33
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) ROYAL SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2320130 146 30.08361-83.07500 Suwannee 2320130 147 30.08361-83.07500 Suwannee 300501083043001 148 30.08361-83.07500 Suwannee 3422U-A 149 30.08373-83.07478 Suwannee ROY010C1 150 30.08361-83.07500 Suwannee 148150 152 144145147 149 151 143 154 153155 156 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 368 359 473 317 24 51 6/11/1988 12/8/2016 ph (SU) 7.50 7.48 8.22 6.94 0.26 76 6/11/1988 12/8/2016 Temperature (C) 22.02 21.80 24.91 18.80 0.98 76 6/11/1988 12/8/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.85 2.00 10.99 0.60 2.23 74 11/13/1992 12/8/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.59 1.60 4.00 0.00 0.83 81 11/13/1992 12/8/2016 Discharge (cfs) 12 12 29 0 10 45 5/19/1977 6/2/2015 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 34
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) RUNNING SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2320060 119 30.10439-83.11625 Suwannee 11396 120 30.10446-83.11592 Suwannee RUN010C1 121 30.10417-83.11583 Suwannee G1TLHR0026 122 30.10430-83.11582 Suwannee 114115 116117 118 122123 124 119 121 125 126 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 376 365 430 344 26 22 11/27/1973 7/13/2016 ph (SU) 7.25 7.26 7.53 6.70 0.19 21 11/27/1973 7/13/2016 Temperature (C) 21.35 21.30 23.50 18.80 0.78 21 11/27/1973 7/13/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.40 1.12 3.10 0.44 0.77 20 11/27/1973 7/13/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.20 2.10 3.00 1.41 0.39 23 11/12/1992 7/13/2016 Discharge (cfs) 35 22 77 8 28 5 11/27/1973 8/31/2001 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Mar-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 35
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) RUTH SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2320260 213 29.99556-82.97722 Lafayette 2320260 214 29.99556-82.97722 Lafayette 3422L-A 215 29.99578-82.97677 Lafayette 11464 216 29.99577-82.97681 Lafayette RLS010C1 217 29.99556-82.97694 Lafayette 216 217 213 215 214 212 224 225 222223 219 218 220 221 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 410 416 500 87 50 168 11/14/1973 12/14/2016 ph (SU) 7.23 7.24 8.09 6.11 0.22 197 224 11/14/1973 225 12/14/2016 Temperature (C) 21.55 21.63 25.90 15.10 0.72 197 11/14/1973 223221 12/14/2016 220 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.20 1.00 7.78 0.10 1.22 196 21911/14/1973 12/14/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 4.99 5.02 14.00 0.00 2.43 218 204 7/27/1995 12/14/2016 Discharge (cfs) 8 6 28 0 6 142 11/14/1973 11/18/2014 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earth CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Ge IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User C Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geogr CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 36
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SHINGLE SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SHN010C1 248 29.93417-82.92083 Suwannee 246 245 244 243 247 248 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 434 434 434 434 --- 1 7/21/1997 7/21/1997 ph (SU) 6.98 6.98 6.98 6.98 --- 1 7/21/1997 7/21/1997 Temperature (C) 21.00 21.00 21.00 21.00 --- 1 7/21/1997 7/21/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.10 2.10 2.10 2.10 --- 1 7/21/1997 7/21/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.38 1.38 1.38 1.38 --- 1 7/21/1997 7/21/1997 Discharge (cfs) 12 12 12 12 --- 1 7/21/1997 7/21/1997 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 37
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SHIRLEY SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SHY010C1 44 30.21056-83.24500 Suwannee 45 44 46 47 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N 48 POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 404 404 404 404 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 ph (SU) 7.40 7.40 7.40 7.40 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Temperature (C) 20.50 20.50 20.50 20.50 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.42 1.42 1.42 1.42 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Discharge (cfs) 2 2 2 2 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 38
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE BLUE SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30113 153 30.08146-83.06901 Suwannee 2320132 154 30.08278-83.06917 Suwannee SBL010C1 155 30.08139-83.06917 Suwannee 148150 152 144145147 149 151 143 154 153155 156 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 368 366 420 298 21 181 6/23/1997 12/8/2016 ph (SU) 7.38 7.40 8.11 6.70 0.22 183 6/23/1997 12/8/2016 Temperature (C) 21.58 21.60 22.10 19.80 0.28 182 6/23/1997 12/8/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.75 3.60 22.55 1.60 1.56 183 6/23/1997 12/8/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 4.40 4.06 10.70 0.03 2.02 185 6/23/1997 12/8/2016 Discharge (cfs) 16 14 39 5 8 88 6/23/1997 6/2/2015 12 10 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geogr CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 8 6 4 2 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 39
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER ABOVE ROYAL SPRING NR ALTON Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300448083410000 143 30.08000-83.07806 Lafayette 39983 144 30.08283-83.07773 Suwannee 40923 145 30.08282-83.07777 Suwannee 148150 152 144145147 149 151 143 154 153155 156 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 333 375 380 242 69 6 4/20/2011 10/25/2011 ph (SU) 7.72 7.90 7.90 7.30 0.29 6 4/20/2011 10/25/2011 Temperature (C) 21.53 21.30 23.10 20.20 1.31 6 4/20/2011 10/25/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 7.72 7.46 9.75 6.01 1.65 6 4/20/2011 10/25/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.78 0.85 0.88 0.60 0.15 3 4/20/2011 10/25/2011 Discharge (cfs) 2,620 2,620 2,620 2,620 --- 1 7/1/1977 7/1/1977 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Mar-1908 Nov-1906 Jun-1905 Feb-1904 Sep-1902 May-1901 40
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER AT 88TH ST. Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 301720008313548 27 30.28889-83.23189 Suwannee 26 27 28 29 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 356 356 356 356 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 ph (SU) 7.90 7.90 7.90 7.90 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Temperature (C) 27.70 27.70 27.70 27.70 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 7.41 7.41 7.41 7.41 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.34 0.34 0.34 0.34 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 41
SUWANNEE RIVER AT BRANFORD Stn 36363 37938 47481 21848 3522 295720082554700 21020035 295718408255466 SUW140C1 Latitude 29.95906 29.95845 29.95686 29.95766 29.95782 29.95556 29.95511 29.95510 29.95556 Longitude -82.95232-82.95144-82.93773-82.93246-82.93196-82.92972-82.92961-82.92961-82.92778 County Lafayette Lafayette Lafayette Suwannee Suwannee Suwannee Lafayette Suwannee Suwannee Average 247 7.22 21.08 6.62 0.74 6,737 Median 261 7.30 21.30 6.60 0.76 4,650 Max 742 8.44 29.62 16.09 1.80 82,800 Min 32 4.72 8.80 2.40 0.00 1,230 2 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1900 Nov-1901 Water Temperature (C) Mar-1902 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 May-2146 Jan-2119 Aug-2091 Apr-2064 Nov-2036 Jul-2009 Feb-1982 Oct-1954 May-1927 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) ph (SU) Discharge (cfs) Specific Conductance (us/cm) NOx-N (mg/l) Parameter Specific Conductance (us/cm) ph (SU) Temperature (C) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) Discharge (cfs) ID 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 42 230 232233 234 231 235 236237 238 245246 240243244 StdDev 104 0.57 4.59 1.46 0.39 5,911 N 709 732 736 736 561 31,536 247 POR Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, 2/13/1989 CNES/Airbus 9/8/2016 DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 2/13/1989 9/8/2016 2/13/1989 9/8/2016 2/13/1989 9/8/2016 2/12/1990 9/8/2016 7/1/1931 7/4/2017
