Guaranto Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 46’ 47.27” N., Long. 82° 56’ 23.85” W. (NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 20, T.

8 S., R. 14 E.). Guaranto Spring is located within a county park along the west bank of the

Suwannee River, 12.5 miles (20 km) south of Branford. Travel west from the Suwannee

River bridge in Branford on US 27 for 1.3 miles (2.1 km). Turn south (left) on SR 349 and

travel 11.8 miles (19 km). Turn east (left) on CR 353 (Rock Sink Church Road) at the flashing lights. The road turns sharply to the south (right) just in front of the church, follow the

road approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) to the county park.

Description – Guaranto Spring, also locally known as “Gronto” or “Gornto” Spring, is an

impounded swimming hole along the west side of the Suwannee River. An earthen dam

blocks the outflow channel adjacent to the river, creating an oblong spring pool. The pool

measures 240 ft (73.2 m) northwest to southeast and 87 ft (26.5 m) northeast to southwest.

The depth over the vent is 11.5 ft (3.5 m). A slight boil is present on the northwest end of

the pool directly over the vent. The water is clear and greenish. The spring has a sand bottom. Limestone is exposed at the vent. Algae are abundant, but there is virtually no aquatic vegetation. Two wooden access structures are built into the pool on the north and south

sides. The north shore has bluish clay banks, and the spring’s steep banks rise to approximately 12 ft (3.7 m) above the water level. The land around the spring is developed into a

county recreation park. The spring discharges through a 5 ft (1.5 m) diameter culvert in the

dam directly into the Suwannee River.

Utilization - Guaranto Spring is within a county park and is a popular swimming area.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

84

Figure 42. Guaranto Spring (photo by R. Means).
There is a boat ramp and access area on the nearby Suwannee River. There are limited

facilities.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3/s.

May 12, 1932 12.4(1)

March 9, 1962 3.41(1)

November 2, 1972 12.0(1)

July 21, 1997 12.76(4)

July 16, 2002 9.33(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

85

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22 Ca 60 64.1 64.0

DO 2.5 K 0.2 0.69 0.67

pH 6.8 Na 2.3 2.9I 2.7I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 4 3.9 3.9

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD 0.5 - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.35 B - - 10U

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 153 - 183 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 343 380.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 182 - 200 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 25U 35I

Cl 4 - 6.0 Mn - 1.9I 2.9

SO4 5.6 - 6.1 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.1 - 0.093I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.2

TOC - - 1.5I Ra-228 - - 0.9U

NO3 + NO2 as N 1.14 - 0.78 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 7U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 400 - 164.0

P - 0.009I 0.012 Zn - 1.5U 3U

PO4 - 0.006I -

NO3 0.6 - -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 2002 Analytes 1973 Analytes 1973

22.75

1.10

7.06

371

Table 32. Guaranto Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1K

Fecal Coliform 1K

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 33. Guaranto Spring bacteriological analysis.
Steinhatchee River Rise

Location—Lat. 29° 46’ 11.68” N.,

Long. 83° 19’ 30.13” W. (NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4

SE 1⁄4 sec. 21, T. 1 S., R. 12 E.). The

Steinhatchee River Rise is located

between Perry and Cross City off US

19/27A/98. From the intersection of

US 98 and US 19/27 in Perry, travel

south on US 19/27A/98 approximately 28 miles (45 km) to the

Steinhatchee River bridge. After

crossing bridges over the

Steinhatchee River, veer south

(right) into grassy area beside the

road. Follow to a small dirt road

marked by a Public River Access #5

sign. This dirt road ends at the river

rise.

Description-Steinhatchee River

Rise is the re-emergence of the

Steinhatchee River from underground. There was very little flow

during October 2001 visit. Spring

pool measures 72 ft (21.9 m) north to

south and 30 ft (9.1 m) east to west.

The depth is 12 ft (3.7 m). Tannic

water flows northwest out from

underneath a limestone ledge. Algae

are present on limestone substrate.

Some cypress trees are near water’s

edge. The area around the rise has

nearby sink depressions and elongated fissures in limestone that run

into the Steinhatchee River from its banks. Uplands both north and south of the rise have

planted pines. The uplands rise steeply to 10-12 ft (3-3.7 m) above water level on both sides

of river channel. This river rise is located in a river flood channel. High water would bring

river water flowing over the rise depression from the southeast.

Utilization-Land owned by SRWMD and public access granted. No development, planted

pines nearby.

Discharge- July 6,1999: 350 ft3

/s(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

86

Figure 43. Steinhatchee River Rise

(photo by R. Means)
BULLETIN NO. 66

87

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature Ca 108 A 101

DO K 0.26 A 0.25

pH Na 4.15 A 4.01

Sp. Cond. Mg 8.3 A 7.9

Lab Analytes As 3 U 3 U

BOD 0.4 AI - Al - 75 U

Turbidity 1.8 - B 25 U -

Color 50 A - Cd 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity 279 279 Co 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. 560 - Cr 2 U 2 U

TDS 322 - Cu 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS 4 U - Fe 450 A 130 I

Cl 7.6 7.2 Mn 186 A 173

SO4 11 11 Ni 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.12 0.12 A Pb 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se 4 U 4 U

TOC 12 A - Sn 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 0.056 0.053 Sr 165 A -

NH3+NH4 0.038 0.042 Zn 5 U 5 U

TKN 0.41 A 0.16 J

P 0.055 A 0.027 A

PO4 0.03 -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Estimated Q=Exceeding holding time

Analytes 2001 Analytes 2001

21.1

1.07

6.98

504

Table 34. Steinhatchee River Rise water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 6Q

Enterococci 34Q

Fecal Coliform 6Q

Total Coliform 100Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 35. Steinhatchee River Rise bacteriological analysis.
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

88

Figure 44. Spring visited by FGS in Duval County.

Spring description provided on enclosed CD.

DUVAL COUNTY
BULLETIN NO. 66

89

Figure 45. Spring visited by FGS in Franklin County.

Spring description provided on enclosed CD.

FRANKLIN COUNTY
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

90

Figure 46. Spring visited by FGS in Gadsden County.

Spring description provided on enclosed CD.

GADSDEN COUNTY
GILCHRIST COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

91

Figure 47. Springs visited by FGS in Gilchrist County.
Devil’s Ear Spring

Location-Lat. 29° 50’ 07.26” N., Long. 82° 41’ 47.76” W. (SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 34, T. 7 S.,

R.16 E.). Devil’s Ear Spring is located among a complex of springs on the south bank of the

Santa Fe River. The spring is approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) northwest of High Springs

and can be accessed either by river or through the privately owned Ginnie Springs Resort.

From the junction of US 441/41 and US 27 in High Springs, drive southwest on US 41/27 for

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

92

Figure 48. Devil's Ear Spring (photo by H. Means).
0.8 miles (1.3 km). Turn west (right) on SR 340 (Poe Springs Road), drive 6.6 miles (10.6

km) west on SR 340. Following the signs to Ginnie Springs, turn north (right) on a graded

road and go 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to the Ginnie Springs Resort entrance. Follow the road

around to the back of the office and towards the river. Turn right just before the bathhouse

and follow the sand road to the parking area. Devils Ear Spring is part of a complex of three

vents and is the vent nearest the Santa Fe River.

BULLETIN NO. 66

93

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.57 - Ca 62 62.5

DO 3.09 - K 0.43 0.44

pH 7.21 - Na 3.84 4.05

Sp. Cond. 372 - Mg 6.5 6.4

Lab Analytes As 3 U 3 U

BOD 0.36 I - Al - 75 U

Turbidity 0.05 U - B 25 U -

Color 5 U - Cd 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity 175 A 175 Co 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. 380 - Cr 2 U 2 U

TDS 215 - Cu 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS 4 U - Fe 35 U 35 U

Cl 6.9 6.9 Mn 0.5 U 0.5 U

SO4 13 13 Ni 2 U 2 U

F 0.11 0.094 I Pb 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se 8.8 U 4 U

TOC 1 U - Sn 20 U -

NO3 + NO2 1.3 J 1.4 Sr 151 -

NH3 + NH4 0.013 I 0.032 Zn 5 U 5 U

TKN 0.06 U 0.1 I

P 0.047 0.098

PO4 0.047 -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Estimated value Q=exceeded holding time limit

Analytes 2001 Analytes 2001

Table 36. Devil's Ear Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1AKQ

Enterococci 2AQ

Fecal Coliform 1AQ

Total Coliform 25AQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL)

Table 37. Devil's Ear Spring water quality analysis.
Description-Devil’s Ear Spring is situated at the mouth of a 375 ft (114.3 m) long spring

run that enters into the Santa Fe River from the south side. It is an elongated limestone

fissure that discharges directly into the adjacent Santa Fe River. The spring pool measures

approximately 105 ft (32 m) east to west and 60 ft (18.3 m) north to south. The vent is an

oval shaped opening in limestone with steep sides leading down to a depth of 34 ft (10.4 m).

There is a large boil over the spring vent. Dark water from the river contrasts distinctly with

clear, bluish water issuing from the spring along the side of the river. Native aquatic grasses are common around the vent opening, and some algae are on grass blades and limestone

walls. The banks on the south side of the river rise steeply to approximately 3 ft (0.9 m)

above water level, then levels off. On top of the bank, a mesic hardwood forest with interspersed clearings is present. An underwater cave system has been mapped at Devil’s Ear

Spring.

Utilization-Devil’s Ear Spring is part of the privately-owned Ginnie Springs Resort. The

spring is heavily used for swimming and scuba diving and is a hotspot for cave diving. Full

facilities are located nearby to the east.

Discharge—Devil’s Ear Spring complex total:

September 5, 2001: 206.59 ft3

/s(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

94
Gilchrist Blue Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 49’ 47.64” N., Long. 82° 40’ 58.27” W. (NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 7

S., R. 16 E.). Gilchrist Blue Spring is located within Blue Springs Park and Campground, a

privately run facility 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of High Springs. From the junction of US

441/41 and US 27 in High Springs, drive southwest on US 41/27 for 0.8 miles (1.3 km). Turn

west (right) on SR 340 (Poe Springs Road), travel west on SR 340 (Poe Springs Road) 4.6

miles (7.4 km). Turn north (right) onto Blue Spring Road and continue 1.1 miles (1.8 km) to

the parking area just south of the spring.

