Blue Hole Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 49’ 12.52” N, Long. 85° 14’ 41.62” W (SW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 21, T. 5

N., R. 10 W.). Blue Hole Spring is located within the Florida Caverns State Park, 3 miles

(4.8 km) north of Marianna. From the intersection of US 90 and SR 166 (Jefferson Street)

in Marianna, travel north 2.6 miles (4.2 km) on SR 166 to the park entrance on the west

(left) side of the road. Follow the park road 0.8 miles (1.3 km) then turn north (right) on

Blue Hole Drive. Travel on Blue Hole Drive for 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the spring and picnic

area.

Description – Blue Hole Spring pool is elongated and measures 159 ft (48.5 m) east to west

and 258 ft (78.6 m) northwest to southeast. The depth of the spring pool is variable and

measures up to 26 ft (7.9 m) (Rosenau et al., 1977). The spring has a sand bottom. Thick

patches of filamentous green algae cover about half of the spring bottom. The water color is

greenish and murky. No boil was visible on the water surface in June 2002. Water lettuce

is abundant in the southeast portion of the pool. The west side of the pool has a limestone

boulder wall with stairs leading down to a sandy swimming area. The south side of the

spring has a wooden footbridge over the outflow channel. The east side has a limestone

boulder wall and a wooden swimming dock. On the north side of the main pool, there is

another much smaller pool that is separated from the main pool by a narrow land bridge.

During the January 2002 visit, the water in the small pool was crystal clear and light blue,

contrasting with the murky greenish water of the main spring pool. There is a wooden walkway that leads over the land bridge. The spring run discharges south approximately 1.6

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

152

Figure 76. Blue Hole (photo by R. Means).
miles (2.6 km) into the Chipola River through a

heavily forested lowland. All immediate surroundings are landscaped with grassy lawns, scattered

tall pines, picnic tables, restroom facilities, and

parking area. The ground rises gently away from

the spring on the west side to approximately 10 ft

(3 m) above water level. Blue Hole Spring may be

a river rise of an underground channel of the nearby Chipola River. During the January 2002 visit,

the physical characteristics of both spring and river water were similar (relatively high DO,

low temperature, and similar color).

Utilization - The spring is a popular swimming area within Florida Caverns State Park.

Picnic tables and full facilities are near the spring. The park provides campgrounds, cavern

tours, horse trails and boat access to the Chipola River.

Discharge - Discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

August 8, 1973 56.8(1)

June 28, 2002 1.30(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

153

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature - Ca 43 41.2A 41.7

DO 4.3 K 0.5 0.69A 0.69

pH 7.1 Na 2.5 3.8I 4.1

Sp. Cond. - Mg 2.6 3.1A 3.1

Lab Analytes Al - - 84I

BOD - - 0.2AU As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 4.0 B - - 15U

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 130 - 118 Co - 3.5U 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 255 240.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 134 - 147 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 120I 270

Cl 6 - 7.9 Mn - 7.3A 11.1

SO4 0.4 - 2.3 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.1 - 0.063I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.1U

TOC - - 3.1I Ra-228 - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.12 - 0.47 Se - 0.5U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.013I Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.1I .14I Sr 80 - 47.6

P - 0.02A 0.032 Zn - 1.5U 7U

PO4 - 0.02 -

NO3 0.5 - -

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

17.87

5.94

1973

219

2002 Analytes Analytes

7.21

1973

Table 80. Blue Hole Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 160Q

Fecal Coliform 180Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 81. Blue Hole Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Hays Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 53’ 42.33” N., Long. 85° 13’ 28.15” W. (NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 27, T. 6

N., R. 10 W.). Hays Spring enters the Chipola River approximately 10 miles northwest of

Marianna. The spring run enters the Chipola River from the northeast about 0.3 miles (0.5

km) upstream from the CR 162 bridge over the Chipola River. From Marianna head north

on CR 166 (Jefferson Street) approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) to the intersection with CR 167.

Turn north (left) on CR 167 and drive approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) to the intersection

with CR 162. Turn west (left) on CR 162 and travel approximately 2.6 miles (4.2 km) to the

bridge over the Chipola River. There is limited small watercraft access to the river south of

the bridge on the west bank.

Description – Hays Spring pool measures 75 ft (22.9 m) north to south and 100 ft (30.5 m)

east to west. Spring bathymetry is dramatic, with limestone cliffs and overhangs near the

vent. The spring pool is shallow, except over the elongated vent opening, where depths

reach 14.9 ft (4.5 m). Rosenau et al. (1977) report that the bottom is soft and muddy. Hays

Spring is bluish and slightly murky. Water lettuce and exotic aquatic vegetation are present. There was no visible boil over the spring during the February 2003 sampling visit. A

creek channel comes in on the northwest side of the spring pool. Hays Spring Run exits

the pool to the southwest. The upper section of the spring run is approximately 0.5 mi (0.8

km) long and 100 ft (30.5 m) wide. Thereafter, the spring run narrows, is often multi-chanFLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

154

Figure 77. Hays Spring (photo by R. Means).
neled, and runs for a total length of approximately 2.8 mi (4.5 km) southwestward into

the Chipola River. A pipe leads into the Hays

Spring from the northeast bank. The northeast side also has a pavilion and cleared boat

launch area. The immediate surroundings

are forested, with cleared farmland visible

through the trees to the east.

Utilization – The spring is undeveloped and

surrounded by private lands.

Discharge – No discharge rate is available. 

BULLETIN NO. 66

155

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature Ca 50.9 52.3A

DO K 0.36 0.38A

pH Na 1.7I 1.8I

Sp. Cond. Mg 1.1 1.1A

Lab Analytes Al - 10U

BOD - 0.4AI As 3U 3U

Turbidity - 0.30 B - 10U

Color - 5U Cd 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity - 120 Co - 1U

Sp. Cond. 280.0 - Cr 2U 2U

TDS - 149.0 Cu 3.5U 4U

TSS - 4U Fe 5U 11I

Cl - 4.2 Mn 0.25U 1.1I

SO4 - 0.62 Ni 2U 2U

F - 0.05U Pb 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - 0.4

TOC - 1U Ra-228 - 0.8U

NO3 + NO2 as N - 3.10 Se 8U 8U

NH3 + NH4 - 0.01U Sn - 4U

TKN 0.06U 0.06U Sr - 35.4A

P 0.021I 0.015U Zn 2.5U 4U

PO4 0.018 -

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

2003 Analytes Analytes 2003

269

20.45

6.37

7.61

Table 82. Hays Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 4Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 83. Hays Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Jackson Blue Spring

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

156

Figure 78. Jackson Blue Spring (photo by T. Scott).

Figure 79. Jackson Blue Spring aerial photo (photo by T. Scott).
Location—Lat. 30° 47’ 25.85” N., Long. 85° 08’ 24.31” W. (SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 33, T. 5

N., R. 9 W.). Jackson Blue Spring is about 5 miles (8 km) east of Marianna at the northeast

end of Merritts Mill Pond. From the intersection of US 90 and SR 73 in Marianna, head east

1.4 miles (2.3 km) on U.S. 90. Turn north (left) on SR 71 and travel 1.2 miles (1.9 km) to the

intersection of SR 164. Turn east (right) and drive 3.3 miles (5.3 km) to the county park

entrance on the south (right) side of the road. The spring is 0.1 mile (0.2 km) southeast of

SR164 in a county park.

Description-Numerous springs feed Merritts Mill Pond. Jackson Blue Spring is the main

spring at the head of the pond. It is situated about 10 ft (3 m) west of the diving platform.

Spring pool diameter is approximately 240 ft (73.2 m) southwest to northeast and 233 ft (71

m) northwest to southeast. Maximum depth over the vent is 16.5 ft (5 m). The vent is elliptical and approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) high and 25 feet (7.6 m) wide. Limestone is exposed near

the vent, and it bears backhoe scars. Clear bluish water issues from the vent. A boil is

slightly visible at the surface. There is approximately 40% algae coverage on the pool bottom and very little aquatic or emergent vegetation. The spring pool is a designated swimming area separated from the rest of Merritts Mill Pond by a chain link fence across the

channel approximately 300 ft (91.4 m) downstream. The southern shore of the spring pool

meets a lowland cypress-gum forest. The northern half of the pool is bordered by high

ground sloping upward to nearly 20 ft (6.1 m) above water level. Most of the high ground is

cleared and grassy. All nearby uplands are developed. There are buildings and a parking

BULLETIN NO. 66

157

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature - - 20.5 20.94 - Ca 43 38 37 44.5 43.6

DO - - 7.8 7.26 - K - 0.4 0.2 0.29 0.29

pH - 7.5 7.5 7.58 - Na 2.3 1.7 1.6 1.73 1.54

Sp. Cond. - - 220 243 - Mg 1.0 2.1 2.1 2.3 2.1

Lab Analytes As - - 10 3 U 3 U

BOD - - 0.0 0.2 AU - Al - - - - 75 U

Turbidity - - 0 0.05 U - B - - 0 30 U -

Color - - 0 5U - Cd - - - 0.75 U 0.5 U

Alkalinity - - 98 108 109 Co - - 0 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - - 270 - Cr - - 1 2 U 2 U

TDS - - - 139 - Cu - - 10 2 U 2 U

TSS - - - 4U - Fe - - - 25 U 20 U

Cl 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.7 3.8 A Mn - - - 0.5 U 0.5 U

SO4 2.4 0.9 0.0 1 1.1 A Ni - - - 2 U 2 U

F - 0.0 0.1 0.036 I 0.035 I Pb - - 2 5 U 3 U

Nutrients Se - - - 3.5 U 3.5 U

TOC - - 0.0 1 U - Sn - - - 7U -

NO3 + NO2 - - 1.4 3.3 3.3 Sr - - 40 32 I -

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01 U 0.01 U Zn - - - 4 U 3.5 U

TKN - - - 0.074 I 0.06 U

P - - 0.02 0.023 0.022

PO4 - - 0.02 0.02 -

Analytes 1924 1946 1972 1946

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

1972 2001

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

2001 Analytes 1924

Table 84. Jackson Blue Spring water quality analysis.
area constructed on the uplands. Surrounding the spring, are a concrete retaining wall near

shore, slides, a diving board, and picnic tables. An extensive underwater cave system has

been mapped at Jackson Blue Spring.