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER AT CR251A Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30089 174 30.04567-83.03388 Suwannee 300247508302114 175 30.04653-83.03650 Lafayette 173 172 171 170 175 174 176 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 348 360 370 315 29 3 7/16/2002 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.85 7.66 8.45 7.44 0.53 3 7/16/2002 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 27.92 28.43 29.28 26.04 1.68 3 7/16/2002 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 7.88 6.85 11.08 5.70 2.83 3 7/16/2002 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.85 0.94 1.10 0.50 0.31 3 7/16/2002 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 43
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER AT DOWLING PARK Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2319800 34 30.24494-83.24958 Lafayette 2319800 34 30.24494-83.24958 Lafayette 21020013 35 30.24483-83.24958 Suwannee SUW120C1 36 30.24472-83.24972 Suwannee 301440408314593 37 30.24454-83.24981 Suwannee 36 37 34 35 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 209 216 367 31 99 249 2/10/1989 9/3/2013 ph (SU) 7.07 7.18 8.33 4.79 0.66 281 2/10/1989 9/3/2013 Temperature (C) 20.59 20.85 29.20 9.03 4.79 282 2/10/1989 9/3/2013 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.38 6.31 10.33 2.90 1.34 282 2/10/1989 9/3/2013 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.39 0.40 0.97 0.00 0.20 255 2/9/1990 8/9/2011 Discharge (cfs) 5,006 2,860 53,200 715 5,700 7,582 10/1/1996 7/4/2017 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Apr-2064 Nov-2036 Jul-2009 Feb-1982 Oct-1954 May-1927 44
SUWANNEE RIVER AT ELLAVILLE Stn 2319500 2319500 ID 1 1 Latitude 30.38466 30.38466 Longitude -83.17181-83.17181 County Suwannee Suwannee 8 7 Parameter Specific Conductance (us/cm) ph (SU) Temperature (C) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) Discharge (cfs) Average 180 7.06 22.48 5.21 0.15 6,140 Median 176 7.20 22.00 5.40 0.11 3,610 Max 291 7.60 28.00 6.40 0.36 94,700 Min 68 6.40 16.50 3.80 0.02 299 0.4 NOx-N (mg/l) 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Water Temperature (C) May-1900 Discharge (cfs) Specific Conductance (us/cm) ph (SU) Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Feb-1900 Oct-2173 May-2146 Jan-2119 Aug-2091 Apr-2064 Nov-2036 Jul-2009 Feb-1982 Oct-1954 May-1927 45 StdDev 86 0.42 3.11 0.99 0.11 6,715 N 8 7 16 7 9 33,036 46 3 5 1 2 POR 5/11/1966 8/13/1975 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 5/11/1966 8/13/1975 5/17/1967 8/13/1975 5/17/1967 8/13/1975 5/11/1966 8/13/1975 2/1/1927 7/4/2017
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER AT LURAVILLE 100 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 43807 84 30.09933-83.17969 Suwannee 21838 85 30.09962-83.17306 Lafayette 2320000 86 30.09995-83.17153 Lafayette 2320000 86 30.09995-83.17153 Lafayette 21020034 87 30.09923-83.17146 Lafayette 30111 88 30.09907-83.17206 Lafayette SUW130C1 89 30.09889-83.17194 Suwannee 300556808310181 90 30.09910-83.17170 Lafayette 84 85 88 90 87 89 9899 96 97 9495 92 91 101 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 220 224 382 33 99 254 5/12/1966 9/3/2013 ph (SU) 7.14 7.25 8.33 4.82 0.60 282 5/12/1966 9/3/2013 Temperature (C) 20.97 21.80 29.40 8.55 4.85 291 4/30/1968 9/3/2013 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.55 6.40 11.55 2.20 1.40 280 5/17/1967 9/3/2013 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.46 0.44 1.00 0.01 0.23 253 2/12/1990 5/21/2013 Discharge (cfs) 5,846 3,460 66,000 930 6,239 11,596 2/1/1927 7/4/2017 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geograph CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aer IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Aug-2091 Apr-2064 Nov-2036 Jul-2009 Feb-1982 Oct-1954 May-1927 46
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER AT RIVERSIDE LANDING NR MAYO Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30106 162 30.06404-83.06196 Suwannee 300349083033700 163 30.06361-83.06028 Suwannee 160162 157 161 163 159 164 167168 165 166 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 479 500 500 437 36 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.21 7.13 7.36 7.13 0.13 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 21.39 21.49 21.49 21.18 0.18 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.09 3.43 3.43 2.40 0.59 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 11.47 13.00 14.00 7.40 3.56 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) 16,500 16,500 16,500 16,500 --- 1 7/16/2013 7/16/2013 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 May-1901 May-1901 May-1901 Apr-1901 Apr-1901 Apr-1901 Mar-1901 Mar-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Apr-1949 Oct-1943 Apr-1938 Nov-1932 May-1927 Nov-1921 Jun-1916 Dec-1910 Jun-1905 47
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER BL MEARSON SPRING NR MAYO, FL Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 21844 185 30.04096-83.02353 Suwannee 30090 186 30.03659-83.02009 Lafayette 300205083010600 187 30.03472-83.01833 Lafayette 38445 188 30.03379-83.01536 Suwannee 39105 189 30.03343-83.01489 Suwannee 183184 185 181182 186 187 188 189 190 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 278 273 371 200 74 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.36 7.33 7.70 7.00 0.31 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 23.71 23.14 28.97 20.00 3.94 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.38 6.03 7.98 5.30 1.06 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.94 0.98 1.40 0.60 0.31 5 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) 16,500 16,500 16,500 16,500 --- 1 7/16/2013 7/16/2013 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Apr-1949 Oct-1943 Apr-1938 Nov-1932 May-1927 Nov-1921 Jun-1916 Dec-1910 Jun-1905 48
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER BL MEARSON SPRING NR MAYO, FL Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 21844 185 30.04096-83.02353 Suwannee 30090 186 30.03659-83.02009 Lafayette 300205083010600 187 30.03472-83.01833 Lafayette 38445 188 30.03379-83.01536 Suwannee 39105 189 30.03343-83.01489 Suwannee 183184 185 181182 186 187 188 189 190 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 278 273 371 200 74 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.36 7.33 7.70 7.00 0.31 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 23.71 23.14 28.97 20.00 3.94 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.38 6.03 7.98 5.30 1.06 8 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.94 0.98 1.40 0.60 0.31 5 8/25/2004 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) 16,500 16,500 16,500 16,500 --- 1 7/16/2013 7/16/2013 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Apr-1949 Oct-1943 Apr-1938 Nov-1932 May-1927 Nov-1921 Jun-1916 Dec-1910 Jun-1905 49