Description – Gilchrist Blue Spring has a circular spring pool that measures 132 ft (40.2

m) in diameter. The depth at the vent is 18.9 ft (5.8 m). Water issues from a cave under a

submerged limestone ledge on the northwest side of the spring pool. No boil was observed

on the pool surface in May 2002. The water is clear and blue. A wooden platform is on the

northwest side of the spring pool directly over the vent. The spring pool is shallow with a

sand bottom, except for limestone near the vent. The pool is enclosed by a wooden retaining

wall. An elevated wooden boardwalk runs along the south side of the pool and the east side

of the run to the Santa Fe River. The spring run flows north approximately 1,100 ft (335.3

m) to the river under a forest canopy through the river floodplain. Exotic aquatic vegetation

is abundant in the run and much of the spring pool. Three additional springs enter Gilchrist

Blue Spring Run. Little Blue Spring discharges from the west and Naked Spring and

Johnson Spring discharge from the east into the run approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) and 500

ft (152.4 m) downstream from the spring pool. Gilchrist Blue Spring is along the south edge

BULLETIN NO. 66

95

Figure 49. Gilchrist Blue Spring (photo by R. Means).
of the Santa Fe River flood plain at the base of sandy slopes. The hillside rises gently to the

south and west to about 12 ft (3.7 m) above water level, leading up to a concession area and

picnic tables.

Utilization - The spring is operated as a private recreation area with full facilities.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

April 28, 1975 70.4(1) (Combined, 28.3 of which is Naked Springs)

April 27, 1998 79.98(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

96

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.5 Ca 54 60.4A 60.5

DO - K 0.2 0.39A 0.36

pH 7.4 Na 2.9 3.1I 3.1I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 5 6.3A 6.3

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD - - 0.21I As - 3U 6U

Turbidity 2 - 0.05U B - - 10U

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 148 - 173 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 340 317.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 176 - 198.0 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 25U 25U

Cl 6.2 - 5.4 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 7.9 - 11.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.1 - 0.11 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.5

TOC - - 1U Ra-228 - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 1.7 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 7U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 230 - 153.0

P - 0.034 0.035 Zn - 15U 2U

PO4 - 0.037 -

NO3 ---

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002 1975 1975

358

22.69

4.26

7.49

Table 38. Gilchrist Blue Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 39. Gilchrist Blue Spring bacteriological analysis.
Ginnie Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 50’ 10.82” N., Long. 82° 42’ 00.44” W. (SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 34, T. 7 S.,

R. 16 E.). Ginnie Spring is located within a privately-operated park and resort, called

Ginnie Springs Outdoors, approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) northwest of High Springs on

the south side of the Santa Fe River. From the junction of US 441/41 and US 27 in High

Springs, drive southwest on US 41/27 for 0.8 miles (1.3 km). Turn west (right) on SR 340.

Drive 6.6 miles (10.6 km) then turn north (right) on a graded road. Travel 1.2 miles (1.9 km)

to the Ginnie Springs Resort entrance. Follow the road behind the office, turn north (left)

at the bathhouse, and continue down to the spring.

Description – The Ginnie Spring pool is roughly circular, measuring 90 ft (27.4 m) in diameter and 12.2 ft (3.7 m) deep in the center. Clear, bluish water issues from a cavernous vent

underneath a limestone ledge on the east side of the pool. No boil was visible in May 2002.

The spring has a sand and limestone bottom. Some aquatic vegetation occurs in both the

spring and its run. There are two scuba diving/swimming access platforms along the south

side of the spring pool. The pool is otherwise surrounded by cypress and hardwood trees.

The spring run is approximately 35 ft (10.7 m) wide, 3 ft (0.9 m) deep and flows east about

500 ft (152.4 m) under a forest canopy into the Santa Fe River. The spring and run are situated entirely within the river floodplain. The Santa Fe River was crystal clear during the

May 2002 visit; however, it normally is tea-colored. Exotic aquatic vegetation is abundant

BULLETIN NO. 66

97

Figure 50. Ginnie Spring (photo by H. Means).
in both the spring run and nearby Santa Fe River. Rosenau et al. (1977) report that an

extensive cave system extends well beyond the vent underneath the limestone ledge to the

east and south. The cave system includes some 1,100 ft (335.3 m) of known passages

(Rosenau et al. 1977). Cavern diving is popular in Ginnie Spring; however, the cave system

is blocked with a gate to prevent divers from entering beyond the light zone. Several other

springs that are open to cave diving occur within the park.

Utilization - Ginnie Spring is within the privately-owned Ginnie Springs Outdoors Resort.

The resort is extensive, has full facilities, and is a major scuba diving attraction offering

open water and cave diving.

Discharge – All discharge rates are measured in

ft3

/s.

April 28, 1975 45.8(1)

November 4, 1997 58.19(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

98

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.5 Ca 48 58.8A 60.7A

DO - K 0.2 0.34A 0.34A

pH 7.7 Na 2.7 2.9I 3I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 5 6A 6.2A

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD - - 0.2AU As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.05U B - - 10U

Color 3 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity - - 159.0 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. - 321.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 160 - 180.0 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe 10 25U 25U

Cl 3.6 - 5.2 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 7.8 - 10.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.11 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.3

TOC - - 1U Ra-228 - - 1.1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 1.30 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 7U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 150 - 141A

P - 0.037 0.046 Zn - 1.5U 3U

PO4 - 0.036 -

NO3 ---

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 2002 Analytes 1974 Analytes 1974

22.51

3.49

7.52

337

Table 40. Ginnie Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 2Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 41. Ginnie Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Hart Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 40’ 32.67” N., Long. 82° 57’ 06.16” W. (SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 30, T. 9

S., R. 14 E.). Hart Springs is located within a county recreation area 6.5 miles (10.5 km)

northwest of Fanning Springs. After crossing over the Suwannee River on US 98/27A heading east, turn north (left) on SR 26 and drive approximately 1.4 miles (2.2 km) to the town

of Wilcox. In Wilcox, SR 26 makes a 90 degree bend to the east (right). At this bend continue north (straight) onto CR 232. Drive 4.1 miles (6.6 km) and turn west (left) on CR 344.

Travel 1.6 miles (2.6 km), then turn north (right) into the recreation area.

Description – The head of Hart Springs Run has three merging spring runs. In April 2002,

the only significantly flowing spring in this system was at the head of the middle channel

and was the one sampled for water quality. The middle spring pool measures 51 ft (15.6 m)

north to south and 45 ft (13.7 m) east to west. The depth of the pool measured over the vent

was 19.9 ft (6.1 m). The water was clear and greenish. In the center of the spring pool, a

prominent boil is produced on the surface by spring discharge. The vent is a vertical limestone fissure with 15 ft (4.6 m) high walls. The spring pool has a nearly rectangular shape

and is enclosed by a 4 ft (1.2 m) high metal retaining wall. The metal wall extends several

hundred feet southward and forms the perimeter of the entire southernmost spring and its

run. The bottom is sand in the swimming area where the three spring channels merge. The

northern run was not flowing, but the southernmost spring had slight flow with no boil on

its surface. Exotic aquatic vegetation is abundant in the spring pool. Algae are abundant in

the pool and the run. Other aquatic plants occur on the edges of the pool. From the swimBULLETIN NO. 66

99

Figure 51. Hart Springs (photo by T. Scott).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

100

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 23 22.0

DO - 2.7

pH 7.3 7.2

Sp. Cond. - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - 0.2 - 0.54I

Turbidity - - - 0.20

Color 5 0 - 5U

Alkalinity - 170 - 191

Sp. Cond. 355 330 440.0 -

TDS - 208 - 244.0

TSS - - - 4U

Cl 3.8 6.0 - 7.1

SO4 12 16 - 25.0

F 0 0.2 - 0.096I

Nutrients

TOC - - - 1.2I

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.8 - 1.10

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01U

TKN - - 0.06U 0.06U

P - - 0.082 0.080

PO4 - - 0.074 -

NO3 2.3 3.5 - -

Metals

Ca 67 66 77.8 77.3A

K 0.6 0.2 0.69 0.69A

Na 2 2.4 3.2 3I

Mg 4.8 4.2 5.4 5.6A

Al - - - 50U

As - - 3U 3U

B - - - 10U

Cd - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - 0.75U

Cr - - 2U 2U

Cu - - 3.5U 3.5U

Fe - 35U 35U

Mn - - 1.2I 1.6I

Ni - - 2U 2U

Pb - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - 0.6

Ra-228 - - - 0.9

Se - - 8.4U 4U

Sn - - - 7U

Sr 0 60 - 96.8A

Zn - - 1.5U 3U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

22.17

0.99

7.03

431

2002 Analytes 1946 1972

Table 42. Hart Spring water quality analysis.
ming area at the confluence of the spring runs, Hart Springs Run flows northwest approximately 850 ft (259.1 m) into the Suwannee River from the east. The springs are situated

within the forested river floodplain. A 0.3 mile (0.5 km) long wooden boardwalk follows along

the north side of the spring run and the east side of the river, and footbridges cross over both

the northernmost and main spring runs. An underwater cave system occurs at Hart

Springs.

Utilization -The spring is within a county recreation area that provides full facilities.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

March 14, 1932 40(1)

May 12, 1932 62.1(1)

July 24, 1946 58.6(1)

April 27, 1956 58.6(1)

November 23, 1960 152(1)

November 1, 1972 79.4(1)

June 26, 1997 51.28(4)

BULLETIN NO. 66

101

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 43. Hart Spring bacteriological analysis.
Otter Spring

Location - Lat. 29° 38’ 41.29” N, Long. 82° 56’ 33.91” W (NW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 6 (irregular section shape), T. 10 S., R. 14 E.). The spring is located 4.5 miles (7.2 km) north of

Fanning Springs on the east side of the Suwannee River. After crossing over the Suwannee

River on US 98/27A heading east, turn north (left) on SR 26 and travel north on SR 26

approximately 1.4 miles (2.2 km) to the town of Wilcox. In Wilcox, SR 26 makes a 90 degree

bend to the east (right). At this bend continue north (straight) onto CR 232. Once on CR

232 continue north to the intersection with CR 334 approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km). Turn

west (left) onto CR 334 and drive approximately 2.3 miles (3.7 km) to the boat ramp. The

spring run enters the river 0.5 miles (0.8 km) upstream from the CR 334 boat ramp.