Utilization- Jackson Blue Spring is a county swimming and recreational park.

Discharge- Current discharge measurement was calculated at Turner Landing, below the

damn on Merritts Mill Pond. All discharge rates are measured in ft3/s.

January 24, 1929 134(1)

December 22, 1934 56(1)

May 20, 1942 265(1)

November 15, 1946 178(1)

January 30, 1947 178(1)

August 6, 1973 287(1)

December 17, 2001 63.6(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

158

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1 K

Enterococci 1 K

Fecal Coliform 1 K

Total Coliform 1 K

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 85. Jackson Blue Spring bacteriological analysis.
Shangri-La Springs

Location – Lat. 30° 47’ 24.60” N., Long. 85° 08’ 34.39” W. (SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 33, T. 5

N., R. 9 W.). Shangri-La Springs is located near the west bank of Merritts Mill Pond, 5 miles

(8 km) east of Marianna. The spring is accessible by canoe or small boat from the public boat

ramp on Hunter Fish Camp Road. From Marianna head east on US 90 to the intersection

with SR 71, approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km). Turn north (left) onto SR 71 and travel 1.2

miles (1.9 km) to the intersection with CR 164. Turn east (right) onto CR 164 and travel

approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 km) to the intersection with Hunter Fish Camp Road. Turn

south (right) on Hunter Fish Camp Road and travel approximately 0.6 mile (1 km) to the

public boat landing. The spring vent is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) upstream. Just

after passing the recreation area buoys, look to the left. The spring is in a cove adjacent to

a vegetated, car-sized boulder. There are a few dozen metal poles that stick out of the water

near the vent. Alternatively, the spring is 2,100 ft (640 m) downstream from Jackson Blue

Spring and can be accessed using Blue Springs Recreation Area boat launch.

Description – Shangri-La Springs is situated between a large boulder and a 20 ft (6.1 m)

high vertical limestone bluff on the west side of Merritts Mill Pond and forms a 40 ft (12.2

ft) diameter spring cove with native aquatic vegetation and little algae. Shangri-La Springs

vent is 7 ft (2.1 m) deep and sand-bottomed with exposed limestone. Another vent is situatBULLETIN NO. 66

159

Figure 80. Shangri-La Springs (photo by R. Means).
ed in a limestone fissure 50 ft (15.2 m) to the east.

The water is light blue and clear. A prominent boil

is seen over the vent near the bluff. A lone scraggly cypress tree stands in the open waters of the

mill pond, 100 ft (30.5 m) southeast of the main

vent. The bluff face, boulder, and surrounding area

are lush with ferns and other vegetation. Merritts

Mill Pond is a 5 mile (8 km) long impounded spring

run. Several springs feed into the pond along the

edges or directly from the pond bottom. Jackson

Blue Spring forms the headwaters of Merritt’s Mill Pond.

Utilization – The spring is surrounded by private, forested land on one side and Merritts

Mill Pond, a popular fishing area, on the other.

Discharge – No discharge rate is available at this time.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

160

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature Ca 53.4A 51A

DO K 0.29A 0.29A

pH Na 1.5I 1.87A

Sp. Cond. Mg 1.8A 1.8A

Lab Analytes Al - 10U

BOD - 0.2U As 4U 7U

Turbidity - 0.05 B - 10U

Color - 5U Cd 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity - 119 Co - 2U

Sp. Cond. 263.0 - Cr 2U 2U

TDS - 168.0 Cu 5U 3U

TSS - 4U Fe 15U 10U

Cl - 4.3A Mn 0.25U 1U

SO4 - 1.2A Ni 2U 2U

F - 0.05U Pb 5U 12U

Nutrients Ra-226 - 0.1

TOC - 1U Ra-228 - 0.9U

NO3 + NO2 as N - 3.4 Se 8U 15U

NH3 + NH4 - 0.01U Sn - 11U

TKN 0.06U 0.06U Sr - 39A

P 0.035I 0.032I Zn 3U 3U

PO4 0.021 -

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

275

20.92

6.26

7.54

2003 Analytes Analytes 2003

Table 86. Shangri-La Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 87. Shangri-La Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Spring Lake Springs 

The Florida Geological Survey sampled five second magnitude springs that flow into

Spring Lake. Spring Lake actually is a 100-200 ft (30.5-61 m) wide spring run that forms

at the confluence of Mill Pond Spring and Springboard Springs. Three other named springs

enter into the lake (run) downstream, Double Spring and Black Spring from the south, and

Gadsen Spring from the north. A low-lying swamp forest buffer surrounds the entire lake

basin, and farther upslope becomes cleared farmland. Spring Lake discharges into Dry

Creek, a dark water stream that flows approximately 13 miles (21 km) to the Chipola River.

From the confluence, Dry Creek is clear and often flows over limestone.

Location - Spring Lake is located approximately 6.5 miles (10.5 km) southwest of Marianna

and has one boat launch that is privately owned but open to the public. Due to extremely

shallow spring run conditions, these springs are accessible by canoe or small boat only.

From I-10, drive southwest 0.7 miles (1.1 km) on SR 276 to its intersection with SR 167.

Turn south (left) on SR 167, travel 4.3 miles (6.9 km). Turn east (left) on Mystery Springs

Road and travel 1.4 miles (2.3 km). Turn north (left) on a small track just before the end of

the road. Follow this track down to the water and the boat launch. Directions to each spring

are given in relation to Black Spring run where this boat launch is located.

Black Spring

BULLETIN NO. 66

161

Figure 81. Black Spring (photo by R. Means).
Location – Lat. 30° 41’ 55.40” N., Long. 85° 17’ 40.08” W. (SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 4

N., R. 11 W.). Black Spring is 150 ft (45.7 m) upstream (west) of the boat launch on the

south side of Spring Lake.

Description – Black Spring is also known as Black Hole (Rosenau et al., 1977). The spring

pool is nearly circular, steep-sided, and deep. It measures 150 ft (45.7 m) in diameter, and

is 49.1 ft (15.0 m) deep northeast of the pool’s center. Approximately 20 ft (6.1 m) below the

surface on the northeast side, a 25 ft (7.6 m) vertical limestone wall leads down to the spring

vent. The water is clear to slightly tannic but appears very dark. Black Spring derives its

name from its tendency to issue tannic water during times when all other springs associated with Spring Lake may be discharging clear water. This was the case during the March

2002 sampling visit; however, the water of Black Spring was clear and bluish two months

later. Abundant aquatic vegetation, including water lettuce, exotic aquatic vegetation and

algae, covers the shallow areas around the perimeter of the spring pool. No boil was visible

in March 2002. Black Spring flows through three separate stream channels. The main

channel flows north, another northeast, and the other east, all under a swamp forest canopy

and into Spring Lake. The north-flowing channel is approximately 150 ft (45.7 m) long, the

northeast-flowing and smallest channel is approximately 300 ft (91.4 m), and the east-flowing run approximately 350 ft (106.7 m). The runs are up to 50 ft (15.2 m) wide and 5 ft (1.5

m) deep. All immediate surroundings are low-lying with dense hardwood and cypress

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

162

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21 Ca 30 27.2 28.4

DO 3 K 0.4 0.4 0.4

pH 6.8 Na 1.4 1.6 1.5I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 5.2 5.1 5.3

Lab Analytes Al - - 93I

BOD - - 0.3AI As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.7 B - - 15U

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 90 - 89A Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 190 180.00 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 112 - 105.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 66I 100I

Cl 4 - 3.0 Mn - 11.2 14.1

SO4 1.2 - 1.7 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.065I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra226 - - 0.2

TOC - - 2.9I Ra228 - - 0.7

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.09 - 0.43J Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.019I Sn - - 10U

TKN - .083I 0.16I Sr 60 - 32.8

P - 0.016 0.017 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.011 -

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

20.64

4.30

7.26

180

2002 2002 Analytes 1973 Analytes 1973

Table 88. Spring Lake Springs, Black Spring water quality analysis.
swamp forest. The nearest high ground is

approximately 150 ft (45.7 m) south and gently

rises to a height of about 12 ft (3.7 m) above the

lowlands.

Utilization - The spring is undeveloped and

surrounded by private land.

Discharge - Discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

July 18, 1973 73.2(1)

May 23, 2002 51.60(2)

Double Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 42’ 13.68” N., Long. 85° 18’ 11.16” W. (NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 4

N., R. 11 W.). The short spring run flows into Spring Lake from the southwest, 0.6 miles (1

km) upstream from Black Spring Run.

Description – Double Spring, a karst window, is composed of a spring, a short run, and a

siphon, all on the south side of Spring Lake. Double Spring is nearly circular and sits in a

bowl-shaped depression measuring 87 ft (26.5 m) in diameter. The depth of the spring pool

is 18.0 ft (5.5 m), and the water is somewhat murky with a bluish hue. Limestone can be

BULLETIN NO. 66

163

Analyte Value

Enterococci 520Q

Fecal Coliform 134Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 89. Spring Lake Springs,

Black Spring bacteriological

analysis.