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DNSTRM BLUE SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30086 156 30.07710-83.06958 Lafayette 148150 152 144145147 149 151 143 154 153155 156 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 341 341 371 311 42 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.46 7.46 7.57 7.34 0.16 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 26.88 26.88 27.60 26.16 1.02 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.97 5.97 6.80 5.14 1.17 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.89 0.89 0.90 0.88 0.01 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.905 0.9 0.895 0.89 0.885 0.88 0.875 0.87 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 50
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DNSTRM TELFORD SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30096 100 30.11009-83.16126 Suwannee 47489 101 30.10545-83.15243 Suwannee 100 101 103 102 104 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 298 279 396 239 74 4 9/19/2006 5/13/2015 ph (SU) 7.38 7.38 7.55 7.20 0.16 4 9/19/2006 5/13/2015 Temperature (C) 24.96 24.58 27.47 23.20 2.08 4 9/19/2006 5/13/2015 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.48 5.40 6.23 4.88 0.56 4 9/19/2006 5/13/2015 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.71 0.71 0.72 0.71 0.01 3 9/19/2006 5/13/2015 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.722 0.72 0.718 0.716 0.714 0.712 0.71 0.708 0.706 0.704 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 51
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM BRANTLEY SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30082 209 30.00752-82.98225 Lafayette 300030082585300 210 30.00750-82.98139 Suwannee 45249 211 30.00736-82.97903 Suwannee 30094 212 29.99795-82.97534 Lafayette 207 208209210 211 212 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 246 280 371 67 118 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 ph (SU) 7.14 7.04 7.80 6.25 0.50 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 Temperature (C) 23.20 22.00 29.07 17.40 3.84 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.46 5.85 7.50 0.54 2.09 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.62 0.58 1.10 0.10 0.40 6 11/3/1995 5/21/2014 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 52
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM BRANTLEY SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30082 209 30.00752-82.98225 Lafayette 300030082585300 210 30.00750-82.98139 Suwannee 45249 211 30.00736-82.97903 Suwannee 30094 212 29.99795-82.97534 Lafayette 207 208209210 211 212 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 246 280 371 67 118 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 ph (SU) 7.14 7.04 7.80 6.25 0.50 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 Temperature (C) 23.20 22.00 29.07 17.40 3.84 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.46 5.85 7.50 0.54 2.09 8 8/10/1995 5/21/2014 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.62 0.58 1.10 0.10 0.40 6 11/3/1995 5/21/2014 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 53
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM CONVICT SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30104 140 30.08522-83.09027 Suwannee 30108 141 30.08363-83.08710 Suwannee 131 132 133 137139 138 136 140 141 142 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 381 371 452 320 67 3 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.44 7.53 7.55 7.25 0.17 3 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 25.68 26.21 28.70 22.13 3.32 3 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.69 5.57 6.81 1.68 2.68 3 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.73 0.78 0.85 0.56 0.15 3 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 54
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM ELLAVILLE Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 21020014 7 30.38428-83.17458 Suwannee 3530 8 30.38471-83.17338 Suwannee SUW100C1 9 30.38100-83.18300 Suwannee 8 4 7 6 3 5 2 1 9 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 219 220 940 32 98 603 2/10/1989 9/7/2016 ph (SU) 7.05 7.18 9.95 3.80 0.59 628 2/10/1989 9/7/2016 Temperature (C) 20.24 20.93 27.34 7.99 4.33 632 2/10/1989 9/7/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.99 5.70 13.79 2.36 1.52 632 2/10/1989 9/7/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.44 0.41 1.40 0.00 0.25 460 2/9/1990 9/7/2016 Discharge (cfs) 6,278 3,540 42,700 61 6,828 109 2/10/1989 12/10/2008 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Sep-1902 Jun-1902 Mar-1902 Nov-1901 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Mar-2023 Jul-2009 Oct-1995 Feb-1982 Jun-1968 Oct-1954 Jan-1941 May-1927 Sep-1913 55
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM GOLDKIST Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW110C1 14 30.35861-83.19361 Suwannee 12 13 14 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 204 217 331 27 90 36 2/10/1989 9/2/1992 ph (SU) 7.16 7.34 8.17 5.62 0.62 36 2/10/1989 9/2/1992 Temperature (C) 21.38 21.40 27.00 11.50 3.97 36 2/10/1989 9/2/1992 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.77 5.55 9.00 3.40 1.21 36 2/10/1989 9/2/1992 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.36 0.36 0.77 0.05 0.20 31 2/9/1990 9/2/1992 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 56
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF57981 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30103 130 30.09188-83.10474 Suwannee 127 128 130 1 129 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 343 343 368 318 35 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.50 7.50 7.54 7.45 0.06 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 27.34 27.34 28.58 26.10 1.75 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.89 5.89 6.44 5.34 0.78 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.82 0.82 0.83 0.80 0.02 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.835 0.83 0.825 0.82 0.815 0.81 0.805 0.8 0.795 0.79 0.785 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 57
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF57982 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30107 165 30.06078-83.05324 Suwannee 160162 157 161 163 159 164 167168 165 166 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 493 498 498 482 9 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.20 7.21 7.21 7.19 0.01 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 21.36 21.47 21.47 21.15 0.18 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.54 4.66 4.66 4.29 0.21 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 15.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 0.00 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 May-1901 May-1901 May-1901 Apr-1901 Apr-1901 Apr-1901 Apr-1901 58
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF919971 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30099 103 30.10383-83.14761 Suwannee 100 101 103 102 104 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 341 341 367 314 37 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.51 7.51 7.57 7.44 0.09 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 26.98 26.98 27.82 26.14 1.19 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.87 5.87 6.43 5.30 0.80 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.71 0.71 0.72 0.70 0.01 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.725 0.72 0.715 0.71 0.705 0.7 0.695 0.69 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 59