Description – Otter Spring has a nearly circular, bowl-shaped spring pool measuring 68 ft

(20.7 m) in diameter. It is surrounded by a concrete bag retaining wall. The spring issues

from a vertical fissure in limestone. The depth over the fissure measures 27.5 ft (8.4 m).

There was a very slight boil on the pool surface in April 2002. The water is clear and greenish. There is very little aquatic vegetation within the spring; however, algae cover the entire

spring depression. A small, limestone, man-made dam stretches across the outflow channel

on the west side of the pool. A distinct hydrogen sulfide odor was present at the spring in

April 2002. The flow is southwest approximately 110 ft (33.5 m) into a larger, apparently

man-made, circular pool having a diameter of about 130 ft (39.6 m). The larger pool averages 10 ft (3 m) deep and is utilized as a swimming area. Otter Spring discharges westward

0.8 miles (1.3 km) where it joins the Suwannee River. Its shallow, sand bottomed run is

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

102

Figure 52. Otter Spring (photo by H. Means).
approximately half as wide as the spring. The run flows through the heavily forested river

floodplain. Land surrounding the spring is relatively low and rises to approximately 5 ft (1.5

m) above water level. Most of the uplands are covered in large grassy areas with interspersed live oak trees. Private residences are visible from the spring several hundred feet

(90 plus meters) to the east through oak trees.

Utilization - The spring is surrounded by private property and was previously operated as

a private campground and swimming area.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

March 14, 1932 5.0(1)

May 12, 1932 5.45(1)

November 1, 1972 16.1(1)

September 19, 1997 21.24(4)

July 16, 2002 4.80(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

103

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.5 Ca 66 79.7A 81.3

DO 3.8 K 0.2 0.64A 0.63

pH 7.5 Na 2.5 2.8I 2.9I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 5.2 6.5A 6.5

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD 0.3 - 0.73AI As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 11.0 B - - 10U

Color 0 - 40.0 Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 160 - 209.0 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 330 480.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 215 - 264.0 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 58A Fe - 25U 26I

Cl 8 - 8.2 Mn - 0.88I 0.99I

SO4 20 - 29.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.10 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.4

TOC - - 1I Ra-228 - - 1.0

NO3 + NO2 as N 1.08 - 1.10 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 7U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 60 - 124.0

P - 0.065 0.078 Zn - 3.4U 3U

PO4 - 0.062 -

NO3 4.4 - -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002

22.63

1.47

1972

451

2002 Analytes Analytes

6.88

1972

Table 44. Otter Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 4Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 45. Otter Spring 

bacteriological analysis.
Rock Bluff Springs

Location - Lat. 29° 47’ 56.70” N.,

Long. 82° 55’ 7.11” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4

SW 1⁄4 sec. 9, T. 8 S., R. 14 E.).

Rock Bluff Springs are located 11

miles (18 km) south of Branford.

The springs can be accessed by

boat. From the bridge over the

Suwannee River in Branford head

west on US 27 approximately 1.3

miles (2.1 km) to the intersection

with CR 349. Turn south (left) on

CR 349 and travel approximately

10.5 miles (16.9 km) to the intersection with CR 340. Turn east

(left) onto CR 340 and travel

approximately 3.3 miles (5.3 km)

to Rock Bluff boat landing on the

east side of the river. The 750 ft

(228.6 m) spring run flows into the

east side of the Suwannee River

approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 km)

upstream from Rock Bluff

Landing.

Description – The Rock Bluff

Springs pool measures 250 ft (76.2

m) north to south and 171 ft (52.1

m) east to west. Numerous vents

feed the large shallow spring pool,

and the most prominent vent discharges from a deep vertical limestone fissure on the north end of

the pool. The depth over the fissure measures 27.8 ft (8.5 m). The

water is clear with a greenish tint, and the bottom is exposed limestone and sand. Water

quality was sampled from a smaller, circular vent opening in limestone 20 ft (6.1 m) south

of the main vent. The circular opening measures approximately 1.5 ft (0.5 m) in diameter.

Discharge over the sampled vent creates a prominent boil on the pool surface. A rock retaining wall is constructed along the north shore of the spring pool. There are numerous cypress

trees both in the spring pool and along the perimeter of the spring. The spring run flows

southwest approximately 750 ft (228.6 m) before entering the Suwannee River from the east

about 0.25 miles (0.4 km) upstream from Rock Bluff. The surrounding land is forested lowland floodplain. There is a cleared sandy area on the north shore above the rock retaining

wall. Rosenau et al. (1977) report that two smaller springs enter Rock Bluff Springs Run

about 100 ft (30.5 m) downstream from the spring pool. An underwater cave system has been

mapped at this spring.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

104

Figure 53. Rock Bluff Springs (photo by H. Means).
BULLETIN NO. 66

105

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 23.9 21.7 22

DO - - 3.2

pH 7.5 7.5 7.5

Sp. Cond. - - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - 0.2 - 0.2AU

Turbidity - - - -0.1

Color 5 0 0 - 5U

Alkalinity - - 120 - 129.0

Sp. Cond. 250 249 230 290.0 -

TDS 137 146 142 - 157.0

TSS - - - -4U

Cl 4 3 6 - 4.6

SO4 7 9.2 10 - 12.0

F 0.1 0.2 0.1 - 0.07I

Nutrients

TOC - - - - 1.6I

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 0.48 - 0.59J

NH3 + NH4 ---- 0.012I

TKN - - - 0.06U 0.06U

P - - - 0.079 0.077

PO4 - - - 0.070 -

NO3 0.3 2 2.1 - -

Metals

Ca 46 49 45 48.5 50A

K 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.49 0.49A

Na 2 2 1.8 2.2I 2.3I

Mg 2.7 6.2 2.6 3.4 3.5A

Al - - - -50U

As - - - 3U 3U

B ---- 10U

Cd - - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - - 0.75U

Cr - - - 2U 2U

Cu - - - 3U 3U

Fe - - - 25U 25U

Mn - - - 2.1 2.2A

Ni - - - 2U 2U

Pb - - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - -0.4

Ra-228 ---- 0.9U

Se - - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - -7U

Sr - - 60 - 45.9A

Zn - - - 1.5U 3U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 Analytes 1956 1960 1972

22.00

0.27

7.20

281

Table 46. Rock Bluff Springs water quality analysis.
Utilization - The springs are surrounded by private property and are locally used for swimming.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3/s.

December 8, 1942 42.1(1)

April 19, 1956 25.0(1)

April 28, 1956 23.8(1)

November 23, 1960 40.3(1)

November 2, 1973 39.3(1)

July 17, 1997 27.64(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

106

Analyte Value

Enterococci 8Q

Fecal Coliform 2Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 47. Rock Bluff Springs bacteriological analysis.
Siphon Creek Rise

Location-Lat. 29° 51’ 22.29” N., Long. 82° 43’ 58.98” W. (SW1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE1⁄4 sec. 20, T. 7 S.,

R. 16 E.). Siphon Creek Rise is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Fort White on the

Santa Fe River. From the intersection of US 27 and SR 47 in Ft. White, drive south on SR

47 approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to the boat launch on the northwest side of the Santa

Fe River. The river rise is upstream approximately 0.75 mile (1.2 km) on the south of the

river at the mouth of Siphon Creek.

Description-Siphon Creek Rise is the reemergence of Siphon Creek that discharges from a

single vent along the west bank of the Santa Fe River in the mouth of Siphon Creek. The

spring pool measures 45 ft (13.7 m) north to south and 90 ft (27.4 m) east to west. Spring

pool depth is 11.8 ft (3.6 m). The water is tannin colored, like that of the adjacent Santa Fe

River. There is a voluminous boil over the vent. Native aquatic grass grows in the vicinity

of the vent and sways back and forth in the powerful current. The adjacent west riverbank

rises steeply to 2 ft (0.6 m) above the water, and fresh water shell marl is exposed. All land

adjacent to the spring is lowland river floodplain with cypress, gum, and maple.

Utilization-Land around Siphon Creek Rise is pristine and owned by the SRWMD.

Discharge— October 11, 2001 120 ft3

/s(4)

BULLETIN NO. 66

107

Figure 54. Siphon Creek Rise (photo by T. Scott).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

108

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.46 - Ca 56.3 56.4

DO 3.96 - K 0.79 0.84

pH 7.39 - Na 6.29 7.4

Sp. Cond. 325 - Mg 6.4 6.7

Lab Analytes As 3 U 3 U

BOD 0.43 I - Al - 80 I

Turbidity 0.9 - B 25 U -

Color 50 A - Cd 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity 146 147 Co 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. 370 - Cr 2 U 2 U

TDS 215 - Cu 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS 4 U - Fe 110 I 84 I

Cl 13 13 A Mn 16.3 9.9

SO4 24 24 A Ni 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.13 0.11 Pb 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se 4 U 4 U

TOC 6.9 - Sn 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 0.7 0.7 Sr 245 -

NH3+NH4 0.026 J 0.027 Zn 5 U 5 U

TKN 0.34 JA 0.24

P 0.09 0.086

PO4 0.092 -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value shown is less than the practical quantitation limit J=Estimated value

Analytes 2001 Analytes 2001

Table 48. Siphon Creek Rise water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 20Q

Enterococci 80Q

Fecal Coliform 24Q

Total Coliform 260Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 49. Siphon Creek Rise bacteriological analysis.
Sun Springs

Location - Lat. 29° 42’ 17.05” N., Long. 82° 56’ 00.70” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 17, T. 9

S., R. 14 E.). Sun Springs is approximately 7.8 miles (12.6 km) north of Fanning Springs

within a private community and not accessible to the public by land. From the intersection

US 98/19 and SR 26 in Fanning Springs travel north on SR 26 approximately 1.4 miles (2.2

km) to the town of Wilcox. In Wilcox, SR 26 makes a 90 degree bend to the east (right). At

this bend continue north (straight) onto CR 232 and travel approximately 6.2 miles (9.9 km)

to the intersection with SW 25th Street. Head west (left) on SW 25th Street and go approximately 0.8 mile (1.3 km) to the boat ramp. The spring run flows into the Suwannee River

from the east approximately 0.35 miles (0.6 km) upstream from the boat ramp.