Figure 82. Double Spring (photo by R. Means).
found near the vent and siphon, but the rest of the spring, siphon and run has a soft sand

bottom. A moderate boil is present on the water surface. There are large, thick mats of filamentous algae scattered about the pool among native aquatic vegetation with some exotic

invasive aquatic plants. The spring discharges through a run as wide as the spring and

flows for approximately 75 ft (22.9 m), where it splits into two channels, one flowing north

and one flowing east. The majority of flow travels eastward approximately 200 ft (61 m) into

a siphon that is estimated to have a depth of 15 ft (4.6 m). The northward run flows through

a narrow channel a short distance into Spring Lake. Higher ground on the south side of the

spring rises gently to approximately 8 ft (2.4 m) above the water. There is a wooden dock

on the south side of the pool, and a private residence can be seen to the southwest on the

higher ground. The area around the spring is within in a dense hardwood and cypress

swamp forest.

Utilization – Double Spring is surrounded by private

lands and is used privately for swimming.

Discharge - Discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

July 17, 1973 37.5(1)

May 22, 2002 appeared to be

siphoning during the 2002 visit(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

164

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21 Ca 41 42.6 38.6A

DO 4.5 K 0.4 0.35 0.32A

pH 7.4 Na 1.8 1.7I 1.8I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 5 5.6 5.3A

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2AU As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 1.1 B - - 15U

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 120 - 121.0 Co - - .75U

Sp. Cond. 210 240.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 144 - 131.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 4 - 3.4 Mn - 1.4U 1.4U

SO4 0 - 1.9 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.086I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.1U

TOC - - 1U Ra-228 - - 1.2U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.2 - 0.95 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 80 - 44.9A

P - 0.019 0.021 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.018 -

NO3 0.9 - -

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

250

2002 Analytes Analytes

7.46

1973 2002

20.06

5.89

1973

Table 90. Spring Lake Springs, Double Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 16Q

Fecal Coliform 2Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 91. Spring Lake Springs,

Double Spring bacteriological

analysis.
Gadsen Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 42’ 12.09” N., Long. 85° 17’ 18.42” W. (NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 36, T.

4 N., R. 11 W.). Gadsen Spring flows into Spring Lake from the north, 2100 ft (640 m)

downstream from Black Spring Run.

Description – Gadsen Spring occupies a deep, conical, nearly circular to oval depression

120 ft (36.6 m) north to south and 141 ft (43 m) east to west. The depth of the spring pool

measured over the vent is 43 ft (13.1m). The vent is located beneath a vertical limestone

ledge that is slightly north of the pool’s center. The water is slightly murky with a greenish blue color. No boil on the pool surface was observed in March 2002. There is abundant

native aquatic vegetation with some thick algae mats. Gadsen Spring discharges south 75

ft (22.9 m) through a narrow run that is shallow, approximately 1-3 ft (0.3-0.9 m) deep.

The run then widens to about 100 ft (30.5 m) forming a pool that is approximately 150 ft

(45.7 m) long and has dense aquatic vegetation. This pool is reported to be a sinkhole that

takes some of the water (Rosenau et al., 1977). Continuing downstream southward, the

run again narrows and flows swiftly for approximately 800 ft (243.8 m) through low-lying

swamp forest until entering Spring Lake. A mowed grassy track accesses the spring on

the north side. To the north, land rises very gently to a height of about 10 ft (3.1 m) above

the lowlands. There is a small water-filled sinkhole to the north a short distance. All surrounding lands are forested.

Utilization - The spring is undeveloped and surrounded by private land.

BULLETIN NO. 66

165

Figure 83. Gadsen Spring (photo by R. Means).
Discharge - Discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

July 18, 1973 18.0(1)

May 23, 2002 12.8(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

166

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 20 Ca 39 40 41.7

DO - K 0.3 0.35 0.34

pH 7.2 Na 1.7 1.8 1.6I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 5.7 6.3 6.5

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.5 B - - 15U

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 120 - 125 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 220 250.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 140 - 134 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 2 - 3.6 Mn - 1.1I 2.5

SO4 0.8 - 1.7 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.084I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.4

TOC - - 1U Ra-228 - - 1.2U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.16 - 0.84J Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 90 - 49.7

P - 0.02 0.017 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.016 -

NO3 0.7 - -

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

20.54

4.36

7.26

250

Table 92. Spring Lake Springs, Gadsen Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 4Q

Fecal Coliform 4Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 93. Spring Lake Springs, Gadsen Spring bacteriological analysis.
Mill Pond Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 42’ 13.32” N., Long. 85° 18’ 27.00” W. (NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 4

N., R. 11 W.). Mill Pond Spring flows into the lake from the southwest 0.85 miles (1.37 km)

upstream from Black Spring Run. The spring is surrounded by private land.

Description – Mill Pond Spring pool measures 126 ft (38.4 m) north to south and 150 ft

(45.7 m) east to west. It occupies a conical depression. The depth measured near the center

of the pool is 16.8 ft (5.1 m). The sides of the pool are steep and sandy, leading down to a

deeper central area with limestone exposed in the spring vent. The water is clear and light

blue. No boil was visible on the pool surface during the March 2002 visit. The pool has an

abundance of exotic aquatic vegetation, except for the deeper central portion. Mill Pond

Spring flows into uppermost Spring Lake on the southwest side via a 600 ft (182.8 m)-long,

shallow spring run. The run averages 2 ft (0.6 m) deep. Private residences are present along

the northwest side of the spring and the uppermost part of its run. The houses are situated on a gently sloping 8 ft (2.5 m) high ridge. The rest of the land surrounding the spring

and its run is densely forested and mostly low-lying. High ground is also adjacent to the

spring run on its south side approximately 400 ft (121.9 m) downstream from the spring.

Utilization - The spring is located on private land and a portion of the water is extracted

by a water bottling company.

BULLETIN NO. 66

167

Figure 84. Mill Pond Spring (photo by R. Means).
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

July 18, 1973 33.2(1)

May 22, 2002 23.21(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

168

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 20.5 Ca 30 41.4 37.5

DO 6.5 K 0.4 0.35 0.32

pH 7.4 Na 1.5 1.8I 1.5I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 5.8 5.4 5.0

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.2 B - - 15U

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 1U

Alkalinity 97 - 120 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 180 237.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 117 - 130 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 2 - 3.4 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 0.4 - 1.8 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.082I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.2

TOC - - 1U Ra-228 - - 1.2U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.2 - 0.97 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 60 - 42.3

P - 0.02 0.020 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.018 -

NO3 0.9 - -

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

2002

20.39

4.17

1973

204

2002 Analytes Analytes

7.53

1973

Table 94. Spring Lake Springs, Mill Pond Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 16Q

Fecal Coliform 2Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 95. Spring Lake Springs, Mill Pond Spring bacteriological analysis.
Springboard Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 42’ 26.64” N., Long. 85° 18’ 23.76” W. (NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 4

N., R. 11 W.). Springboard Spring is on the northwest side of Spring Lake 0.9 miles (1.5 km)

upstream from Black Spring run at the head of Spring Lake. At the head of Spring Lake,

take the spring run that enters from the north and follow it approximately 1,000 ft (304.8

m) to the spring.

Description – Springboard Spring pool measures 78 ft (23.8 m) north to south and 60 ft

(18.3 m) east to west. The spring issues from a deep crack in limestone near the center of

the spring pool and is 18.4 ft (5.6 m) deep. Its water is clear and bluish. Aquatic vegetation

including exotic aquatic vegetation and algae are abundant. A very slight boil was present

in March 2002. It has two spring runs, one flowing southwest, and one flowing southeast.

The southwest run, approximately 1,000 ft (304.8 m) long, is narrow, averages 2 ft (0.6 m)

deep, and merges with Mill Pond Spring run to form upper Spring Lake. The southeastflowing run is approximately 125 ft (38.1 m) wide and averages less than 1 ft (0.3 m) deep.

It has a soft sand and detritus-covered bottom with rich aquatic vegetation and freshwater

mollusks. Approximately 800 ft (243.8 m) downstream, half of the southeast run flows into

a swirling siphon approximately 50 ft (15.2 m) in diameter. The other half flows southward

a short distance from the first siphon into another. During higher water levels, water flows

past the siphons via an ephemeral stream channel southward to the northwest portion of

Spring Lake. This intermittent channel was dry in March 2002. The immediate lands to the

north of the spring are all low-lying and densely forested with mixed hardwoods and cypress.

BULLETIN NO. 66

169

Figure 85. Springboard Spring (photo by R. Means).
A forested island surrounded by the two spring runs is south of the spring along the northwest perimeter of Spring Lake.

Utilization - The spring is remote, undeveloped, and surrounded by private property.

Discharge - Discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

July 18, 1973 17.4(1)

May 22, 2002 33.96(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

170

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.5 Ca 39 31.3A 26.6

DO 7.5 K 0.3 0.39A 0.34

pH 7.7 Na 1.7 1.6I 1.4I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 4.8 6.4A 5.5

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - 0.20 B - - 15U

Color 10 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 120 - 99A Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 240 198.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 137 - 110.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 3.0 - 2.8 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 0.8 - 1.4 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.07 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.1

TOC - - 1U Ra-228 - - 1.2U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.2 - 0.64 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.011I Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 100 - 31.2

P - 0.016 0.018 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.018 -

NO3 0.9 - -

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

245

20.27

4.22

7.34

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002 1973 1973

Table 96. Spring Lake Springs, Springboard Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 97. Spring Lake Springs, Springboard Spring bacteriological analysis.
JEFFERSON COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

171

Figure 86. Springs visited by FGS in Jefferson County.
Wacissa Springs Group

Group Location—Lat. 30° 20’ N., Long. 83° 59’ W. (Sections 2 and 12, T. 2 S., R. 3 E.). The

Wacissa Springs Group is approximately 19 miles (30.6 km) southeast of Tallahassee and

1.2 miles (1.9 km) south of Wacissa. From the intersection of Tram Road and SR 59 in

Wacissa, travel south on SR 59 approximately 0.7 mile (1.1 km) where SR 59 turns sharply

to the west less than 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Wacissa. At this sharp right turn, a paved

county road continues south (straight) and ends 0.6 miles (1 km) beyond at a county park

and boat ramp situated on the east side of the head of the Wacissa River.