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF919972 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30084 128 30.09216-83.11336 Lafayette 127 128 130 1 129 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 443 443 443 443 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 ph (SU) 6.88 6.88 6.88 6.88 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Temperature (C) 21.10 21.10 21.10 21.10 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.24 3.24 3.24 3.24 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 60
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF919972 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30084 128 30.09216-83.11336 Lafayette 127 128 130 1 129 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 443 443 443 443 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 ph (SU) 6.88 6.88 6.88 6.88 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Temperature (C) 21.10 21.10 21.10 21.10 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.24 3.24 3.24 3.24 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 --- 1 9/19/2006 9/19/2006 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 61
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LAF93971 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30098 230 29.96034-82.95336 Lafayette 30109 231 29.95950-82.95335 Lafayette 229 230 231 232 233 234 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 383 370 450 328 62 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.40 7.53 7.63 7.03 0.32 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 26.25 25.97 29.49 23.30 3.10 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.74 5.77 6.45 2.00 2.40 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.85 1.00 1.10 0.44 0.36 3 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 62
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM LITTLE RIVER SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 295923082574600 226 29.98972-82.96278 Suwannee 30095 227 29.98852-82.96290 Lafayette 30097 228 29.97379-82.95977 Lafayette 223 225 222 224 226 227 Source: Esri, D CNES/Airbus D IGN, IGP, swis 228 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 291 327 373 67 105 7 8/11/1995 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.37 7.50 7.80 6.35 0.49 7 8/11/1995 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 25.21 26.00 29.23 17.60 4.05 7 8/11/1995 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.15 6.20 7.20 5.60 0.59 7 8/11/1995 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.84 1.00 1.10 0.08 0.39 6 11/3/1995 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 63
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM PEACOCK SLOUGH Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30100 113 30.09672-83.13341 Lafayette 38447 114 30.10153-83.12550 Lafayette 39107 115 30.10150-83.12570 Suwannee 21846 116 30.10520-83.12193 Lafayette 104 105 114115 113 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 266 314 367 52 109 7 9/29/2004 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.15 7.49 7.80 5.56 0.79 7 9/29/2004 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 23.52 23.10 28.05 20.10 2.94 7 9/29/2004 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.12 6.30 6.98 4.13 1.05 7 9/29/2004 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.60 0.70 0.94 0.05 0.34 5 9/29/2004 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 64
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM ROYAL SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30105 151 30.08283-83.07375 Suwannee 300459408304270 152 30.08318-83.07417 Suwannee 148150 152 144145147 149 151 143 154 153155 156 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 357 356 393 320 27 5 7/15/2002 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.91 8.16 8.52 7.14 0.61 5 7/15/2002 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 28.13 28.27 29.57 26.42 1.24 5 7/15/2002 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 8.88 9.26 13.17 5.50 2.89 5 7/15/2002 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.70 0.80 0.86 0.43 0.23 3 7/16/2002 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 65
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SHINGLE SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 21824 249 29.90593-82.91298 Suwannee 43813 250 29.91112-82.91922 Lafayette 248 250 249 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 169 169 212 125 50 4 8/25/2004 6/19/2013 ph (SU) 7.03 7.03 7.26 6.80 0.26 4 8/25/2004 6/19/2013 Temperature (C) 27.17 27.15 27.70 26.69 0.56 4 8/25/2004 6/19/2013 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.23 5.25 5.31 5.13 0.09 4 8/25/2004 6/19/2013 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.50 0.50 0.68 0.31 0.26 2 8/25/2004 6/19/2013 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 66
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SHIRLEY SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 21819 46 30.20078-83.24943 Suwannee 47487 47 30.19797-83.24987 Suwannee 45 44 46 47 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N 48 POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 203 202 233 175 32 4 8/25/2004 5/13/2015 ph (SU) 7.16 7.14 7.40 6.95 0.23 4 8/25/2004 5/13/2015 Temperature (C) 25.25 25.24 27.11 23.40 2.13 4 8/25/2004 5/13/2015 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.82 5.50 6.95 5.33 0.76 4 8/25/2004 5/13/2015 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.47 0.47 0.56 0.38 0.13 2 8/25/2004 5/13/2015 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 67
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW106971 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30091 191 30.02659-83.00974 Lafayette 49447 192 30.01844-83.00574 Suwannee 300100108300207 193 30.01669-83.00575 Lafayette 30092 194 30.01246-83.00407 Lafayette 30083 195 30.01161-83.00430 Lafayette 300033083000300 196 30.00917-83.00083 Suwannee Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 348 331 442 257 48 11 8/10/1995 5/31/2016 ph (SU) 7.73 7.56 8.71 7.01 0.57 11 8/10/1995 5/31/2016 Temperature (C) 27.05 26.50 30.38 21.64 2.64 11 8/10/1995 5/31/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 7.14 6.50 12.57 0.42 3.54 11 8/10/1995 5/31/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.05 1.10 1.30 0.55 0.25 7 7/15/2002 5/31/2016 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 187 190 188189 191 192 193 194 195 201 196 197198 204 205 203 202 206 207209210211 208 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 68
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW725971 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30088 169 30.05703-83.04790 Suwannee 167168 165 166 169 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 341 341 369 313 40 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.53 7.53 7.66 7.39 0.19 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 27.09 27.09 28.05 26.12 1.36 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.95 5.95 6.71 5.18 1.08 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.94 0.94 0.95 0.92 0.02 2 9/19/2006 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.955 0.95 0.945 0.94 0.935 0.93 0.925 0.92 0.915 0.91 0.905 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 69