Description – Sun Springs is situated in a bowl-shaped depression. The spring pool measures 99 ft (30.2 m) north to south and 132 ft (40.2 m) east to west. Maximum depth of the

pool measures 14.2 ft (4.3 m). There are two vents. The main vent, which was sampled for

water quality, is roughly in the center. The other, smaller vent is situated on the south side

of the pool upslope from the main vent. The bottom of the spring is sand with some limestone exposed near both vents. The water was clear with a greenish tint in April 2002. No

boil was present on the water surface at this time, but there was noticeable current in the

shallow spring run. There are concrete terraces along the east side of the pool. The spring

BULLETIN NO. 66

109

Figure 55. Sun Springs (photo by H. Means).
has a fence around the southern portion near the dirt access road. The spring run averages

about 15 ft (4.6 m) wide and 2 ft (0.6 m) deep. It flows north then west a total distance of

approximately 1,900 ft (579.1 m). At the time of the visit, there was relatively little aquatic vegetation in the spring pool and run, but both harbored abundant algal mats. However,

two months earlier, there was abundant Hydrilla and water lettuce (Follman, personal

communication, 2004). High banks of the spring and run rise to approximately 15-18 ft (4.6-

5.5 m) above the water level. The surroundings consist of private residences and hardwood

trees on the banks and some cypress trees along spring and run edges.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

110

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.2 Ca 53 69 68.3

DO 3 K 0.2 0.55 0.54

pH 7.3 Na 1.9 2.9 2.7I

Sp. Cond. Mg 3.6 5.0 5.0

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD 0.2 - 0.39AI As - 7U 3U

Turbidity - 0.15 B - - 10U

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 120 - 166.0 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 312 400.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 168 - 217.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 4.0 - 6.2 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 14 - 24.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.1 - 0.077I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.3

TOC - - 1U Ra-228 - - 0.9

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.55 - 1.80 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 7U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 60 - 65.7

P - 0.066 0.064 Zn - 1.5U 3U

PO4 - 0.061 -

NO3 2.4 - -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 2002 Analytes 1972 Analytes 1972

22.61

0.99

7.12

390

Table 50. Sun Springs water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 51. Sun Springs bacteriological analysis.
Utilization - The spring is developed into a private swimming area for local residents and

is not open to the public. In April 2002, water levels in the spring run were too low to allow

spring access through the run; however, access would be possible during higher water levels.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

November 2, 1972 27.6(1)

September 19, 1997 31.15(4)

July 16, 2002 7.00(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

111
HAMILTON COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

112

Figure 56 - Springs visited by FGS in Hamilton County.
Alapaha River Rise

Location-Lat. 30° 26’ 20.29” N., Long. 83° 05’ 22.42” W. (NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 1 N.,

R. 12 E.). The Alapha River Rise is approximately 19 miles (30.6 km) southeast of Madison

on the north side of the Suwannee River. From the bridge over the Withlacoochee River on

SR 6, drive 8.7 miles (14 km) east and turn south (right) on CR 751. Drive 3.5 miles (5.6 km)

to a park and boat launch on the north side of the Suwannee River. The spring is approximately 0.3 miles (0.5 km) upriver to the east on the north side.

Description-The Alapaha River Rise is the re-emergence of a portion of the Alapaha River.

The spring is composed of a single vent at the head of a circular depression. The spring pool

measures 75 ft (22.9 m) southeast to northwest and 108 ft (32.9 m) north to south. Pool

depth is 71 ft (21.6 m). Some algae are present on submerged limestone substrates. The

water is dark and tannic. There is no visible boil; however, the run flows swiftly to the

Suwannee River. The river rise flows south for approximately 900 ft (274.3 m) until reaching the Suwannee River. At low water levels in the Suwannee River, the run from the river

rise is shallow with exposed limestone, making it difficult to take a boat into the rise. This

depression has deeply scalloped vertical limestone sidewalls that are estimated to rise 30 ft

(9.1 m) above water level. High ground around the spring is densely forested with pines and

oaks.

Utilization-Land around the river rise is privately owned and in pristine condition.

BULLETIN NO. 66

113

Figure 57. Alapaha River Rise (photo by T. Scott).
Discharge- All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

November 25, 1975 508(1)

April 2, 1976 699(1)

April 27, 1976 594(1)

May 21, 1976 632(1)

August 2001 594(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

114

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 19.0 21.3 - Ca 33 39.8 34.7

DO 1.5 0.48 - K 0.7 1.3 1.1

pH 7.6 7.11 - Na 4.2 5.68 4.87

Sp. Cond. 225 242 - Mg 5.0 6.5 5.6

Lab Analytes As - 3 U 3 U

BOD - 0.56 I - Al - - 75 U

Turbidity - 1.2 - B - 25 U -

Color 60 100 - Cd - 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity 83 93 J 92 Co - 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - 240 - Cr - 2 U 2 U

TDS - 160 - Cu - 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS - 4U - Fe - 310 370

Cl 5.3 6.7 A 6.6 Mn - 29.6 25.2

SO4 18 20 A 19 Ni - 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.2 0.15 0.12 Pb - 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se - 4 U 4 U

TOC - 12 - Sn - 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 - 0.4 J 0.4 Sr 90 63 -

NH3 + NH4 - 0.024 J 0.038 A Zn - 5 U 5 U

TKN - 0.43 J 0.4

P - 0.13 0.13

PO4 - 0.14

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Estimated value Q= Exceeded holding time limit

2001 Analytes 1975 2001 Analytes 1975

-

Table 52. Alapaha River Rise water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1 KQ

Enterococci 1 KQ

Fecal Coliform 1 KQ

Total Coliform 1 KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 53. Alapaha River Rise bacteriological analysis.
Holton Creek Rise

Location-Lat. 30° 26’ 16.51” N., Long. 83° 03’ 27.41” W. (NE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 SW1⁄4 sec. 31, T. 1 N.,

R. 13 E.). The Holton Creek Rise is 11 miles (17.7 km) northwest of Live Oak on SRWMD

land. From the intersection of US 90 and CR 249 in Live Oak, drive northwest on CR 249

(Noble’s Ferry Road) approximately 12 miles (19.6 km) to the bridge over the Suwannee

River. From the bridge travel approximately 0.3 (0.5 km) mile to the second right graded

road. Follow SRWMD signs to Holton Creek. The spring is at the head of the creek.

Description- The spring pool measures 225 ft (68.6 m) northwest to southeast and 177 ft

(53.9 m) northeast to southwest. Along the north shore, a vertical limestone ledge drops

quickly off to a depth of 100 ft (30.5 m); however, the bottom is highly irregular in the rest

of the depression. The water is dark and tannic (water was reported as clear in Rosenau et

al., 1977). There is very little aquatic and emergent vegetation in the spring pool. No boil

was observed during October 2001. The spring has steep sandy banks that rise to approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) above water level, and the high ground is forested with pines and oaks.

Holton Creek Rise discharges through Holton Creek, a run that meanders generally southeast approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) to the Suwannee River.

Utilization-Land around the spring is pristine and owned by the SRWMD. The Florida

National Scenic Trail winds along the north side of Holton Creek.

BULLETIN NO. 66

115

Figure 58. Holton Creek Rise (photo by T. Scott).
Discharge— All discharge rates are measured

in ft3/s.

February 13, 1976 482(1)

March 31, 1976 313(1)

April 28, 1976 69(1)

June 8, 1998 167(4)

December 7, 2001 0(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

116

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.1 - Ca 35.6 41.7

DO 0.49 - K 0.85 1

pH 7.00 - Na 5.65 5.3

Sp. Cond. 290 - Mg 7.5 9

Lab Analytes As 3 U 3 U

BOD 0.6 AI - Al - 130 I

Turbidity 2 - B 25 U -

Color 140 - Cd 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity 115 J 115 Co 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. 300 - Cr 2 U 2 U

TDS 213 - Cu 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS 4 U - Fe 420 500

Cl 6.6 6.5 Mn 30.4 35.8

SO4 31 30 Ni 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.17 0.14 Pb 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se 4 U 4 U

TOC 17 - Sn 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 0.004 U 0.004 U Sr 101 -

NH3 + NH4 0.13 J 0.13 Zn 5 U 5 U

TKN 0.56 J 0.55 A

P 0.15 0.15

PO4 0.16 -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Estimated Q= exceeded hold time limit

Analytes 2001 Analytes 2001

Table 54. Holton Creek Rise water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1KQ

Enterococci 12Q

Fecal Coliform 2Q

Total Coliform 10Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 ml)

Table 55. Holton Creek Rise

bacteriological analysis.
Rossetter Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 32’ 40.78” N., Long. 83° 15’ 00.20” W. (NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 30, T. 2

N., R. 11 E.). Rossetter Spring is on the east side of the Withlacoochee River approximately 11 miles (18 km) northeast of Madison. From the intersection of SR 53 and SR 6 in

Madison, travel east on SR 6 approximately 11.6 miles (18.6 km) to the intersection with CR

143, which is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) past the bridge over the Withlacoochee River.

Turn north (left) onto CR 143 and travel approximately 4.1 miles (6.6 km) to the intersection with Florida Campsite Road. Turn west (left) and travel approximately 3 miles to the

boat landing. The spring can be accessed by boating approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km)

upstream from the boat ramp off CR 143 and Florida Campsite Road. 