Group Description-The Wacissa Springs Group consists of at least 12 springs that give

rise to the Wacissa River (Rosenau et al., 1977). Several springs are located at the head of

the river near the county park. The rest are scattered along the upper 2 miles (3.2 km) of

the river. Hornsby and Ceryak (2000) list 16 springs in this group. These include Wacissa,

Big, Blue, Buzzer’s Log, Cassida, Garner, Horse Head, Log, Minnow, Thomas, JEF63991,

JEF63992, JEF63993, JEF64991, JEF312991, and Acuilla springs. Land along the upper

part of the river is low and flat, and it supports a lush mixed hardwood-palm forest.

Spring No. 2—Lat. 30° 20’ 23.59” N., Long. 83° 59’ 29.34” W. (SE1⁄4 SE1⁄4 NE1⁄4 sec. 2, T. 2

S., R. 3 E.). Spring No. 2 is located 15 ft (4.7 m) south of the diving board platform at the

county park. There are multiple small vents near this spring. Spring pool diameter measures 45 ft (13.7 m) north to south. The maximum depth of the spring pool measures 8 ft (2.4

m). The spring pool is choked with exotic aquatic vegetation, and algae are present

throughout the pool. There are no adjacent uplands. Land near the spring supports cypress

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

172

Figure 87. Wacissa Springs Group, Big Spring (Big Blue Spring) (photo by R. Means).
BULLETIN NO. 66

173

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures

Temperature - 20.0 20.5 - 20.5 21.0 -

DO - - 0.9 - 3.2 5.6 -

pH 7.4 7.9 7.4 - 8.0 7.6 -

Sp. Cond. 320 318 326 - 267 272 -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - 0.31 I - 0.6 0.2 U -

Turbidity - - 0.1 - 1 0.25 -

Color 2 5 5U - 5 5U -

Alkalinity - 150 163 163 120 132 132

Sp. Cond. - - 370 - - 300 -

TDS - - 184 - - 159 -

TSS - - 4 U - - 4 U -

Cl 5.1 5.0 5.1 5.1 6.0 4.9 4.9

SO4 6.7 6.4 6.4 6.6 5.2 5.3 5.4

F 0.1 0.2 0.13 0.13 0.3 0.14 0.14

Nutrients

TOC - - 1I - 0 1I -

NO3 + NO2 - - 0.16 0.16 0.2 0.41 0.41

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01 U 0.01 U - 0.01 I 0.02 I

TKN - - 0.06 U 0.06 U - 0.06 U 0.078 I

P - - 0.051 0.046 0.02 0.037 0.036

PO4 - - 0.045 0.02 0.036 -

Metals

Ca 52 52 53.8 52.9 37 41.4 40.9 A

K 0.8 0.6 0.41 0.41 0.4 0.41 0.41 A

Na 3.1 3.6 2.94 2.92 A 3.6 2.81 2.88

Mg 8.6 9.8 8.4 8.2 7.9 8.3 8.2 A

As - - 3 U 3 U 290 3 U 3 U

Al - - - 75 U - - 75 U

B - - 30 U - 10 30 U -

Cd - - 0.75 U 0.5 U - 0.75 U 0.5 U

Co - - 0.75 U - - 0.75 U -

Cr - - 2 U 2 U 0 2 U 2 U

Cu - - 2 U 2 U 0 2 U 2 U

Fe - - 37 I 20 U 40 25 U 20 U

Mn - - 7.1 1.74 - 1.9 I 0.75 I

Ni - - 2 U 2 U - 2 U 2 U

Pb - - 5 U 3 U 2.0 5 U 3 U

Se - - 3.5 U 3.5 U - 3.5 U 3.5 U

Sn - - 7 U - - 7 U -

Sr - - 71.4 - 140 68.4 -

Zn - - 4 U 3.5 U 50 4 U 3.5 U

2001

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

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

Analytes

Big Spring Spring No. 2 (Aucilla)

1946 1960 2001 1972

Table 98. Wacissa Springs Group water quality analysis.
swamp forest and mesic hardwood forest. A sand and gravel parking lot borders the east

side of the spring pool.

Big Spring (Big Blue Spring)-Lat. 30° 19’ 39.84” N., Long. 83° 59’ 05.44” W. (NW1⁄4

SE1⁄4 NW1⁄4 sec. 12, T. 2 S., R. 3 E.). Big Spring is located approximately 1 mile (1.6 km)

south of Spring No. 2 on the east side of the Wacissa River. It has two spring runs. The

larger is about 66 ft (20.1 m) wide and flows 1,300 ft (396.2 m) northwest and west to the

Wacissa River. The other run is about 33 ft (10.1 m) wide and it flows southwest 1,000 ft

(304.8 m) to the river. Big Spring has one main vent nearly 6 ft (1.8 m) in diameter at the

bottom of the circular spring pool. Pool diameter is 150 ft (45.7 m) northwest to southeast,

160 ft (48.8 m) northeast to southwest. Maximum depth of pool is 42 ft (12.8 m). The

water is light greenish blue with large suspended particles, and the bottom is barely visible. A boil is present on the pool surface. Exotic aquatic vegetation covers nearly 50% of

the depression. Water lettuce and some algae are present. There is no high ground immediately near the spring. The surrounding lowland forest is completely intact and is a mixture of cypress, hardwoods, and cabbage palm. A rope swing is located on the southwest

side of the pool, and there is a floating wooden platform near the beginning of the larger

spring run.

Utilization—Some of these springs are used as swimming and recreation areas, especially Spring No. 2 and Big Spring. The land around Wacissa River was purchased by the

State of Florida, Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL).

Discharge—Current discharge measurement is for the Wacissa Springs Group. All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

July 16, 1942 69.4(1)

December 7, 1960 64.5(1)

October 2, 2001 293(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

174

Analyte Big Spring Spring No. 2

Escherichia coli 1 KQ 2Q

Enterococci 1 KQ 46Q

Fecal Coliform 1 AQ 4Q

Total Coliform 1 KQ 270Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 99. Wacissa Springs Group bacteriological analysis.
LAFAYETTE COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

175

Figure 88. Springs visited by FGS in Lafayette County.
Allen Mill Pond Springs

Location – Lat. 30° 09’ 46.23” N., Long. 83° 14’ 35.06” W. (SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 5, T. 4

S., R. 11 E.). Allen Mill Pond Springs are 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. From the intersection of US 27 and SR 51 in Mayo, travel northwest on US 27 for approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km). Turn north (right) on CR 251B and

travel 3.7 miles (6 km) to the SRWMD sign for Allen Mill Pond on the east (right). Follow

road to a parking area near the lower section of the spring run. The spring vent is approximately 0.6 miles (1.0 km) upstream from the mouth of the spring run. A footpath follows

the west side of the run upstream to the spring.

Description – 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 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

aquatic vegetation. Spring water is clear. There is a thick algal covering on limestone.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

176

Figure 89. Allen Mill Pond Springs (photo by R. Means).
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.

Utilization – The spring and spring run are within heavily forested SRWMD land. A public access area is located along the west side of the lower part of the spring run.

Discharge – All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

November 26, 1973 21.8(1)

September 23, 1997 11.23(4)

July 9, 2002 5.78(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

177

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.0 Ca 46 55.3 56.3

DO 1.9 K 0.5 0.48 0.47

pH 7.2 Na 1.9 2.7 2.6I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 17 13.8 14.1

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2AU As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.2 B - - 15U

Color 0 - 5 U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 170 - 194.0 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 377 372.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 186 - 208.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 3.2 - 4.9 Mn - 24.5 26.3

SO4 4.5 - 4.9 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0 - 0.14 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.4

TOC - - 2.1I Ra-228 - - 1.6

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.52J Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.1I 0.06U Sr 0 - 46.0

P - 0.051 0.046A Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.043 -

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

379

21.49

0.24

7.06

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002 1973 1973

Table 100. Allen Mill Pond Springs water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 2Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 101. Allen Mill Pond

Springs bacteriological analysis.
Lafayette Blue Spring

Location-Lat. 30° 07’ 33.00” N., Long. 83° 13’ 34.08” W. (SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 21, T. 4 S.,

R. 11 E.). Lafayette Blue Spring is located 7 miles (11.3 km) northwest of Mayo on the west

side of the Suwannee River. From the intersection of US 27 and SR 51 in Mayo, drive northwest on US 27 for 4.9 miles (7.9 km). Turn north (right) on CR 251B and continue for 2.1

miles (3.4 km) on a gravel road. Turn east (right) onto a dirt road and go 0.2 miles (0.3 km)

to the county park entrance. Spring vent is east of the parking area in the pool farthest from

the river.

Description—Lafayette Blue Spring discharges from a single horizontal vent in 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 is cropped out 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 spring run.

The spring pool is steep sided with limestone and sand. 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 sinks and karst windows are present in the woods west of the main spring.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

178

Figure 90. Lafayette Blue Spring (photo by T. Scott).
Utilization-This spring is developed into a county swimming and recreation park with a

camping area, boat ramp and other facilities.