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW919973 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30102 126 30.10200-83.11393 Suwannee 114115 116117 118 122123 124 119 121 125 126 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 344 344 372 315 40 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.47 7.47 7.50 7.44 0.04 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 26.89 26.89 28.16 25.62 1.80 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.49 5.49 5.80 5.17 0.45 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.83 0.83 0.88 0.78 0.07 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.9 0.88 0.86 0.84 0.82 0.8 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 70
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW919974 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 30101 118 30.10532-83.12002 Suwannee 114115 116117 118 122123 124 119 121 125 126 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 341 341 366 315 36 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 ph (SU) 7.49 7.49 7.53 7.45 0.06 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Temperature (C) 27.12 27.12 28.12 26.11 1.42 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.68 5.68 6.28 5.08 0.85 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.76 0.76 0.79 0.72 0.05 2 9/19/2006 8/2/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.8 0.78 0.76 0.74 0.72 0.7 0.68 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 Oct-1900 71
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER DWNSTRM SUW922974 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 21841 20 30.31104-83.21038 Madison 45241 21 30.30722-83.21270 Madison 20 19 18 17 22 21 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 171 172 178 164 7 4 8/31/2004 5/28/2014 ph (SU) 6.80 6.80 7.00 6.60 0.23 4 8/31/2004 5/28/2014 Temperature (C) 24.10 24.10 26.01 22.20 2.20 4 8/31/2004 5/28/2014 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.11 5.14 5.37 4.79 0.28 4 8/31/2004 5/28/2014 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.42 0.42 0.44 0.39 0.04 2 8/31/2004 5/28/2014 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.45 0.44 0.43 0.42 0.41 0.4 0.39 0.38 0.37 0.36 Jun-1900 Jun-1900 Jun-1900 Jun-1900 Jun-1900 Jun-1900 72
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR BLUE SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300737908313317 68 30.12721-83.22546 Lafayette 300735083133100 69 30.12661-83.22514 Lafayette 70 69 7475 71 76 73 77 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 350 345 388 322 28 4 8/13/1993 7/17/2002 ph (SU) 7.12 8.17 8.35 3.80 2.22 4 8/13/1993 7/17/2002 Temperature (C) 27.76 28.04 28.97 26.00 1.37 4 8/13/1993 7/17/2002 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 9.24 9.40 11.24 6.90 1.83 4 8/13/1993 7/17/2002 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.35 0.35 0.48 0.21 0.19 2 8/13/1993 7/16/2002 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 73
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR DELL Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300957208313542 56 30.16589-83.23171 Lafayette 300954083135300 57 30.16522-83.23125 Lafayette 62 63 60 61 64 55 54 56 57 6566 67 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 346 346 346 346 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 ph (SU) 8.56 8.56 8.56 8.56 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Temperature (C) 29.33 29.33 29.33 29.33 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 13.20 13.20 13.20 13.20 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 --- 1 7/16/2002 7/16/2002 Discharge (cfs) 1,970 1,970 1,970 1,970 --- 1 6/29/1977 6/29/1977 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 Nov-1906 Jun-1905 Feb-1904 Sep-1902 May-1901 74
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR LITTLE RIVER SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 295944082580800 218 29.99556-82.96889 Suwannee 295945082580400 219 29.99583-82.96778 Suwannee 218 219 224 225 223221 220 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 302 302 343 261 58 2 8/11/1993 8/10/1995 ph (SU) 7.35 7.35 7.70 7.00 0.49 2 8/11/1993 8/10/1995 Temperature (C) 27.00 27.00 27.50 26.50 0.71 2 8/11/1993 8/10/1995 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.95 5.95 6.50 5.40 0.78 2 8/11/1993 8/10/1995 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.86 0.86 0.86 0.86 --- 1 8/11/1993 8/11/1993 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 75
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR MEARSON SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300230083013200 177 30.04167-83.02556 Lafayette 177 184 178183 180 182 185 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 342 342 342 342 --- 1 8/12/1993 8/12/1993 ph (SU) 7.90 7.90 7.90 7.90 --- 1 8/12/1993 8/12/1993 Temperature (C) 27.00 27.00 27.00 27.00 --- 1 8/12/1993 8/12/1993 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 7.50 7.50 7.50 7.50 --- 1 8/12/1993 8/12/1993 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.79 0.79 0.79 0.79 --- 1 8/12/1993 8/12/1993 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 76
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER NEAR TROY SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300023082594900 205 30.00639-82.99694 Lafayette 30093 206 30.00732-82.98864 Suwannee 194 195 201 197198 196 205 204 203 202 207 206 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 347 343 373 325 24 3 8/11/1993 8/3/2011 ph (SU) 7.58 7.60 7.62 7.51 0.06 3 8/11/1993 8/3/2011 Temperature (C) 26.97 26.00 29.00 25.91 1.76 3 8/11/1993 8/3/2011 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.76 6.63 7.50 6.15 0.68 3 8/11/1993 8/3/2011 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.99 1.05 1.10 0.83 0.14 3 8/11/1993 8/3/2011 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Nov-1900 Oct-1900 77
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) SUWANNEE RIVER UPSTRM SHINGLE SPRINGS Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 42070 247 29.93859-82.92394 Lafayette 194 195 201 197198 196 205 204 203 202 207 206 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 357 357 360 353 5 2 5/3/2012 5/3/2012 ph (SU) 7.70 7.70 7.70 7.70 0.00 2 5/3/2012 5/3/2012 Temperature (C) 23.20 23.20 23.20 23.20 0.00 2 5/3/2012 5/3/2012 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 8.92 8.92 8.93 8.90 0.02 2 5/3/2012 5/3/2012 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.84 0.84 0.84 0.84 --- 1 5/3/2012 5/3/2012 Discharge (cfs) --- --- --- --- --- 0 --- --- 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 78
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) TELFORD SPRINGS 100 Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 2320003 93 30.10689-83.16569 Suwannee 2320003 94 30.10689-83.16569 Suwannee TEL010C1 95 30.10667-83.16556 Suwannee 300624083095700 96 30.10689-83.16569 Suwannee 22051009 97 30.10667-83.16556 Suwannee 3422X-A 98 30.10704-83.16576 Suwannee 11498 99 30.10705-83.16574 Suwannee 84 85 88 90 87 89 9899 96 97 9495 92 91 101 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR 100 Specific Conductance (us/cm) 438 441 517 59 41 204 11/17/1960 12/12/2016 ph (SU) 7.23 7.24 8.27 5.36 0.27 220 11/17/1960 12/12/2016 Temperature (C) 21.27 21.41 23.50 15.00 0.70 218 11/17/1960 12/12/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.56 1.50 7.67 0.10 0.83 217 11/21/1973 101 12/12/2016 104 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.44 2.50 6.00 0.01 0.73 221 3/4/1985 10312/12/2016 102 Discharge (cfs) 37 33 107 16 18 110 5/14/1927 8/6/2014 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geograph CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aer IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community 105 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 113 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geograph CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aero IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Apr-1900 Apr-1900 Mar-1900 Feb-1900 Feb-1900 79