Description – Rossetter Spring emerges directly from a small cave at the base of 25 ft (7.6

m) high limestone and sand banks. The small, circular pool is 15 ft (4.6 m) in diameter. The

depth of the spring measured near the cave opening is 4.5 ft (1.4 m). The water was slightly turbid, greenish colored, and had abundant filamentous algae in August 2002. The shallow run is L-shaped and it flows 60 ft (18.3 m) south then turns sharply west, flowing another 60 ft (18.3 m) until reaching the river. It has a sand and rock bottom with some detritus

deposition. There is a 3 ft (0.9 m) high, man-made, limestone wall at the mouth of the spring

run intended to capture water for swimming. During the August 2002 visit, the

Withlacoochee River was at historically low levels, and the rock wall was entirely exposed

BULLETIN NO. 66

117

Figure 59. Rossetter Spring (photo by H. Means).
with only a small amount of spring water

trickling through the cracks. State-owned

land around the spring supports a well managed pine forest.

Utilization – The spring is undeveloped and

surrounded by state land.

Discharge – No discharge measurements are

available.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

118

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 39 35.8J

DO K 2.6 2.3

pH Na 30.1 27.1

Sp. Cond. Mg 6.4 5.9

Lab Analytes Al - 5U

BOD - 0.2AU As 3U 3U

Turbidity - 0.60 B - 22

Color - 5.0 Cd 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity - 131.0 Co - 1U

Sp. Cond. 384A - Cr 2U 2U

TDS - 224.0 Cu 2.6U 2U

TSS - 4U Fe 23 40

Cl - 9.1 Mn 5.79 6.8

SO4 - 50.0 Ni 1U 1.5U

F - 0.18 Pb 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - -

TOC - 3.2I Ra-228 - -

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.16 Se 13I 7U

NH3 + NH4 - 0.015I Sn - 28U

TKN 0.12I 0.15I Sr - 75.4

P 0.14 0.130 Zn 2.2U 2U

PO4 0.13 -

NO3 - -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

390

24.75

0.45

7.08

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002

Ca

Table 56. Rossetter Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 8

Fecal Coliform 1K

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 57. Rossetter Spring

bacteriological analysis.
HERNANDO COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

119

Figure 60. Springs visited by FGS in Hernando County.
Gator Spring

Location - Lat. 28° 26’ 02.75” N., Long. 82° 39’ 05.61” W. (SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 23

S., R. 16 E.). Gator Spring is located 0.8 miles (1.3 km) west of Aripeka near the head of the

south fork of Hammock Creek.

Description – Gator Spring has an elongated spring pool measuring 114 ft (34.7 m) northeast to southwest and 195 ft (59.4 m) north to south. The spring pool ranges from 3 ft (0.9

m) to 7 ft (2.1 m) deep. This spring bottom is sand. The pool has been altered to form a swimming pond; however, there is no evidence of recent use. There was no boil over the spring

vent in the west side of the pool in January 2003. The water is clear with a greenish hue.

Algae are both suspended in the water and attached to substrates. There is aquatic and

emergent vegetation in and around the spring pool. There is a small culvert on the northwest side of the pool that drains the meager flow from the spring and channels the water

through an earthen dam into the spring run. Some limestone boulders occur near the culvert and the vent. Gator Spring Run is a small, narrow, sand-bottomed stream that flows

southwest for approximately 350 ft (106.7 m) and enters upper Magnolia Spring Run, just

below Magnolia Spring. There is a private residence approximately 350 ft (106.7 m) west of

Gator spring, or 300 ft (91.4 m) north of Magnolia Spring. Formerly cleared land surrounding Gator Spring is now overgrown with dense brush.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

120

Figure 61. Gator Spring (photo by R. Means).
Utilization – The spring is located on private property and is inaccessible to the public.

Discharge – January 7, 2003 0.36 ft3

/s(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

121

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 44.5A 45.3

DO K 0.32A 0.32

pH Na 5.2 4.68

Sp. Cond. Mg 3.7A 3.7

Lab Analytes Al - 10U

BOD - 0.29I As 3U 3U

Turbidity - 0.25 B - 10U

Color - 5U Cd 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity - 115 Co - 1U

Sp. Cond. 256.0 - Cr 2I 2.5I

TDS - 149.0 Cu 3.5U 4U

TSS - 4U Fe 5U 7U

Cl - 10 Mn 0.63I 0.5U

SO4 - 9.8 Ni 2U 2U

F - 0.064 Pb 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - 0.7

TOC - 1U Ra-228 - 0.9U

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.49 Se 8U 8U

NH3 + NH4 - 0.041 Sn - 4U

TKN 0.092I 0.06U Sr - 226

P 0.015U 0.015U Zn 2.5U 4U

PO4 0.006I -

NO3 - -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

272

18.63

4.69

8.12

2003 Analytes Analytes 2003

Ca

Table 58. Gator Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 2Q

Fecal Coliform 8Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 59. Gator Spring bacteriological analysis.
Little Spring

Location - Lat. 28° 30’ 48.47” N., Long. 82° 34’ 51.70” W. (NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 2, T. 23

S., R. 17 E.). Little Spring is located within the town of Weeki Wachee, approximately 0.5

miles (0.8 km) southeast of Weeki Wachee Main Spring. The spring is located in back of the

main parking lot adjacent south of Weeki Wachee Main Spring. A sand track leads to the

spring beyond a locked gate. The spring is surrounded by a locked chain link fence and is

not accessible to the public.

Description – Little Spring is also known as Twin Dees Spring. The spring pool measures

36 ft (10.9 m) east to west and 75 ft (22.8 m) north to south. Two vent openings occupy the

oval spring pool. The spring measures 13 ft (3.9 m) deep over the south vent. The spring

water is clear and blue-greenish. There was a moderate boil on the water surface over the

south vent where water samples were taken in March 2003. The north vent was not flowing during either of the visits. Two spring runs that eventually merge exit the spring pool

and flow generally northward into the Weeki Wachee River. The smaller of the two runs

exits the pool on the west, and the larger exits on the north side. The surroundings to the

east are recently cleared upland sand hills. To the west is a dense swamp forest along the

Weeki Wachee River. In the Spring of 2002, Little Spring was not flowing, and the spring

run was dry. By March 2003, the spring was again flowing, and the spring run averaged

about 10 ft (3.0 m) wide and 1.5 ft (0.5 m) deep. An underwater cave has been mapped in

this spring.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

122

Figure 62. Little Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN NO. 66

123

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - - 24.5 23.5

DO ----

pH 7.8 8.0 7.7 -

Sp. Cond. ----

Lab Analytes

BOD ----- 0.2U

Turbidity ----- 0.15

Color 2 3 0 - - 5U

Alkalinity 160 130 130 - - 140

Sp. Cond. 268 265 260 286 316.0 -

TDS 168- - - - 176.0

TSS - - - - -4U

Cl 5.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 - 7.8A

SO4 6.8 6.4 6.8 - - 9A

F 0.1 0.1 0.1 - - 0.12I

Nutrients

TOC - - - - -1U

NO3 + NO2 as N --- - 0.71

NH3 + NH4 ---- - 0.01U

TKN ---- 0.086I 0.06U

P ---- 0.011 0.01

PO4 ---- 0.01I -

NO3 0.00 1.0 0.10 - - -

Metals

Ca 48 47 48 - 52.8A 54.1

K 0.2 0.3 0.4 - 0.32A 0.33

Na 3.2 3.0 3.0 - 3.8I 4.1

Mg 3.9 5.0 4.5 - 5.4A 5.5

Al - - - - -22U

As - - - -3U 9.6U

B ----- 17I

Cd ---- 0.5U 0.5U

Co ----- 1U

Cr - - - -2U 2U

Cu ---- 3.5U 4U

Fe - - - -29I 37I

Mn ---- 1.04A 0.62I

Ni - - - -2U 2U

Pb - - - -5U 5U

Ra-226 - - - - -0.3

Ra-228 ----- 0.9U

Se - - - -8U 8U

Sn - - - - -4U

Sr - - - - 194

Zn ---- 2.5U 4U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

315

23.65

1.45

7.55

1965 1972 2003 Analytes 1962 1964

Table 60. Little Spring water quality analysis.
Utilization - The spring is undeveloped and surrounded by SWFWMD land. There is no

public access.

Discharge – All discharge rates are measured in ft3/s.

December 15, 1972 7.8 (1)

December 11, 1975 14.7 (1)

March 5, 2003 5.22 (2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

124

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 61. Little Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Magnolia Spring

Location - Lat. 28° 26’ 01.93” N., Long. 82° 39’ 08.96” W. (SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 23

S., R. 16 E.). Magnolia Spring is located 0.7 miles (1.1 km) west of Aripeka at the head of

the south fork of Hammock Creek.

Description – Magnolia Spring sits in an oval depression measuring 45 ft (13.7 m) north to

south and 54 ft (16.5 m) east to west. The spring pool is shallow, averaging 4 ft (1.2 m) deep.

The water is clear and light blue, with little aquatic vegetation covering a sand bottom.

There is a private residence approximately 300 ft (91.4 m) to the north. At least a dozen

small sand boils are visible on the spring bottom. Gator Spring Run enters Magnolia

Springs Run from the northeast approximately 75 ft (22.9 m) downstream from the spring

head. Magnolia Springs Run is clear and sand-bottomed. It averages 20 ft (6.1 m) wide and

3 ft (0.9 m) deep with frequent constrictions and shallow areas. There is a small private

boat/canoe shack standing on the northwest side of the spring pool. The spring and its run

are within a heavily wooded, lowland swamp. The two springs form the headwaters of the

south fork of Hammock Creek.

Utilization – The spring is located within private property and is inaccessible to the public.