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

November 23, 1973 92.8(1)

June 15,1998 102(4)

October 24, 2001 45.9(4)

BULLETIN NO. 66

179

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.5 21.7 - Ca 54 67.2 65.3

DO 2.0 0.92 - K 1.0 0.84 0.86

pH 7.2 7.17 - Na 4.2 4.68 4.88

Sp. Cond. 400 382 - Mg 11 11.7 11.8

Lab Analytes As - 3 U 3 U

BOD - 0.2 AU - Al - - 75 U

Turbidity - 0.1 - B - 25 U -

Color 5 5U - Cd - 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity 170 200 200 Co - 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - 430 - Cr - 2 U 2 U

TDS - 233 - Cu - 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS - 4U - Fe - 35 U 35 U

Cl 7.0 9 9.2 Mn - 3.7 3.4

SO4 8.1 13 13 Ni - 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.0 0.1 0.088 I Pb - 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se - 4 U 4 U

TOC - 1U - Sn - 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 - 1.8 1.8 Sr 0 94 -

NH3+NH4 - 0.059 0.022 Zn - 5 U 5 U

TKN - 0.16 I 0.1 I

P - 0.041 A 0.041

PO4 - 0.045 -

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

1973 2001

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

Analytes 1973 2001 Analytes

Table 102. Lafayette Blue Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 2Q

Enterococci 10Q

Fecal Coliform 6Q

Total Coliform 40Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 ml)

Table 103. Lafayette Blue Spring bacteriological analysis.
Mearson Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 02’ 28.84” N., Long. 83° 1’ 30.10” W. (NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 21, T. 5

S., R. 13 E.). Mearson Springs are located approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) east of Mayo

along the southwest bank of the Suwannee River. From the intersection of US 27 and SR 51

in Mayo, head east on US 27 for approximately 6.6 miles (10.6 km) to the intersection with

CR 251. Turn east (left) onto CR 251 and drive approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) until the

road makes a 90 degree bend to the north. Continue north on CR 251 approximately 0.7

miles (1.2 km) to a boat landing at the end of the road. The spring are 0.8 miles (1.3 km)

downstream from the boat ramp on SR 251. Mearson Springs occupy a southwest to northeast-trending cove surrounded by high banks along the southwest bank of the Suwannee

River.

Description – Mearson Springs pool, which has three vents, measures 75 ft (22.9 m) southwest to northeast and 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. Land around the spring is privately owned and forested adjacent to the spring. Spring discharge is dictated by Suwannee River stage. Bare limeFLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

180

Figure 91. Mearson Spring (photo by D. Hornsby).
stone and sand banks that are typically underwater were exposed during the April 2002

visit due to extremely low river levels. The adjacent riverbanks are composed of scalloped

limestone, shell marl, and sand.

Utilization - The spring is surrounded by private land and is used locally for swimming.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured

in ft3

/s.

May 14, 1927 50.6 (1)

December 3, 1975 62.1 (1)

September 15, 1997 68.52 (4)

August 14, 2002 45.02 (2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

181

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.5 Ca 52 52 54.3

DO - K 0.3 0.72 0.73

pH 7.6 Na 2.6 2.6I 2.8I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 8.1 9.6 9.9

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.70 B - - 11I

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 150 - 167.0 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 317 360.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 182 - 199.0 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe 0 25U 25U

Cl 3.2 - 5.0 Mn - 1.6I 2I

SO4 8.2 - 14.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.12A Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.2

TOC - - 1.4I Ra-228 - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 1.5J Se - 4U 4U

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

TKN - 0.06UV 0.06U Sr 60 - 67.6

P - 0.033A 0.035 Zn - 3.4U 3.4U

PO4 - - 0.034

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

21.45

0.53

7.20

357

2002 2002 Analytes 1975 Analytes 1975

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 105. Mearson Spring

bacteriological analysis.

Table 104. Mearson Spring water quality analysis.
Owens Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 02’ 45.39” N, Long. 83° 02’ 28.07” W (NW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 17, T. 5

S., R.13 E.). Owens Spring is located on SRWMD land about 8 miles (12.9 km) east of Mayo.

From the intersection of US 27 and SR 51 in Mayo head east on US 27 for approximately 6.8

miles (10.9 km) to the intersection with CR 251. Turn east (left) onto CR 251 and drive

approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) until the road makes a 90 degree bend to the north.

Continue on CR 251 north approximately 0.7 miles (1.2 km) until the road comes to an end

at a boat landing. The spring pool is approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 km) east of the CR 251B

boat ramp on the Suwannee River.

Description – 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

at 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 substrates.

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 2002, the spring

had a short run with steep sandy banks. It flowed approximately 125 ft (38.1 m) northeast

into a siphon. Also at this time, the spring was barely flowing, crystal clear, and averaged

less than 1 ft (0.3 m) deep. 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.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

182

Figure 92. Owens Spring (photo by R. Means).
This intermittent channel is dotted with sinkholes and karst windows, and limestone frequently is exposed along its course. A gated sand road accesses the spring on the south side

where there is a small gravel parking area. All surrounding lands are forested with mixed

hardwoods and pines.

Utilization – Owens Spring is owned by the

SRWMD.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in

ft3

/s.

September 10, 1973 51.2(1)

June 2, 1998 90(4) (estimate)

July 10, 2002 0.89(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

183

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.5 Ca 48 56.1 57.6

DO 2.7 K 0.2 3.4 3.30

pH 7.5 Na 2.4 5.2 5.2

Sp. Cond. - Mg 8.9 10 10.3

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.25 B - - 15U

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 150 - 163 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 330 381.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 181 - 214A Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 6.0 - 10.0 Mn - 18.1 18.5

SO4 4.4 - 15.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.1 - 0.094I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.3

TOC - - 2.8I Ra-228 - - 2.2

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.51 - 1.9J Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.19I 0.13I Sr 0 - 54.7

P - 0.073 0.073 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.07 -

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

384

21.04

0.20

7.14

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002 1973 1973

Table 106. Owens Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 107. Owens Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Ruth Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 59’ 44.78” N., Long. 82° 58’ 36.50” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 1, T. 6

S., R. 13 E.). The Ruth Spring is located 4 miles (6.5 km) northwest of Branford within the

SRWMD Troy Spring Conservation Area. From the bridge over the Suwannee River in

Branford, travel west and northwest for approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km) on US 27, then

turn north (right) on CR 425. Drive 1 mile (1.6 km) and turn east (right) into the Troy

Spring Conservation Area. Follow dirt road 1.1 miles (1.8 km), turn north (left) on another

dirt road and continue 0.1 mile (0.2 km) to the spring.

Description – 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 crops out around the pool edge. The water is clear, with a slight 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.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

184

Figure 93. Ruth Spring (photo by R. Means).
Utilization - The spring is undeveloped, open to the public, and is a popular local swimming area.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

November 14, 1973 11.5(1)

June 24, 1997 14.35(4)

BULLETIN NO. 66

185

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.5 Ca 58 64.8 63.8

DO 1.5 K 0.7 2.3 2.20

pH 7.3 Na 2.5 4.1 3.7I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 6.4 6.4 6.4

Lab Analytes Al - - 19I

BOD - - 0.4AI As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.25 B - - 13I

Color 10 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 150 - 167 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 330 380.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 187 - 212.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 4.8 - 7.3 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 7.8 - 13.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0 - 0.076I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 1.2

TOC - - 2.8I Ra-228 - - 1.1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 4.00 Se - 4U 4U

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

TKN - 0.23 0.2I Sr 0 - 248.0

P - 0.044J 0.045A Zn - 1.5U 3U

PO4 - 0.044 -

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 1973 1973

388

21.58

0.68

6.99

Table 108. Ruth Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 16Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 109. Ruth Spring bacteriological analysis.
Troy Spring

Location— Lat. 30° 00’ 21.69” N., Long. 82° 59’ 51.01” W. (NW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 34, T. 5

S., R. 13 E.). Troy Spring is located within Troy Spring State Park, 5.5 miles (8.8 km) northwest of Branford. From the bridge over the Suwannee River in Branford, travel northwest

on US 27 for 4.8 miles (7.7 km). Turn north (right) on CR 425 and travel 1.2 miles (1.9 km)

to the state park entrance on the right.

Description-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 water surface. The uplands are generally forested with pines and hardwoods.

The Springs Fever website notes that at the lower end of the run lie 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.

Utilization— Troy Spring was recently acquired by the state park system. It has been

developed with parking area, restrooms, a cement and wooden ramp leading down to the

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

186

Figure 94. Troy Spring (photo by T. Scott).
spring and wooden deck surrounding the spring. Troy Spring is a swimming, snorkeling,

and scuba diving hotspot.

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

July 17, 1942 149(1)

November 26, 1960 161(1)

May 28, 1963 148(1)

October 16, 1973 205(1)

October 30, 2001 106(4)

BULLETIN NO. 66

187

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.7 21.5 21.66 - Ca 54 56 57.3 59.3

DO - 1.4 0.85 - K 0.2 1.3 0.9 0.97

pH 7.8 7.1 7.49 - Na 2.4 2.6 2.68 2.45

Sp. Cond. 307 358 357 - Mg 6.7 6.4 7 7.3

Lab Analytes As - - 3 U 3 U

BOD - 0.2 0.25 I - Al - - - 75U

Turbidity - 1 0.15 - B - - 25 U -

Color 5 0 5U - Cd - 0 0.75 U 0.5 U

Alkalinity 150 150 163 164 Co - 0 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - 350 - Cr - 0 2 U 2 U

TDS - - 196 - Cu - 10 2 U 2 U

TSS - - 4U - Fe - - 25 U 20 U

Cl 3.0 4.0 5.3 5.2 Mn - - 0.73 I 0.31 I

SO4 6.0 5.6 12 12 Ni - - 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.1 0.1 0.085 I 0.09 I Pb - 6 5 U 3 U

Nutrients Se - - 3.5 U 3.5 U

TOC - 0.0 1.8 I - Sn - - 7U -

NO3 + NO2 - 0.96 2.3 2.2 Sr - 240 66.8 -

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.012 I 0.01 U Zn - - 4 U 3.5 U

TKN - - 0.075 I 0.067 I

P - 0.03 0.034 A 0.03 A

PO4 - 0.02 0.024 J -

1973 2001

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

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

Analytes 1960 1973 2001 Analytes 1960

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1 KQ

Enterococci 1 KQ

Fecal Coliform 1 KQ

Total Coliform 1 KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 110. Troy Spring water quality analysis.