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) TROY SPRING Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300021082595100 199 30.00583-82.99750 Lafayette 2320250 200 30.00583-82.99750 Lafayette 2320250 201 30.00583-82.99750 Lafayette 3422T-A 202 30.00595-82.99755 Lafayette 9694 203 30.00603-82.99750 Lafayette TRY010C1 204 30.00583-82.99750 Lafayette 194 195 201 197198 196 205 204 203 202 207 206 209210 208 211 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 330 385 767 40 104 1,009 11/22/1960 12/16/2016 ph (SU) 7.42 7.40 7.90 6.39 0.18 704 11/22/1960 12/16/2016 Temperature (C) 21.37 21.50 24.70 15.56 0.54 896 11/22/1960 12/16/2016 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 0.59 0.50 6.69 0.00 0.59 894 10/16/1973 12/16/2016 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.29 2.49 3.20 0.00 0.56 727 10/16/1973 12/16/2016 Discharge (cfs) 115 100 534-204 76 3,339 5/15/1927 10/18/2016 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 216217 215 214 212 Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geogra CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, A IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community Jun-1902 Mar-1902 Nov-1901 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 80
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN NAMED SPRING (LAF57981) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF57981 129 30.09056-83.10889 Lafayette 127 128 130 1 129 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 380 380 380 380 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 ph (SU) 7.59 7.59 7.59 7.59 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Temperature (C) 20.70 20.70 20.70 20.70 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.70 3.70 3.70 3.70 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.87 2.87 2.87 2.87 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Discharge (cfs) 4 4 4 4 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 81
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF57982) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF57982 164 30.06056-83.05778 Lafayette 160162 157 161 163 159 164 167168 165 166 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 319 319 319 319 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 ph (SU) 7.64 7.64 7.64 7.64 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Temperature (C) 19.00 19.00 19.00 19.00 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.40 1.40 1.40 1.40 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.52 2.52 2.52 2.52 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 Discharge (cfs) 5 5 5 5 --- 1 5/7/1998 5/7/1998 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 82
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF710981) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF710981 176 30.04500-83.03389 Lafayette 173 172 171 170 175 174 176 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 339 339 339 339 --- 1 7/10/1998 7/10/1998 ph (SU) 7.16 7.16 7.16 7.16 --- 1 7/10/1998 7/10/1998 Temperature (C) 18.80 18.80 18.80 18.80 --- 1 7/10/1998 7/10/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 --- 1 7/10/1998 7/10/1998 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 --- 1 7/10/1998 7/10/1998 Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 7/10/1998 7/10/1998 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 83
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF718971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF718971 232 29.95917-82.95361 Lafayette 229 230 231 232 233 234 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 426 448 448 383 38 3 7/18/1997 8/29/2006 ph (SU) 6.97 6.90 7.11 6.90 0.12 3 7/18/1997 8/29/2006 Temperature (C) 21.83 21.95 21.95 21.60 0.20 3 7/18/1997 8/29/2006 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 0.66 0.24 1.50 0.24 0.73 3 7/18/1997 8/29/2006 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.54 0.34 1.10 0.13 0.39 5 7/18/1997 8/29/2006 Discharge (cfs) 10 11 15 3 6 3 7/18/1997 10/24/2000 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Apr-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Jan-1901 84
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF718972) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300021083001601 197 30.00583-83.00444 Lafayette LAF718972 198 30.00583-83.00444 Lafayette 194 195 201 197198 196 205 204 203 202 207 206 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 381 383 393 367 13 3 7/18/1997 10/24/2000 ph (SU) 7.20 7.24 7.30 7.07 0.12 3 7/18/1997 10/24/2000 Temperature (C) 21.45 21.45 21.90 21.00 0.64 2 7/18/1997 8/19/1998 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.13 1.50 1.50 0.40 0.64 3 7/18/1997 10/24/2000 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.32 2.27 3.00 1.74 0.52 4 7/18/1997 7/27/2001 Discharge (cfs) 13 13 15 11 3 2 7/18/1997 10/24/2000 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 85
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF919971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF919971 102 30.10333-83.14778 Lafayette 100 101 103 102 104 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 193 193 193 193 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 ph (SU) 7.39 7.39 7.39 7.39 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Temperature (C) 21.30 21.30 21.30 21.30 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.62 1.62 1.62 1.62 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 86
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF919972) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF919972 127 30.09194-83.11361 Lafayette 127 128 130 1 129 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 423 423 423 423 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 ph (SU) 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Temperature (C) 21.30 21.30 21.30 21.30 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.02 1.87 2.99 1.36 0.73 4 9/19/1997 8/31/2001 Discharge (cfs) 2 1 4 0 2 4 9/19/1997 8/31/2001 3.5 3 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 87
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF922975) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF922975 31 30.26083-83.24667 Lafayette 33 32 31 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 378 378 378 378 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.30 7.30 7.30 7.30 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 20.20 20.20 20.20 20.20 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.20 4.20 4.20 4.20 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Discharge (cfs) 4 4 4 4 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 0.035 0.03 0.025 0.02 0.015 0.01 0.005 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 88
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF922976) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF922976 32 30.26056-83.24944 Lafayette 33 32 31 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 350 350 350 350 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.42 7.42 7.42 7.42 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 21.30 21.30 21.30 21.30 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.90 6.90 6.90 6.90 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 89