BULLETIN NO. 66

125

Figure 63. Magnolia Spring (photo by R. Means).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

126

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - - 24

DO - - -

pH 8.2 7.5 -

Sp. Cond. - - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - - 0.2U

Turbidity - - - - 0.1

Color 10 30 - - 5U

Alkalinity 110 110 - - 112

Sp. Cond. 388 395 450 453.0 -

TDS 230 - - - 266.0

TSS - - - - 4U

Cl 52 53 65 - 75

SO4 13 13 - - 19

F 0.1 0.1 - - 0.066I

Nutrients

TOC - - - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - -- - 0.54

NH3 + NH4 - -- - 0.01U

TKN - - - 0.093I 0.06U

P - - - 0.015U 0.015U

PO4 - -- 0.055 -

NO3 0.20 1.1 - - -

Metals

Ca 43 42 - 42.7 44.7A

K 1.2 1.8 - 1.7 1.6A

Na 29 29 - 42.8 37.2A

Mg 5.2 5.6 - 8 8.2A

Al - - - - 10U

As - - - 3U 3U

B - - - - 20I

Cd - - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - -1U

Cr - - - 2U 2U

Cu - - - 3.5U 4U

Fe 210 60 - 5U 7U

Mn - - - 0.25U 0.5U

Ni - - - 2U 2U

Pb - - - 5U 5U

Ra-226 - - - - 0.5

Ra-228 - - - - 1.1

Se - - - 8U 8U

Sn - - - - 5.5I

Sr - - - - 290

Zn - - - 2.5U 4U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2003 Analytes

499

23.51

1.15

7.67

1964 1965 1972

Table 62. Magnolia Spring water quality analysis.
Discharge – All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

April 30, 1964 11.0(1)

July 24, 1964 7.92(1)

September 13, 1964 9.12(1)

February 4, 1965 9.35(1)

August 5, 1965 10.0(1)

December 12, 1972 0.86(1)

January 7, 2003 0.47(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

127

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 63. Magnolia Spring bacteriological analysis.
Hernando Salt Spring

Location - Lat. 28° 32’ 46.75” N., Long. 82° 37’ 08.28” W. (NW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 22

S., R. 17 E.). Hernando Salt Spring is located 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Weeki Wachee.

From the intersection of US 19 with SR 50 and SR 550 in Weeki Wachee head west on SR

50/550 (Cortez Boulevard) approximately 3.4 miles (5.5 km) to the intersection with SR 595.

Continue west (straight) 0.2 miles (0.3 km) west of the T-shaped intersection with SR 595.

The spring is 200 ft (61 m) south (left side) of SR 50/550.

Description – Hernando Salt Spring, at the head of Salt Creek, has a circular spring pool

with a diameter of 60 ft (18.2 m). The pool is 46.5 ft (14.2 m) deep. The spring emerges from

a cavern in limestone. Exposed limestone in the spring has a soft, chalky texture. Most limestone and sand substrates are covered in thick iron-reducing bacterial mats and algae.

Another smaller vent is located at the north end of the pool. The saline water is blue-greenish with slight murkiness. Several logs are submerged within the spring pool, and one of

the logs has the remains of an old platform. The spring is tidally influenced, and the size of

the boil in the center may fluctuate depending on tides. The spring run flows southwest for

about 1 mile (1.6 km) into Mud River and averages approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) wide and 4

ft (1.2 m) deep. Land surrounding Hernando Salt Spring is low-lying, and the spring is situated within a subtropical hardwood and palm hammock. An underwater cave system

occurs at Hernando Salt Spring. Depths within the cave system reach 170 ft (51.8 m)

(Rosenau et al., 1977). 

Utilization – The spring is undeveloped and surrounded by privately owned lands.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

128

Figure 64. Hernando Salt Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN NO. 66

129

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - 25 24.0

DO ---

pH 7.6 7.3 -

Sp. Cond. - - -

Lab Analytes

BOD ---- 0.2U

Turbidity ---- 31.0

Color 2 5 - - 20.0

Alkalinity - 130 - - 129.0

Sp. Cond. 3280 1800 6430 17000.0 -

TDS 2180 - - - 8000Q

TSS - - - -31A

Cl 1000 490 1900.0 - 5600.0

SO4 140 73 - - 750.0

F 0.2 0.1 - - 0.22

Nutrients

TOC - - - -1U

NO3 + NO2 ---- 0.38J

NH3 + NH4 ---- 0.052

TKN - - - 0.26 0.23

P - - - 0.14J 0.031I

PO4 - - - 0.017 -

NO3 0.4 0.5 ---

Metals

Ca 64 56 - 149 167.0

K 21 9.8 - 112 113.00

Na 540 260 - 2990 3020.0

Mg 68 43 - 338 344.0

Al - - - -50U

As - - - 3.7I 18.0

B 1290.0

Cd - - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co 0.75U

Cr - - - 2U 2.7I

Cu - - - 3U 3U

Fe - - - 142 3200.0

Mn - - - 2.3 29.2

Ni - - - 2U 2U

Pb - - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - -4.4

Ra-228 - - - -1.7

Se - - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - -7U

Sr ---- 2590.0

Zn - - - 24U 26U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

1.27

7.31

15500

1972 2002 Analytes

23.86

1962 1965

Table 64. Hernando Salt Spring water quality analysis.
Discharge – All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

January 18, 1961 24.7(1)

December 8, 1965 38.9(1)

June 30, 1966 28.4(1)

December 14, 1972 31.9(1)

December 11, 1975 31.2(1)

Annual Mean 1988-1989 33.0(5)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

130

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 65. Hernando Salt Spring bacteriological analysis.
Weeki Wachee Spring

Location-Lat. 28° 31’ 01.89” N., Long. 82° 34’ 23.40” W. (NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 2, T. 23 S.,

R. 17 E.). The spring is located in the town of Weeki Wachee on the west side of US 19.

From the intersection of US 19 and SR 50, drive south 0.2 miles (0.3 km). Turn west (right)

into Weeki Wachee Springs Park parking lot. The spring vent is in the large pool used for

mermaid shows.

Description-Weeki Wachee Spring discharges from the bottom of a conical depression with

gentle side slopes. The spring pool measures 165 ft (50.3 m) east to west and 210 ft (64 m)

north to south. Spring depth is 45 ft (13.7 m) over the vent in the center of the pool. Bare

limestone is located near the vent, but none is exposed around the pool edges. The water is

clear and light greenish blue, and a boil is visible in the center of the pool. Thick, filamentous algae cover the majority of the spring bottom, and there are some native aquatic grasses in the spring pool. The spring is rich with fresh and salt water fishes and aquatic turtles.

The Weeki Wachee River flows westward approximately 5 miles (8 km) into the Gulf of

Mexico. The river flows through low-lying, densely forested swamp. The nearest high

ground east of the spring is rolling sand hills terrain and gently rises to 15 ft (4.6 m) above

the water level. All uplands and land adjacent to spring are developed. U.S. 19 is approximately 225 ft (68.6 m) east of the spring.

Utilization-Weeki Wachee Spring is extensively developed into a tourist attraction that

features underwater mermaid shows with a submerged observation area. It was recently

BULLETIN NO. 66

131

Figure 65. Weeki Wachee Spring (photo by R. Means).
purchased from private ownership by the Southwest

Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD).

The District leases the land to a private firm for the

continuation of the mermaid shows. Shops and facilities are located all around the spring.

Discharge—Historically, discharge for Weeki

Wachee Springs was measured at the Weeki Wachee

River and include the flow of Weeki Wachee Springs,

Little Springs, Unknown Spring No. 3, and flow from

the bed of the river and the run from Little Springs.

All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Average 1917 – 1974 176(1) (364 measurements)

Maximum (October 19, 1964) 275(1)

Minimum (24, 1956) 101(1)

October 18, 2001 161(7) estimate is provisional.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

132

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature - 24.0 21.5 23.7 - Ca 44 48 50 49.5 50.7

DO - 2.0 - 1.3 - K 0.3 5.0 0.6 0.31 0.32

pH 7.9 8.0 7.7 7.7 - Na 3.0 3.2 4.0 3.78 3.93

Sp. Cond. 262 275 284 320 - Mg 7.8 5.0 6.0 5.9 6

Lab Analytes As - - 7 3 U 3 U

BOD - - - 0.76 I - Al - - - - 75 U

Turbidity - - - 0.4 - B - - - 25 U -

Color 3 5 1 5U - Cd - - 0 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity 130 130 140 147 147 Co - - - 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - - 320 - Cr - - - 2 U 2 U

TDS - - - 176 - Cu - - 1 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS - - - 4U - Fe 0 10 10 35 U 35 U

Cl 4.0 8.0 4.6 6.7 6.6 A Mn - - 0 0.5 U 0.5 U

SO4 6.4 9.6 7.4 9.2 9.2 A Ni - - 14 2 U 2 U

F 0 0.1 0.1 0.084 I 0.1 Pb - - 1 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se - - - 4 U 4 U

TOC - - - 1U - Sn - - - 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 - - - 0.67 0.66 J Sr - - 150 174 -

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01 U 0.01 U Zn - - 0 5 U 5 U

TKN - - - 0.06 U 0.06 U

P - - - 0.005 I 0.007 I

PO4 - - - 0.005 I -

1974 2001

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

2001 Analytes 1964 1969

I=Value shown is less than the practical quantitation limit J=Estimated value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

Analytes 1964 1969 1974

Table 66. Weeki Wachee Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1KQ

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Total Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 67. Weeki Wachee

Spring bacteriological

analysis.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

133

Figure 66. Springs visited by FGS in Hillsborough County.
Buckhorn Main Spring

Location - Lat. 27° 53’ 21.81” N., Long. 82° 18’ 09.80” W. (NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 9, T. 30

S., R. 20 E.). The Buckhorn Main Spring is located approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) northeast of Riverview. The spring run flows into the Alafia River from the north 2.7 miles (4.3

km) upstream from the US 301 bridge in Riverview.

Description – Buckhorn Main Spring pool is roughly circular and has a diameter of approximately 45 ft (13.7 m). It is 8.3 ft (2.5 m) deep. The vent consists of a cave entrance in limestone on the northwest side of the spring depression. Limestone and sand form the pool bottom. The water is clear and bluish. A prominent boil was present in April 2002. There is a

rich aquatic plant community within the spring. The spring pool perimeter is entirely lined

with concrete bags for erosion control, and there is a chain link fence around the pool and

across the 15 ft (4.6 m) spring run. The spring is on the northwest side of Buckhorn Creek.