Table 111. Troy Spring bacteriological analysis.
Turtle Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 50’ 50.62” N., Long. 82° 53’ 25.03” W. (SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 26, T. 7

S., R. 14 E.). Turtle Spring is located 8 miles (13 km) southeast of Branford on the west side

of the Suwannee River. From the bridge over the Suwannee River in Branford head west on

US 27/20 approximately 1.3 miles (2.1 km) to the intersection with SR 349. Head south (left)

on SR 349 and drive approximately 7.3 miles (11.7 km) to the second CR 342 intersection

with CR 349 (second CR 342 sign – CR 342 loops around and joins CR 349 at two points).

Turn east (left) onto CR 342 and drive approximately 5 miles (8 km) to the Simms Landing

boat ramp. CR 342 makes several right angle turns prior to the boat landing. The spring

is 0.5 miles (0.8 km) downstream from the CR 342 boat ramp.

Description – 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.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

188

Figure 95. Turtle Spring (photo by R. Means).
Utilization - The spring is undeveloped and surrounded by private land. It is locally used

for swimming.

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

November 3, 1972 40.8(1)

September 22, 1997 36.39(4)

July 17, 2002 11.43(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

189

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.0 Ca 58 70.3 67.4

DO 2.1 K 0.3 0.56 0.58

pH 6.6 Na 2.3 2.5I 2.5I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 3.4 4.5 4.4

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD 0.2 - 0.23I As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.30 B - - 5U

Color 0 - 5.0 Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 150 - 216.0 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 282 378.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 181 - 217.0 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 27I 28I

Cl 6.0 - 5.9 Mn - 15.7 16.9

SO4 9.6 - 7.2 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.1 - 0.058I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.2U

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

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.42 - 0.36J Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.02I Sn - - 7U

TKN - 0.06U 0.096I Sr 320 - 94.0

P - 0.018 0.021 Zn - 7.8U 3U

PO4 - 0.016 -

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 1972 1972

394

22.32

1.43

6.90

Table 112. Turtle Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 18

Fecal Coliform 8

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 113. Turtle Spring bacteriological analysis.
LAKE COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

190

Figure 96. Springs visited by FGS in Lake County.
Alexander Spring

BULLETIN NO. 66

191

Figure 97. Alexander Spring (photo by T. Scott).
Location-Lat. 29° 04’ 52.68” N., Long. 81° 34’ 33.18” W. (Levy Grant 39, T. 16 S., R. 27 E.).

Alexander Spring is approximately 37 miles (59.5 km) east of Ocala in the Ocala National

Forest. From the intersection of US 441 (Magnolia Avenue) and SR 40 (Silver Springs Road)

in Ocala travel east on SR 40 for approximately 31.8 miles (51.2 km) to the intersection with

SR 19. Turn south (right) onto SR 19 and travel approximately 9.4 miles (15.1 km) to the

intersection with CR 445. Turn east (left) onto CR 445 and travel approximately 5 miles (8

km) to Alexander Springs Recreation Area on the north (left) side of the road. Follow signs

to parking area.

Description-Alexander Spring issues from a conical depression and has a large spring pool

that measures 300 ft (91.4 m) north to south and 258 ft (78.6 m) east to west. The depth is

25 ft (7.6 m). The bottom is mostly sand with limestone exposed near the vent. A vertical

ledge running north to south occurs near the vent. There are multiple vents in a tight cluster. The water is clear and blue. There is a large boil on the pool surface over the vent.

Native aquatic grasses are plentiful. Thin algae patches are present on limestone substrate.

High ground to the south rises gently to 12 ft (3.7 m) above the water level. A rock wall

forms the south shoreline. There is a mixed hardwood and palm forest around the spring.

Alexander Spring Run flows east approximately 8 river miles (12.9 km) until reaching the

St. Johns River. Alexander Spring is the only 1st magnitude spring in the federal parks and

forests system (Follman, personal communication, 2004).

Utilization-Alexander Spring is in the Ocala National Forest. Camping, swimming, scuba

diving, and canoeing are available with full facilities.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

192

Figure 98. Alexander Spring aerial photo (photo by H. Means).
Discharge- All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

February 12, 1931 112(1)

February 7, 1933 124(1)

April 13, 1935 162(1)

October 15, 1935 74.5(1)

December 3, 1935 131(1)

April 2, 1946 101(1)

April 23, 1956 136(1)

November 16, 1960 124(1)

June 8, 1960 124(1)

April 25, 1967 146(1)

June 22, 1967 114(1)

July 2, 1969 109(1)

April 19, 1972 103(1)

September 12, 2001 94.2(7)

BULLETIN NO. 66

193

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature - 24.0 23.6 - Ca 41 44 43.4 J 43.4

DO - - 1.13 - K 2.3 2.0 3.9 3.9

pH 6.9 7.9 7.55 - Na 100 130 122 117

Sp. Cond. 920 1050 1026 - Mg 18 20 20 19.9

Lab Analytes As - 0 3 U 3 U

BOD - 0.1 0.2 AU - Al - - - 75 U

Turbidity - - 0.05 - B - 180 47 I -

Color 0 5 5 U - Cd - 0 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity - 120 82 82 Co - 0 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - 1000 - Cr - 0 2 U 2 U

TDS - - 547 - Cu - 0 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS - - 4 U - Fe 30 10 35 U 35 U

Cl 192 230 230 230 Mn - 0.0 0.5 U 1 U

SO4 56 60 63 62 Ni - - 2 U 2 U

F 0.9 0.5 0.11 0.11 Pb - - 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se - - 4 U 4 U

TOC - 3.0 1 U - Sn - - 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 - 0.03 0.04 0.044 Sr - - 722 -

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01 U 0.01 U Zn - 10 5 U 5 U

TKN - - 0.06 U 0.074 I

P - 0.04 0.048 0.044

PO4 - 0.04 0.045 -

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

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

Analytes 1946 1972 2001 Analytes 1946 1972 2001

Table 114. Alexander Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1 KQ

Enterococci 1 KQ

Fecal Coliform 1 KQ

Total Coliform 10Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 115. Alexander Spring

bacteriological analysis.
Apopka Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 33’ 59.77” N., Long. 81° 40’ 50.41” W (NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 14, T. 22

S., R. 26 E.). Apopka Spring is located on the southwest side of Lake Apopka in Gourd Neck,

2 miles (3.2 km) south of Monteverde and is accessible only by boat. From Clermont head

east on SR 50 approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to the intersection with CR 455. Turn north

(left) onto CR 455 and travel approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) to the town of Monteverde.

Turn east (right) once in Monteverde and follow signs to the boat landing approximately 0.5

mile (0.8 km).

Description – Apopka Spring occupies an open cove on the northwest side of Gourd Neck

of Lake Apopka. The circular spring pool measures 180 ft (54.9 m) in diameter, while the

larger spring cove containing the spring measures 450 ft (137.2 m) north to south and 360

ft (109.7 m) east to west. The vent is in the center of the deep, bowl-shaped spring depression where the depth measures 45 ft (13.7 m). The spring bottom is a mixture of sand and

dark organic matter. Cloudy lake water quickly turns to clear spring water as the spring is

approached. There is some exotic aquatic vegetation along the sandy slopes of the spring

depression. The spring produces a large boil, and suspended particles can be seen within

the clear water column. The spring cove is shallow around the perimeter with an organic,

mucky bottom and emergent vegetation. Gourd Neck is buffered by marsh and lowland

swamp forest on its west side before giving way to sand hills with extensive agriculture. The

east side of Gourd Neck is bordered by a sand hill peninsula with planted pines. An underwater cave system has been recognized in this spring.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

194

Figure 99. Apopka Spring (photo by R. Means).
Utilization – The spring is undeveloped and surrounded by private property.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

May 4, 1971 28.6(1)

Annual Mean 1998 32.05(6) (7 measurements)

Mean 1971-1999 35.0(6) (22 measurements)

Annual Mean 2001 24.71(6) (2 measurements)

BULLETIN NO. 66

195

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 24.5 Ca 20 30.6 29.3

DO - K 0.4 1.1 1A

pH 7.7 Na 4.4 5.27 4.94A

Sp. Cond. 162 Mg 5 8 7.9A

Lab Analytes Al - - 10U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.2 B - - 14.0

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 65 - 80.0 Co - - 1U

Sp. Cond. 162 249.00 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 108 - 137.0 Cu - 2U 4U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 5U 7.7I

Cl 7 - 12.0 Mn - 0.25U 1.5I

SO4 3.6 - 10.0 Ni - 1U 2U

F 0.2 - .087I Pb - 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra226 - - 0.6

TOC - - 1I Ra228 - - 1.1U

NO3 + NO2 as N 2.11 - 5.10 Se - 5U 7U

NH3 + NH4 - - .014I Sn - - 15U

TKN - 0.14I 0.11I Sr 100 - 58.6A

P - 0.034 0.033 Zn - 2I 6U

PO4 - 0.03 -

NO3 0.2 - -

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

24.15

2.07

7.90

249.00

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002 1972 1972

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 2Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 117. Apopka Spring bacteriological analysis.

Table 116. Apopka Spring water quality analysis.
Bugg Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 45’ 07.15” N., Long. 81° 54’ 05.46” W. (SE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 15, T.

20 S., R. 24 E.). Bugg Spring is located 0.4 miles ( 0.6 km) northwest of Okahumpka on privately owned property.

Description – Bugg Spring is a large, very deep, circular spring situated south of Lake

Denham. The spring pool measures 396 ft (120.7 m) north to south and 372 ft (113.4 m) east

to west. There is a vertical limestone ledge a few feet out from the south shore, and depths

beyond the ledge eventually reach 170 ft (51.8 m). The water is clear and blue-greenish. No

boil was observed on the pool surface during April 2002. There is very little aquatic vegetation, but algae are abundant. A large U.S. Navy platform supporting a laboratory for

field instrument calibration is floating in the middle of the spring with a walkway attached

to the northeast shore. The slow-moving spring run flows north approximately 0.8 mile (1.3

km) into Helena Run, the outflow of Lake Denham. Lands immediately surrounding the

spring are low-lying and densely forested. The landowner’s residence is to the south, where

the land begins to rise, eventually becoming rolling sand hills used primarily for agriculture.