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF922977) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF922977 33 30.25972-83.25139 Lafayette 33 32 31 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 246 246 246 246 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.39 7.39 7.39 7.39 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 21.50 21.50 21.50 21.50 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.80 6.80 6.80 6.80 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 90
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF924971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF924971 91 30.10194-83.16611 Lafayette 9899 96 97 9495 92 91 84 85 88 90 87 89 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 353 353 356 349 5 2 9/24/1997 10/24/2000 ph (SU) 7.38 7.38 7.40 7.36 0.03 2 9/24/1997 10/24/2000 Temperature (C) 21.50 21.50 21.50 21.50 --- 1 9/24/1997 9/24/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.10 2.10 2.80 1.40 0.99 2 9/24/1997 10/24/2000 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 3.08 3.05 3.19 3.00 0.10 3 9/24/1997 10/24/2000 Discharge (cfs) 10 13 15 1 8 3 9/24/1997 10/24/2000 3.25 3.2 3.15 3.1 3.05 3 2.95 2.9 91
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF924972) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF924972 80 30.10472-83.20389 Lafayette 80 82 81 83 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 411 411 411 411 --- 1 9/24/1997 9/24/1997 ph (SU) 7.44 7.44 7.44 7.44 --- 1 9/24/1997 9/24/1997 Temperature (C) 19.70 19.70 19.70 19.70 --- 1 9/24/1997 9/24/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 7.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 --- 1 9/24/1997 9/24/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/24/1997 9/24/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 92
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF929971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF929971 45 30.21028-83.24611 Lafayette 45 44 46 47 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N 48 POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 402 402 413 391 15 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 ph (SU) 7.17 7.17 7.41 6.92 0.35 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Temperature (C) 20.45 20.45 20.50 20.40 0.07 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.80 2.80 3.00 2.60 0.28 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.22 1.22 1.32 1.12 0.14 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Discharge (cfs) 6 6 7 5 1 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 1.35 1.3 1.25 1.2 1.15 1.1 1.05 1 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 93
94
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF929972) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF929972 48 30.18972-83.25056 Lafayette 48 49 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR 5355 Specific Conductance (us/cm) 377 377 384 370 10 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 ph (SU) 7.29 7.29 7.48 7.10 0.27 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Temperature (C) 21.40 21.40 21.70 21.10 0.42 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.80 3.80 4.40 3.20 0.85 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.93 0.93 0.98 0.88 0.07 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 Discharge (cfs) 2 2 2 1 1 2 9/29/1997 7/20/2000 1 0.98 0.96 0.94 0.92 0.9 0.88 0.86 0.84 0.82 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 Jan-1901 95
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF929973) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF929973 49 30.17972-83.24778 Lafayette 48 49 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR 5355 Specific Conductance (us/cm) 380 380 380 380 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 ph (SU) 7.47 7.47 7.47 7.47 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Temperature (C) 21.40 21.40 21.40 21.40 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.50 3.50 3.50 3.50 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.21 1.21 1.21 1.21 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 Discharge (cfs) 10 10 10 10 --- 1 9/29/1997 9/29/1997 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 96
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (LAF93971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County LAF93971 229 29.96139-82.95472 Lafayette 229 230 231 232 233 234 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 412 412 412 411 1 2 9/3/1997 10/24/2000 ph (SU) 7.31 7.31 7.70 6.91 0.56 2 9/3/1997 10/24/2000 Temperature (C) 24.80 24.80 24.80 24.80 --- 1 9/3/1997 9/3/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.25 6.25 7.20 5.30 1.34 2 9/3/1997 10/24/2000 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.09 0.09 0.09 0.09 --- 1 10/24/2000 10/24/2000 Discharge (cfs) 2 2 4 1 2 2 9/3/1997 10/24/2000 0.1 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 Feb-1901 97
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922971 22 30.30667-83.21500 Madison 22 24 25 23 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 462 462 462 462 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.13 7.13 7.13 7.13 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 19.70 19.70 19.70 19.70 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.90 2.90 2.90 2.90 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 98
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922972) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922972 23 30.30333-83.22250 Madison 22 24 25 23 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 456 456 456 456 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.12 7.12 7.12 7.12 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 19.90 19.90 19.90 19.90 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 99
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922973) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922973 24 30.30250-83.22472 Madison 22 24 25 23 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 271 271 271 271 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 20.10 20.10 20.10 20.10 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 100
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922973) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922973 24 30.30250-83.22472 Madison 22 24 25 23 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 271 271 271 271 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 20.10 20.10 20.10 20.10 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 101
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922974) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922974 25 30.30222-83.22500 Madison 22 24 25 23 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 362 362 362 362 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.32 7.32 7.32 7.32 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 20.20 20.20 20.20 20.20 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.30 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 102
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922975) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922975 26 30.29361-83.23250 Madison 26 27 28 29 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 295 295 295 295 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.22 7.22 7.22 7.22 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 20.60 20.60 20.60 20.60 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.40 5.40 5.40 5.40 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 103