Upstream from Buckhorn Main Spring, Buckhorn Creek was slightly tannic during the

sampling visit. Downstream of the spring, Buckhorn Creek takes on a clear water spring

run appearance, with a swift current and a sand bottom with exposed limestone. From

Buckhorn Main Spring, Buckhorn Creek travels approximately 0.4 miles (0.6 km) to the

Alafia River. There are two other springs in the vicinity of Buckhorn Springs called

Buckhorn Tributary Spring and Buckhorn Tributary Spring 3. All three springs are northwest of Buckhorn Creek and north of the Alafia River (Rosenau et al., 1977). Land rises

steeply north of the spring to approximately 12 ft (3.7m) above spring water level, and a residence is visible a few hundred feet away. Land to the south is forested lowland associated

with Buckhorn Creek. Buckhorn Main Spring has a water pumping facility owned by a ferFLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

134

Figure 67. Buckhorn Main Spring (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN NO. 66

135

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 23.5 23.5

DO - -

pH 7.3 8

Sp. Cond. - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - 0.2U

Turbidity - - - 0.3

Color 5 5 - 5U

Alkalinity 110 100 - 122

Sp. Cond. 424 416 484.0 -

TDS 258 250 - 262

TSS - - - 4U

Cl 29 26 - 25.0

SO4 67 64 - 62.0

F 0.2 0.3 - 0.2A

Nutrients

TOC - - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 2J

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01U

TKN - - 0.06U 0.06U

P - - 0.044 1.9A

PO4 - - 0.044 -

NO3 1.1 4.9 - -

Metals

Ca 56 50 56.8 63.9

K 0.8 0.8 0.67 0.7

Na 16 14 12 13.1

Mg 11 12 10.9 11.8

Al - - - 50U

As - - 3U 3U

B - - - 20I

Cd - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - 0.75U

Cr - - 2U 2U

Cu - - 3U 3U

Fe - - 25U 25U

Mn - - 0.5U 2I

Ni - - 2U 2U

Pb - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - 1.4

Ra-228 - - - 1U

Se - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - 7U

Sr - 920 - 836.0

Zn - - 1.5U 3U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

455

1966 1972 2002 Analytes

24.70

1.43

7.48

Table 68. Buckhorn Main Spring water quality analysis.
tilizer company just west of the pool and a platform suspended over the spring with a water

extraction tube running into the vent.

Utilization – The spring is owned by a fertilizer company that uses a portion of the spring

water for industrial purposes. A locked fence surrounds the spring and also blocks access

from the spring run, no public access is allowed.

Discharge - All discharge rates are in ft3

/s

Maximum 15.7(5)

Average 11.3(5)

June 2, 1966 10.9(1)

June 5, 1972 15.0(1)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

136

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 69. Buckhorn Main Spring bacteriological analysis.
Lithia Spring Major

Location - Lat. 27° 51’ 58.60” N., Long. 82° 13’ 53.29” W. (SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 17, T. 30

S., R. 21 E.). The spring is within Lithia Springs County Park, 5.5 miles (8.9 km) southeast

of Brandon. From the intersection of SR 60 and SR 640, drive south from Brandon on SR

640 (Lithia Rd) approximately 6.4 miles (10.3 km) to the bridge over the Alafia River. Travel

0.6 miles (1.0 km) past the bridge over the Alafia River, and turn west (right) onto Lithia

Springs Rd. and follow the road 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the park.

Description – Lithia Spring Major is situated within a large, man-modified, spring pool.

The pool measures 168 ft (51.2 m) north to south and 180 ft (54.9 m) east to west, and depth

measured over the vent is 8.2 ft (2.5). The water is clear and blue-greenish. The pool bottom is sand with a limited exposure of limestone near the vent. The spring pool has steep

retaining walls with several access stairways leading down into the water. The entire bottom of Lithia Spring Major is bare white sand with sparse algae resulting from use. The

vent in the center of the pool is covered by a barred metal barricade to prevent entry. Spring

water discharges through the bars and a boil was present on the pool surface in April 2002.

The clear, sandy spring run exits east and flows approximately 200 ft (61 m), then turns

south flowing approximately 750 ft (228.6 m) into the tannic Alafia River. There are some

algae and other aquatic vegetation in the run. Land around Lithia Major is a developed

county park. Lithia Spring Minor joins the Alafia River approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) downstream from the mouth of Lithia Spring Major.

BULLETIN NO. 66

137

Figure 68. Lithia Spring Major (photo by R. Means).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

138

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 21 24.5 24 -

DO ----

pH - 7.5 7.2 7.7

Sp. Cond. ----

Lab Analytes

BOD ----- 0.2U

Turbidity ----- 0.05U

Color - 5 0 10 - 5U

Alkalinity - - 100 110 - 121.0

Sp. Cond. - 469 403 468 474A -

TDS 331 285 257 284 - 264A

TSS - - - - -4U

Cl 23 21 21 22 - 26.0

SO4 93 86 61 79 - 56.0

F - 0.3 0.6 0.4 - 0.22

Nutrients

TOC - - - - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - -2.4 - 3J

NH3 + NH4 ---- - 0.01U

TKN ---- 0.06U 0.06U

P ---- 0.055A 0.060

PO4 ---- 0.059 -

NO3 0.8 0.7 6 - - -

Metals

Ca 65 62 57 58 58.3 64.1A

K - 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.76 0.78A

Na - 14 10 12 11.7 12.6A

Mg 14 10 9.6 11 8.6 9.2A

Al - - - - -50U

As - - - -3U 3U

B ----- 23A

Cd ---- 0.5U 0.5U

Co ----- 0.75U

Cr - - - -2U 2U

Cu - - - -3U 3U

Fe 150 40 0 - 25U 25U

Mn ---- 0.5U 0.5U

Ni - - - -2U 2U

Pb - - - -3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - - -1.0

Ra-228 - - - - -1U

Se - - - -4U 4U

Sn - - - - -7U

Sr - - 1100 1300 - 929A

Zn - - - 1.5U 3U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 Analytes

25.1

July 1923 4/30/1946 4/23/1968 10/10/1972

2.01

7.39

457

Table 70. Lithia Spring Major water quality analysis.
Utilization – The spring is within a county park with full facilities and a lifeguard on duty.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Minimum 0.73(5)

Maximum 69.4(5)

Average 30.5(5)

BULLETIN NO. 66

139

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 71. Lithia Spring Major water quality analysis.
Sulphur Spring

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

140

Figure 69. Sulphur Spring circa 1930 (anonymous).

Figure 70. Sulphur Spring (photo by R. Means).
Location - Lat. 28° 01’ 16.08” N., Long. 82° 27’ 5.89” W. (NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 25, T. 28

S., R. 18 E.). Sulphur Spring is located in a city park within the City of Tampa. From the

Sligh Avenue exit on I-275, drive 0.12 miles (0.2 km) east on Sligh Avenue to US 41

(Nebraska Avenue). Turn north (left) on US 41 and go 0.8 miles (1.3 km) to Bird Street. Turn

west (left) on Bird Street and go 0.1 miles (0.12 km) to the Sulphur Springs parking lot

entrance which is on the south side of Bird Street.

Description – Sulphur Spring has been highly altered from its natural condition into a circular pool enclosed by concrete walls. The diameter of the pool is 90 ft (27.4 m). The pool is

uniformly about 15 ft (4.6 m) deep with a limestone and sand bottom. Rosenau et al. (1977)

report a maximum depth of 30 ft (9.1 m). The water is slightly murky and greenish colored.

Algae are abundant in the pool. Spring outflow is southeast, cascading over a 7 ft (2.1 m)

high weir. The falls continue for approximately 50 ft (15.2 m), and the rest of the run travels approximately 600 ft (182.8 m) to the Hillsborough River. The spring run is sand-bottomed and algae-laden. A hydrogen sulfide odor is associated with the spring. There is a

City of Tampa water pumping facility on the west side of the pool where a large metal pipe

discharges water forcefully into the spring. The facility pumps a portion of the spring flow

for municipal use, and the other portion is rerouted out the pipe into the pool. The spring

itself is closed to swimming, but the surrounding area is developed into a swimming and

recreation park with a large swimming pool just a few feet east of the spring pool. Park personnel report that the spring’s cave system has been explored by divers and heads northward under the city. Divers have connected the cave system to several nearby sinkholes. No

swimming is allowed in the spring or spring run.

Utilization - The actual spring pool is fenced and a portion of the spring water is extracted for municipal uses. The area around the spring has been developed into an urban recreation area.

Discharge – Discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

15 Year Mean 44(1)

May 11, 1971 (Min) 3.81(1)

August 3, 1945 (Max) 163 (1)

Annual Mean 1999 38.9 (7)

BULLETIN NO. 66

141

Analyte Value

Enterococci 480Q

Fecal Coliform 180Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 72. Sulphur Spring bacteriological analysis.
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

142

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - - - 25.0

DO ----

pH 7.5 7.4 7.3 7.8

Sp. Cond. - - - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - - - 0.2U

Turbidity - - - - - 0.25

Color 10 28 10 15 - 5.0

Alkalinity - 120 130 140 - 170

Sp. Cond. 259 1030 1190 1240 2100.0 -

TDS - - - 700 - 1180.0

TSS - - - - - 4U

Cl 160 200 220 230.0 - 490.0

SO4 60 79 84 100 - 170.0

F 0.1 0.2 0.2 - 0.150

Nutrients

TOC - - - - - 3.1I

NO3 + NO2 as N --- 0.53 - 0.24J

NH3 + NH4 --- - - 0.013I

TKN - - - - 0.28 0.30

P - - - - 0.094 0.094

PO4 --- - 0.1 -

NO3 1.5 0 2.7 2.3 - -

Metals

Ca 64 77 84 93 126 129.0

K 3.4 - 4.4 4.4 9 9.60

Na 86 - 120 140 264 259.0

Mg 12 13 15 18 28.8 32.1

Al - - - - - 50U

As - - - - 3U 3U

B - - - - - 73.0

Cd - - - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - - - 0.75U

Cr - - - - 2U 2U

Cu - - - - 5.1I 9.4I

Fe 20 20 0 - 25U 25U

Mn - - - - 21.6 24.1

Ni - - - - 4U 4U

Pb - - - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - - - 2.5

Ra-228 - - - - - 1U

Se - - - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - - - 7U

Sr - - - 2000 - 1500.0

Zn - - - - 1.5U 3U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2190

25.31

4.02

7.01

1946 1956 2002 Analytes 1966 1972

Table 73. Sulphur Spring water quality analysis.
HOLMES COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

143

Figure 71. Springs visited by FGS in Holmes County.
Holmes Blue Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 51’ 06.03” N., Long. 85° 53’ 09.05” W. (NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 12, T. 5

N., R. 17 W.). Holmes Blue Spring is located on the west bank of the Choctawhatchee River

1.4 miles (2.3 km) northeast of the community of Cerrogordo. Exit I-10 at SR 279 and turn

north toward Caryville. Go 1 mile (1.6 km) to the intersection of SR 279 and US 90. Turn

west (left) and drive 2.5 miles (4 km) to the intersection of US 90 and SR 179A/181. Turn

north (right) and follow 179A for 5 miles (8 km) to Cerrogrodo. In Cerrogordo, turn east

(right) toward the river and follow signs to boat ramp about 0.5 miles (0.8 km). From the

public boat ramp in Cerrogordo, travel 1.5 miles (2.4 km) upstream on the Choctawhatchee

River to the mouth of the spring. The narrow spring run flows in from the northwest (left)

bank.