Utilization - Bugg Spring is leased to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory for underwater sound reference work. The spring is on private property.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

196

Figure 100. Bugg Spring (photo by T. Scott).
BULLETIN NO. 66

197

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - 24

DO - -

pH 7.4 8

Sp. Cond. - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - 0.1 - 0.25I

Turbidity - - - 0.35

Color 5 5 - 5U

Alkalinity 120 120 - 126

Sp. Cond. 259 260 290.0 -

TDS 140 151 - 171

TSS - - - 4U

Cl 6.6 6 - 13.0

SO4 2 3.2 - 9.7

F 0 0.1 - 0.056I

Nutrients

TOC - - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.3 - 0.61J

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.021A

TKN - - 0.06U 0.092I

P - 0.06 0.057 0.085

PO4 - 0.02 0.082 -

NO3 0.3 - - -

Metals

Ca 44 44 46.9 47.1

K 0.2 0.4 1.2 1.3

Na 4.4 4.8 6.5 6.8

Mg 2.9 2.8 3.1 3.2

Al - - - 50U

As - - 3U 3U

B - - - 17I

Cd - - 0.5U .5U

Co - - - 0.75U

Cr - - 2U 2U

Cu - - 3U 3U

Fe 80 20 25U 35I

Mn - - 4 5.3

Ni - - 2U 2U

Pb - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - 1.0

Ra-228 - - - 1U

Se - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - 7U

Sr - 50 - 62.0

Zn - 10 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

1.43

7.24

300

2002 Analytes

23.45

1946 1972

Table 118. Bugg Spring water quality analysis.
Discharge - Measurements are annual means obtained from the landowner and measured

in conjunction with the SJRWMD. All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s. 

1946 17.6

1956 10.3

1960 18.6 

1967 12.4

1972 10.8

1985 10.2

1990 8.5

1991 11.43

1992 8.09

1993 8.61

1994 9.13

1995 10.7

1996 11.67

1997 8.61

1998 11.68

1999 8.95

2000 8.5

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

198

Analyte Value

Enterococci 18Q

Fecal Coliform 6Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 119. Bugg Spring bacteriological analysis.
LEON COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

199

Figure 101. Springs visited by FGS in Leon County.
Horn Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 19’ 08.89” N., Long. 84° 07’ 43.45” W. (SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 9, T. 2 S.,

R. 2 E.). Horn Spring is located 12.5 miles (20 km) southeast of Tallahassee. From the intersection of US 319 (Capital Circle Southeast) and SR 363 (Woodville Highway) in

Tallahassee, head south on SR 363 (Woodville Highway) approximately 4.6 miles (7.4 km)

to the intersection with Natural Bridge Road in the town of Woodville. Turn east (left) onto

Natural Bridge Road and travel approximately 6.2 miles (10 km) to the St. Marks River.

The spring run flows southwest into the St. Marks River from the east approximately 3

miles (4.8 km) upstream from the Natural Bridge Battlefield State Historic Site. Access to

the spring is by canoe from Natural Bridge.

Description – Horn Spring pool is circular and is approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) in diameter. The depth measures 22.0 ft (6.7 m) near the center. The bottom of Horn Spring is covered with logs and sand, and water issues from numerous sand boils. The spring water is

clear with a slight greenish hue. Algal particles are suspended in the water. The spring has

an abundance of exotic aquatic vegetation. There was no detectable boil on the water surface in February 2002. A hunt camp is situated on the south side of the spring pool. The

rest of the pool edge is forested. Horn Spring run discharges west approximately 500 ft

(152.4 m) into the tannic upper St. Marks River. About half-way down Horn Springs Run,

another smaller spring run feeds in from the south side. Up this feeder run a short distance

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

200

Figure 102. Horn Spring (photo by H. Means).
is a circular spring covered in duckweed. The smaller spring is approximately 30 ft (9.1 m)

in diameter. A second spring run from the smaller spring flows west directly into the St.

Marks River downstream from Horn Spring Run. There are planted pine flatwoods to the

south and east, and the lowland floodplain forest associated with the river is west. The highest ground is to the south, and it rises gently to approximately 4 ft (1.2 m) above the water.

Utilization – Horn Spring is located on private land and is leased to a hunt club. Land

access is not open to the public. The spring may be accessed by a canoe. It is used locally

for swimming.

Discharge – Discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

November 12, 1971 28.8(1)

February 20, 2002 14.15(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

201

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 19.5 Ca 34 40 38.7A

DO - K 0.5 0.5 0.48A

pH 7.5 Na 3.7 3.6I 3.5I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 8.5 9 8.6A

Lab Analytes Al - - 75U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.4 B - - 15U

Color 10 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 110 - 125 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 250 250.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 151 - 156 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 72I

Cl 7 - 5.2A Mn - 0.5U 3.2A

SO4 4 - 11A Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.16 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.2U

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

NO3 + NO2 as N 1.2 - 0.34 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr - - 92.7A

P - 0.046A 0.046 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.045 -

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 1972 Analytes 1972

20.21

2.15

7.30

280

Analyte Value

Enterococci 4

Fecal Coliform 1K

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 121. Horn Spring bacteriological analysis.

Table 120. Horn Spring water quality analysis.
Natural Bridge Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 17’ 06.67” N., Long. 84° 08’ 49.64” W. (SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 2

S., R. 2 E.). Natural Bridge Spring is located on private property 13.5 miles (22 km) southeast of Tallahassee, or 0.3 miles (0.5 km) east of the Natural Bridge State Historic Site. 

Description – Natural Bridge Spring pool measures 66 ft (20.1 m) north to south and 75 ft

(22.9 m) east to west and it is situated in a conical depression. Spring depth measured 33.1

ft (10.1 m) out from the north bank. The water is clear and blue-greenish. There is much

algae growing on the limestone substrate. The spring run is as wide as the spring pool, averages approximately 6 ft (1.8 m) deep and flows swiftly over limestone and sand bottom. The

majority of spring water flows southwest for approximately 0.25 miles (0.4 km), disappearing into a siphon approximately 300 ft (91.4 m) east of Natural Bridge; however, nearly 200

ft (61 m) downstream from the spring, a small channel splits off from the main spring run

and travels westward approximately 1,000 ft (304.8 m) into the St. Marks River. At

Natural Bridge, the St. Marks River flows into a siphon. The river continues underground

to the south. Its underground course is dotted with sinkholes and karst windows for approximately 0.6 miles (1 km) until it re-emerges as St. Marks River Rise (or St. Marks Spring).

Natural Bridge Spring flows into a siphon that is approximately 250 ft (76.2 m) east of the

St. Marks River siphon. It is suspected that Natural Bridge Spring and the St. Marks River

merge underground in the vicinity of Natural Bridge. There may be a cave system associated with this spring.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

202

Figure 103. Natural Bridge Spring (photo by R. Means ).
BULLETIN NO. 66

203

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 20.5 19.5

DO - -

pH 7.4 7.4

Sp. Cond. 226 241

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - 0.2AU

Turbidity - - - 0.55

Color 40 35 - 5U

Alkalinity - 110 - 125.0

Sp. Cond. - - 240.0 -

TDS 137 147 - 151.0

TSS - - - 4U

Cl 5 5 - 5.0

SO4 7.1 5.6 - 6.7

F 0.3 0.2 - 0.14

Nutrients

TOC - 0 - 1.9I

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.002 - 0.27

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01U

TKN - - 0.06U 0.06U

P - - 0.049 0.048

PO4 - 0.03 0.046 -

NO3 1.2 - - -

Metals

Ca 35 34 40.4 40.1

K 0.5 4 0.48 0.52

Na 3.3 3.3 3.3I 4.3

Mg 6.5 7.2 8.3 7.8

Al - - - 75U

As - - 3U 3U

B - - - 15U

Cd - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - 0.75U

Cr - - 2U 2U

Cu - - 3.5U 3.5U

Fe - - 35U 64I

Mn - - 0.75I 2.5

Ni - - 2U 2U

Pb - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - 0.5

Ra-228 - - - 1.5

Se - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - 10U

Sr - - - 75.9

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

272

1946 1972 2002 Analytes

7.26

20.05

0.91

Table 122. Natural Bridge Spring water quality analysis.
Utilization - The spring is undeveloped and is surrounded by private land.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

May 19, 1942 115(1)

May 14, 1946 132(1)

December 5, 1960 97(1)

May 15, 1963 79(1)

October 6, 1971 106(1)

April 25, 2002 151.98(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

204

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1K

Fecal Coliform 1K

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 123. Natural Bridge Spring bacteriological analysis.
Rhodes Springs

Rhodes Springs are a group of karst windows that may be exposures of the same subterranean conduit system. Flow from all Rhodes Springs moves east and south toward the

Natural Bridge area and may converge underground with the subterranean St. Marks River

somewhere above St. Marks River Rise. The Florida Geological Survey sampled three of the

karst windows within this group. The springs are located on private property approximately 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Tallahassee. From the intersection of SR 363 (Woodville

Highway) and Natural Bridge Road in Woodville, head east on Natural Bridge Road approximately 5.6 miles (9 km) to the intersection with Old Plank Road. Turn south (right) onto

Old Plank Road and the spring run will be immediately on the west (right) side of the road.

There is an unpaved pull out area near the spring run.

RHODES SPRING NO. 1

Location – Lat. 30° 17’ 01.79” N., Long. 84° 09’ 18.56” W. (NW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 2

S., R. 2 E.). Rhodes Spring No. 1 is located 0.3 miles (0.5 km) southeast of the intersection

of Old Plank Road and Natural Bridge Road.