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (MAD922976) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County MAD922976 29 30.28250-83.23278 Madison 26 27 28 29 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 257 257 257 257 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.01 7.01 7.01 7.01 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 20.40 20.40 20.40 20.40 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.60 2.60 2.60 2.60 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 104
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW106971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW106971 190 30.03278-83.01361 Suwannee 183184 185 181182 186 187 188 189 190 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 245 245 245 245 --- 1 10/6/1997 10/6/1997 ph (SU) 7.56 7.56 7.56 7.56 --- 1 10/6/1997 10/6/1997 Temperature (C) 21.30 21.30 21.30 21.30 --- 1 10/6/1997 10/6/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 --- 1 10/6/1997 10/6/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 0 0 0 0 --- 1 10/6/1997 10/6/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 105
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW725971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County 300338083031201 166 30.06056-83.05333 Suwannee SUW725971 167 30.06056-83.05333 Suwannee 160162 157 161 163 159 164 167168 165 166 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 460 479 491 367 43 7 7/25/1997 6/13/2001 ph (SU) 7.27 7.31 7.40 6.97 0.16 7 7/25/1997 6/13/2001 Temperature (C) 21.33 21.40 21.50 21.10 0.19 6 7/25/1997 6/13/2001 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.51 5.60 6.70 3.90 0.85 7 7/25/1997 6/13/2001 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 19.90 16.60 38.00 12.40 8.94 11 7/25/1997 8/31/2001 Discharge (cfs) 6 5 9 3 2 7 7/25/1997 8/31/2001 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 106
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW919971 142 30.08333-83.08722 Suwannee 131 132 133 137139 138 136 140 141 142 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 422 430 469 366 52 3 9/19/1997 6/13/2001 ph (SU) 7.32 7.47 7.49 7.01 0.27 3 9/19/1997 6/13/2001 Temperature (C) 22.05 22.05 22.10 22.00 0.07 2 9/19/1997 6/13/2001 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.93 2.90 4.10 1.80 1.15 3 9/19/1997 6/13/2001 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 0.52 0.51 0.58 0.49 0.04 4 9/19/1997 6/13/2001 Discharge (cfs) 3 3 8 1 3 4 9/19/1997 6/13/2001 0.6 0.58 0.56 0.54 0.52 0.5 0.48 0.46 0.44 May-1901 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 107
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919972) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW919972 133 30.09083-83.09722 Suwannee 131 132 133 137139 138 136 140 141 142 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 365 365 365 365 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 ph (SU) 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Temperature (C) 21.70 21.70 21.70 21.70 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.90 4.90 4.90 4.90 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 108
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919973) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW919973 125 30.10250-83.11417 Suwannee 114115 116117 118 122123 124 119 121 125 126 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 366 366 366 366 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 ph (SU) 7.48 7.48 7.48 7.48 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Temperature (C) 21.60 21.60 21.60 21.60 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 2.10 2.10 2.10 2.10 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.95 1.95 2.08 1.81 0.19 2 9/19/1997 7/21/2000 Discharge (cfs) 2 2 3 1 1 2 9/19/1997 7/21/2000 2.15 2.1 2.05 2 1.95 1.9 1.85 1.8 1.75 1.7 1.65 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 109
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW919974) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW919974 117 30.10528-83.12139 Suwannee 114115 116117 118 122123 124 119 121 125 126 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 400 400 400 400 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 ph (SU) 7.24 7.24 7.24 7.24 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Temperature (C) 21.30 21.30 21.30 21.30 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 3.60 3.60 3.60 3.60 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 2.04 2.04 2.04 2.04 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/19/1997 9/19/1997 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 110
Discharge (cfs) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Specific Conductance (us/cm) Water Temperature (C) NOx-N (mg/l) UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922971) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW922971 28 30.28750-83.23139 Suwannee 26 27 28 29 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 495 495 495 495 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.02 7.02 7.02 7.02 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 20.20 20.20 20.20 20.20 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Aug-1901 May-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Jul-1900 Apr-1900 111
UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922972) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW922972 17 30.31278-83.20972 Suwannee 19 18 17 20 22 21 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 250 250 250 250 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.25 7.25 7.25 7.25 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 21.50 21.50 21.50 21.50 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.80 4.80 4.80 4.80 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 NOx-N (mg/l) 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 Specific Conductance (us/cm) 0 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Water Temperature (C) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Discharge (cfs) 112
UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922973) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW922973 18 30.31333-83.20972 Suwannee 19 18 17 20 22 21 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 373 373 373 373 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.31 7.31 7.31 7.31 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 21.50 21.50 21.50 21.50 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.10 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 NOx-N (mg/l) 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0 Specific Conductance (us/cm) Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Water Temperature (C) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Discharge (cfs) 113
UN-NAMED SPRING (SUW922974) Stn ID Latitude Longitude County SUW922974 19 30.31333-83.20972 Suwannee 19 18 17 20 22 21 Parameter Average Median Max Min StdDev N POR Specific Conductance (us/cm) 402 402 402 402 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 ph (SU) 7.27 7.27 7.27 7.27 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Temperature (C) 21.20 21.20 21.20 21.20 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) 4.10 4.10 4.10 4.10 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 Nitrate Nitrogen (mg/l) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Discharge (cfs) 1 1 1 1 --- 1 9/22/1997 9/22/1997 1.2 1 NOx-N (mg/l) 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 Specific Conductance (us/cm) 0 Mar-1901 Feb-1901 Oct-1900 Sep-1900 Jul-1900 May-1900 Apr-1900 Feb-1900 Water Temperature (C) ph (SU) Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l) Discharge (cfs) 114