Description – Holmes Blue Spring has a circular spring pool that measures 30 ft (9.1 m) in

diameter. The vent is a deep, vertical, steep-walled opening in limestone over which the

depth measures 29.2 ft (8.9 m). The spring sits in a conical, circular depression with 8 ft (2.4

m) high clay banks. Limestone is exposed near the circular vent in the center of the depression. Its waters are bluish and crystal clear. A copious boil emerges over the vent, and

water flows approximately 3 in. (7.6 cm) higher that the surrounding spring surface. There

are a few sticks and logs on the sand, clay, and limestone bottom. There is no aquatic vegetation in the spring or its run. The short spring run averages 3 ft (0.9 m) deep and flows

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

144

Figure 72. Holmes Blue Spring (photo by R. Meegan).
150 ft (45.7 m) southeast into the murky brown

Choctawhatchee River. Spring-water levels are

closely tied to fluctuations of the nearby river.

The spring run is under a forest canopy within

the heavily wooded river floodplain.

Utilization – Holmes Blue Spring is undeveloped and exists in a natural condition.

Discharge – Discharge is measured in ft3

/s. 

December 3, 2002 13.67(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

145

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature Ca 34.2 34.7

DO K 0.38 0.38

pH Na 1.84 1.80

Sp. Cond. Mg 5.1 5.2

Lab Analytes Al - 10U

BOD - 0.2U As 6U 6U

Turbidity - 0.1 B - 14U

Color - 5U Cd 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity - 102 Co - 1U

Sp. Cond. 207.0 - Cr 2U 2U

TDS - 114.0 Cu 6U 4U

TSS - 4U Fe 18U 7.8I

Cl - 2.7 Mn 0.25U 0.61I

SO4 - 1.2 Ni 1I 2U

F - 0.075I Pb 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - 0.3U

TOC - 1U Ra-228 - 0.8U

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.46 Se 24U 24U

NH3 + NH4 - 0.013I Sn - 18U

TKN 0.074I 0.12U Sr - 44

P 0.029I 0.025I Zn 1.7I 6U

PO4 0.024 -

NO3 - -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002

211

20.06

4.95

7.79

Table 74. Holmes Blue Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 2Q

Fecal Coliform 2Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 75. Holmes Blue Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Ponce de Leon Springs

Location – Lat. 30° 43’ 16.33” N., Long. 85° 55’ 50.47” W. (NW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 27, T. 4

N., R. 17 W.). The springs are located within the Ponce de Leon State Park in the town of

Ponce de Leon. From the I-10 exit at SR 81, travel north on SR 81 for 1 mile (1.6 km) then

turn east (right) on US 90 and travel 0.6 miles (1 km) to the intersection with CR 181A.

Turn south (right) on CR 181A and travel 0.6 miles (1 km) to the state park entrance on the

right.

Description – Ponce de Leon Springs has a crescent-shaped pool that measures 105 ft (32

m) north to south and 111 ft (33.8 m) east to west. There are at least three spring vents

within the spring pool. The sampled vent is located in the northern section of the spring

pool. The depth throughout the pool averages approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) deep, but it measures as much as 16.0 ft (4.9 m) deep over the vents. The bottom is sand and limestone is

exposed near the vents. The water is clear and light greenish blue. There is a slight boil over

the northern vent. There is sparse aquatic vegetation, but thick patches of algae are present on the bottom. Algal strands and particles also are suspended in the water. There are

two cypress trees growing in the spring pool north and west of the sampled vent. Flow from

the springs discharges over a weir designed to raise water levels in the spring pool suitable

for swimming. There is a boardwalk over the weir that leads to hiking trails. The spring

run exits the pool to the northwest. After a short distance, it veers back to the south, flowing into Sandy Creek approximately 350 ft (106.7 m) downstream. Land on the east side of

the spring is a state recreation area developed for picnicking and swimming. From the

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

146

Figure 73. Ponce de Leon Springs (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN NO. 66

147

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - 20.5

DO - -

pH - 6.8

Sp. Cond. - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - 0.2U

Turbidity - - - 0.05U

Color - 0 - 5U

Alkalinity - 100 - 107

Sp. Cond. - 208 200.0 -

TDS - 118 - 117.0

TSS - - - 4U

Cl 2.6 3.0 - 2.3I

SO4 3.8 2.0 - 2.3

F - 0.1 - 0.067I

Nutrients

TOC - - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.14 - 0.24

NH3 as N - - - 0.01U

TKN - - 0.06U 0.06U

P - - 0.022 0.028

PO4 - - 0.024 -

NO3 - 0.6 - -

Metals

Ca 30 30 32.1A 31.2

K 0.4 0.4 0.48A 0.46

Na 1.9 1.6 1.6I 1.4I

Mg 9.2 7.4 7.8A 7.6

Al - - - 75U

As - - 3U 3U

B - - - 15U

Cd - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - 0.75U

Cr - - 2U 2U

Cu - - 3.5U 3.5U

Fe 0.27 - 35U 130I

Mn - - 0.5I 1.1I

Ni - - 4U 4U

Pb - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - 0.2U

Ra-228 - - - 1.5

Se - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - 10U

Sr - 40 - 44.9

Zn - - 1.5U 2U

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

2002 Analytes

180

19.88

3.44

7.53

1927 1972

Table 76. Ponce de Leon Springs water quality analysis.
spring pool, land on this side gently rises to approximately 8 ft (2.4 m) above spring water

level. West of the spring, there are walking trails that lead through a heavily forested area

associated with Sandy Creek.

Utilization - The spring is developed within a state park and is a popular swimming and

picnic destination.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

May 20, 1942 20.7(1)

December 9, 1946 18.1(1)

April 19, 1972 18.8(1)

June 28, 2002 8.83(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

148

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 77. Ponce de Leon Springs bacteriological analysis.
JACKSON COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

149

Figure 74. Springs visited by FGS in Jackson County.
Baltzell Spring

Location - Lat. 30° 49’ 50.16” N., Long. 85° 14’ 03.84” W. (NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 16, T. 5

N., R. 10 W.). Baltzell Spring is located approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north of Marianna.

From the intersection of US 90 and SR 166 (Jefferson Street) in Marianna, travel north for

2.6 miles (4.2 km) on SR 166 to the Florida Caverns State park entrance. Turn west (left)

into the Florida Caverns State Park and travel 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the boat landing on the

north (right) side of the road. The spring and spring run are surrounded by private property but may be accessed by traveling 1 mile (1.6 km) upstream from the Florida Caverns

State Park boat ramp on the Chipola River. The spring run enters the river from the east.

Description – Baltzell Spring is also referred to as Bosel or Bozel Spring. The spring pool

measures 75 ft (22.9 m) north to south and 54 ft (16.5 m) east to west. The depth of the

spring over the vent measures 14.0 ft (4.3 m). The water is light blue-green with a slight

murkiness. Limestone is exposed near the vent and a slight boil is present on the pool surface. There is an old collapsed dock on the east shore of the spring. A small spring run

enters the spring pool from the north, and the combined flow from both exits to the south.

The spring and its run support rich native aquatic vegetation. Baltzell Spring run flows

south, then east for a total distance of approximately 800 ft (243.8 m) (Rosenau et al., 1977),

before entering the Chipola River from the east. To the east, the ground rises to approximately 12 ft (4 m) above the water surface. An old house and cleared pasture are visible a

short distance to the east. Land west of the spring is comprised of the river and its floodplain swamp forest. There are at least three other springs in close proximity to Baltzell

Spring that maybe collectively referred to as the Baltzell Springs Group.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

150

Figure 75. Baltzell Spring (photo by R. Means).
Utilization - The spring is undeveloped and bordered by private lands.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

August 16, 1973 72.8(1)

March 22, 2002 48.76(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

151

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 20.5 Ca 48 51.6 50.7A

DO - K 0.4 0.44 0.42A

pH 7.6 Na 2.4 2.4I 2.3I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 1.4 1.7 1.7A

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2AU As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 1.2 B - - 15U

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 120 - 127 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 270 300.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 144 - 165 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 36I

Cl 4 - 5.4A Mn - 0.78I 1.7I

SO4 0.4 - 1.7A Ni - 2U 2U

F 0 - 0.05I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.2U

TOC - - 1I Ra-228 - - 4

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.88 - 2.5 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 - - 0.01U Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.11I 0.12I Sr 70 - 38.7A

P - 0.026 0.028 Zn - 3.4U 2U

PO4 - 0.024 -

NO3 3.9 - -

A=Average value U,K=Compound not detected, value shown is the method detection limit

I=Value is less than practical quantitation limit J=Est value Q=Exceeding holding time limit

19.81

5.77

7.24

276

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002 1973 1973

Table 78. Baltzell Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 64Q

Fecal Coliform 14Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 79. Baltzell Spring bacteriological analysis.