Description – Rhodes Spring No. 1 is a karst window that flows 250 ft (76.2 m) from west

to east, and is crescent-shaped. The circular spring pool is on the west end and measures

BULLETIN NO. 66

205

Figure 104. Rhodes Spring No. 4 (photo by H. Means).
75 ft (22.8 m) in diameter. The depth at the pool’s center is approximately 15.7 ft (4.8 m).

The water is clear and colorless. Half of the surfaces of both the spring and siphon are covered with duckweed. Abundant native aquatic vegetation and some algae occur on the sand

and limestone substrates. Exotic aquatic vegetation also is present but not dominant. No

boil is present on the surface of the spring pool, but there is swift current in the stream channel. To the west, the ground rises gently to approximately 6 ft (1.8 m) above the water level.

The rest of the nearby lands are low-lying and densely forested with mixed hardwoods and

cypress. Rhodes Spring No. 1 is located down gradient from Rhodes Springs No. 2 and 4,

and is suspected to be a downstream window into the same conduit system.

RHODES SPRING NO. 2

Location – Lat. 30° 17’ 11.26” N., Long. 84° 09’ 35.84” W. (SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 2

S., R. 2 E.). Rhodes Spring No. 2 is located 330 ft (100.6 m) southwest of the intersection

between Old Plank Road and Natural Bridge Road. 

Description – Rhodes Spring No. 2 is a karst window system with two springheads (2a and

2b). Rhodes Spring 2a is approximately 100 ft (30.5 m) south of 2b, and it flows eastward

for about 50 ft (15.2 m) until the similar-sized No. 2b feeds in on the north side. Rhodes

Spring No. 2a has a circular spring pool measuring approximately 35 ft (10.7 m) in diameter. It has a depth of 12.0 ft (3.7 m), and the water is clear. The bottom of the springs and

their short runs is sandy with some exposed tree roots in bluish clay. There are small boils

on the surface of both spring pools. Combined flow is due east approximately 200 ft (61 m)

into a siphon that is adjacent to the west shoulder of Old Plank Road just south of the intersection with Natural Bridge Road. The area is under the dense canopy of a mixed hardwood

and pine forest. The surrounding land is low-lying, and numerous sinkholes are located to

the north and west of the springheads. Planted pine flatwoods are 300 ft (91 m) northward,

on the north side of Natural Bridge Road. Rhodes Spring No. 2 is up gradient from the

other karst windows in the Rhodes Spring system. 

RHODES SPRING NO. 4

Location – Lat. 30° 17’ 00.71” N., Long. 84° 09’ 26.18” W. (NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 2

S., R. 2 E.). Rhodes Spring No. 4 is located 675 ft (205.7 m) west southwest of Rhodes Spring

#1.

Description – Rhodes Spring No. 4 is a karst window that flows 190 ft (57.9 m) to the southeast. The circular spring pool, at the northwest end of the karst window, measures 45 ft

(13.7 m) in diameter. The depth measures 16 ft (4.9 m). The water is clear with a light

greenish hue. There are some emergent plants along the shore and a thin layer of algae

throughout the pool. The banks rise steeply to approximately 6 ft (1.8 m) above the water

level. The surrounding karst plain is flat and heavily forested. Planted pine flatwoods are

to the north, and swampy lowland is south. Rhodes Spring No. 4 is the middle karst window of the Rhodes Spring karst window system.

Utilization - All three springs are undeveloped and surrounded by private lands.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

206
BULLETIN NO. 66

207

1971

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 20.5

DO 0.7

pH 7.6

Sp. Cond. -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - 0.2U - 0.2U - 0.2U

Turbidity - - 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.4

Color - - 5U - 5U - 5U

Alkalinity 120 - 127 - 126.0 - 127.0

Sp. Cond. 259 250A - 250.0 - 250.0 -

TDS 156 - 155 - 153.0 - 154.0

TSS - - 4U - 4U - 4U

Cl 6 - 5.0 - 5.0 - 5.1

SO4 12 - 9.0 - 9.0 - 9.2

F 0.2 - 0.17 - 0.16 - 0.15

Nutrients

TOC - - 1.4I - 1.8I - 1.4I

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.2 - 0.25 - 0.26 - 0.26

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.01U - 0.01U - 0.01U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U 0.06U 0.06U 0.06U 0.06U

P - 0.044 0.046 0.046 0.045A 0.046A 0.046

PO4 - 0.046 - 0.045 - 0.046 -

NO3 0.7 ------

Metals

Ca 40 40.2 39.6A 40.1 39.7 40 39.9

K 0.6 0.49 0.46A 0.49 0.48 0.49 0.48

Na 3.8 3.3I 3.1I 3.4I 3.3I 3.3I 3.2I

Mg 8.4 8.3 8.1A 8.3 8.2 8.3 8.3

Al - - 75U - 75U - 75U

As - 3U 3U 3U 3U 3U 3U

B - - 15U - 15U - 15U

Cd - 0.5U 0.5U 0.5U 0.5U 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - 0.75U - 0.75U - 0.75U

Cr - 2U 2U 2U 2U 2U 2U

Cu - 3.5U 3.5U 3.5U 3.5U 3.5U 3.5U

Fe - 35U 39I 35U 35U 35U 35U

Mn - 0.81I 2.3A 0.68I 2.0 0.5U 2.1

Ni - 2U 2U 2U 2U 2U 2U

Pb - 3U 5U 3U 5U 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - 0.3 - 0.3 - 0.2

Ra-228 - - 1.5 - 1.2 - 1.1U

Se - 4U 4U 4U 4U 4U 4U

Sn - - 10U - 10U - 10U

Sr 200 - 85A - 86.4 - 87.8

Zn - 1.5U 7U 1.5U 7U 1.5U 7U

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

0.95

7.35

278

Rhodes #4

2002

20.12 20.21

0.96

7.33

276

Rhodes #1

Analytes

Rhodes #2

2002 2002

21.00

1.29

7.33

278

Table 124. Rhodes Springs water quality analysis.
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Rhodes No. 1 Rhodes No. 2 Rhodes No. 4

October 14, 1941 15.8(1) May 19, 1942 13.8(1) May 19, 1942 21.1(1)

May 19, 1942 22.4(1) December 7, 1960 19.8(1) October 8, 1971 15.4(1)

October 8, 1971 18.6(1) October 8, 1971 14.0(1) July 19, 2002 12.46(2)

July 19, 2002 11.60(2) June 25, 2002 12.41(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

208

Analyte Rhodes #1 Rhodes #2 Rhodes #4

Enterococci 8Q 1KQ 4Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ 1KQ 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 125. Rhodes Springs bacteriological analysis
St. Marks River Rise

Location—Lat. 30° 16’ 33.77” N., Long. 84° 08’ 56.16” W. (NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 2

S., R. 2 E.). St. Marks River Rise is located 0.6 miles (0.9 km) south of Natural Bridge

Battlefield Park. The river rise is surrounded by private property but can be accessed by

small boat. From the intersection of US 319/SR 263 (Capital Circle Southeast) and SR363

(Woodville Highway), drive south on SR 363 14.7 miles (23.7 km) to US 98. Turn east (left)

and go 2.5 miles (4 km) to the public boat ramp sign on the east side of the St. Marks River

and north side of US 98. St. Marks River Rise is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) upstream from the boat

ramp.

Description-St. Marks River Rise issues from an elongated fracture in the limestone. The

river rise pool diameter measures 315 ft (96 m) east to west and 195 ft (59.4 m) northwest

to southeast. Just south of the vent, the St. Marks River widens to 420 ft (128 m) northwest

to southeast. The vent is nearly circular and its diameter is approximately 90 ft (27.4 m).

St. Marks River Rise pool depth measures 62 ft (18.9 m). The vent is limestone with almost

a sheer drop on northeast side from 18 ft (5.5 m) to 48 ft (14.6 m). Water was clear and colorless to light blue. Area near the vent is choked with exotic aquatic vegetation, and there

is abundant native aquatic grass farther downstream. Some water hyacinth is present.

Uplands near the spring rise gently to approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) above water level and are

generally forested with a mix of pines, oaks, and cabbage palms.

Utilization—Land around the river rise is privately owned and access is restricted to dirt

4 x 4 tracks. A pipe leads into the vent from the north.

BULLETIN NO. 66

209

Figure 105. St. Marks River Rise (photo by H. Means).
Discharge- December 18, 2001: 452 ft3

/s(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

210

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.0 20.43 - Ca 39 42.4 A 42.7

DO 1.7 3.79 - K 0.5 0.46 A 0.47

pH 7.6 7.54 - Na 3.6 3.26 3.16

Sp. Cond. 270 270 - Mg 8.2 8.2 A 8.3

Lab Analytes As 1 3U 3U

BOD 0.3 0.36 I - Al - - 75 U

Turbidity 2 0.55 - B - 25 U -

Color 8 5U - Cd 3 0.75 U 0.5 U

Alkalinity 130 131 132 Co - 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - 280 - Cr - 2 U 2 U

TDS - 164 - Cu 0 2 U 2 U

TSS - 4U - Fe 0 63 I 31 I

Cl 5.4 5 4.8 Mn 17 10.6 A 6.64

SO4 8.8 9.1 9.1 Ni - 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.1 0.13 0.14 Pb 27 5 U 3 U

Nutrients Se - 3.5 U 3.5 U

TOC 0 1.7 I - Sn - 7U -

NO3 + NO2 0.14 0.21 J 0.23 A Sr 100 84 A -

NH3 + NH4 - 0.01 I 0.043 Zn 3 4 U 3.5 U

TKN - 0.09 I 0.067 I

P 0.07 0.045 0.043

PO4 0.05 0.041 -

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

1974 2001

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

Analytes 1974 2001 Analytes

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 20Q

Enterococci 64Q

Fecal Coliform 28Q

Total Coliform 130Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 127. St. Marks River Rise bacteriological analysis.

Table 126. St. Marks River Rise water quality analysis.
LEVY COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

211

Figure 106. Springs visited by FGS in Levy County.