Fanning Springs

Location-Lat. 29° 35’ 15.32” N., Long. 82° 56’ 07.10” W. (SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 29, T. 10

S., R. 14 E.). Fanning Springs is located in Fanning Springs State Park in the town of

Fanning Springs. The park entrance is located on the east side of the Suwannee River on

US 19/27/98. It is approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) east of the bridge over the Suwannee

River. Follow access road to parking lot. The spring vent is southwest of parking area.

Description—At Fanning Springs, Big Fanning is in a conical depression with steep sand

and limestone banks. The spring pool measures 207 ft (63.1 m) north to south and 144 ft

(43.9 m) east to west. The depth of the spring pool measured over the vent is 18 ft (5.5 m).

The vent area is nearly funnel shaped, with a sand and limestone bottom and limestone

sides, and it issues from the southeast side of the depression. The main vent issues horizontally from a small orifice in the limestone; however, multiple small boils in the sand bottom were present when the spring was visited. Also, there are numerous tiny spring seeps

flowing into the spring pool from the limestone banks. The water is bluish and clear. There

is native aquatic grass in much of the shallow spring pool. Some patches of algae are present in the spring pool. There are cypress and gum trees along both sides of the spring run.

Floating walkways and ropes delineating a swimming area exist in the spring pool. The

spring run flows north briefly before turning westward and flowing approximately 450 ft

(137.2 m) to the tannic Suwannee River. Boat traffic from the river is not allowed past a

floating wooden walkway across spring run. There is sandy high ground on the south and

east sides adjacent to the spring. Elevations rise steeply to approximately 20 ft (6.1 m)

above water level. The slopes are lush with ferns and mosses. On the high ground, there

are pines and hardwoods scattered about.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

212

Figure 107. Fanning Springs (photo by T. Scott).
Utilization-Fanning Springs is a state park with facilities developed for recreation.

Discharge- All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

October 25, 1930 109(1)

March 14, 1932 79.2(1)

December 17, 1942 137(1)

May 1, 1956 64(1)

November 18, 1960 111(1)

March 27, 1963 83.4(1)

April 25, 1972 98.7(1)

July 31, 1973 139(1)

October 24, 2001 51.5(7)

BULLETIN NO. 66

213

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 23.0 23.0 22.0 22.5 22.7 - Ca 66 64 66 63 77.7 77.5

DO - - - - 2.15 - K 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.2 2.4 2.5

pH 7.3 8.0 7.9 8.0 6.97 - Na 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 4.15 4.1

Sp. Cond. 357 330 344 345 421 - Mg 4.8 5.5 3.8 4.1 5.8 5.8

Lab Analytes As - - - - 3U 3U

BOD - - - - 0.2 U - Al - - - - - 75U

Turbidity - - - - 0.05 - B - - - - 25U -

Color 2 14 0 0 5U - Cd - - - - 0.75 U 0.75 U

Alkalinity - 170 - 160 193 192 Co - - - - 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - - - 440 A - Cr - - - - 2U 2U

TDS - - - - 256 - Cu - - - - 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS ---- 4U - Fe 0.08 0.01 - - 35 U 35 U

Cl 4.0 4.5 4.0 1.0 8.3 8.5 Mn - - - - 0.5 U 0.5 U

SO4 9.9 12 10 11 19 20 Ni - - - - 2U 3U

F 0.0 - 0.3 0.2 0.098 I 0.12 Pb - - - - 5U 4U

Nutrients Se - - - - 4U 4U

TOC - - - 2.0 1 U - Sn - - - - 20U -

NO3 + NO2 - - - - 3.7 4.1 Sr - - - 100 77 -

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

TKN - - - - 0.06 U 0.06 U

P - - - - 0.066 0.063 A

PO4 0.072 -

Analytes 1946 1956 1960

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 Q=Exceeding holding time limit

1956 1960 1972 2001 1972 2001 Analytes 1946

- - - -

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1KQ

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Total Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 129. Fanning Springs

bacteriological analysis.

Table 128. Fanning Springs water quality analysis.
Levy Blue Spring

Location - Lat. 29° 27’ 02.69” N., Long. 82° 41’ 56.28” W. (NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 10, T. 12

S., R. 16 E.). Levy Blue Spring is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) west of Bronson in a county

park. From the US 27A/ SR 24 intersection in Bronson, travel 2.3 miles (3.7 km) northwest

on US 27A to CR 339A. Turn west then southwest (left) on CR 339A (NE 94th Place or Blue

Springs Road) and follow the road 2 miles (3.2 km) down to the park.

Description - Levy Blue Spring has a roughly circular spring pool measuring 156 ft (47.5

m) in diameter. The depth measures 9 ft (2.7 m) over the deepest point, however, most of

the pool is considerably shallower. Several small sand boils can be seen upwelling from the

sand spring bottom off from the wooden platform on the north side. There is very little

aquatic vegetation within the spring itself, but algae cover much of the spring bottom. A

concrete and wooden retaining wall encircles most of the spring pool. There is a grassy lawn

with tables and playground equipment around the spring pool on all sides except near the

outflow channel. Several access ladders can be found around the pool. The spring run is

approximately 40 ft (12.2 m) wide, shallow, slow-moving and contains abundant aquatic and

emergent vegetation. The spring run flows through a dense lowland swamp forest toward

the southwest until meeting the upper Waccassasa River. At least two small blackwater

streams feed into the spring run during its course to the river. Pine flatwoods are to the

north and east of the swimming area, and adjacent land outside the park is generally forested with planted pines. Levy Blue Spring is near the headwaters of the Waccasassa River,

which flows approximately 30 miles (48 km) southwest into the Gulf of Mexico.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

214

Figure 108. Levy Blue Spring (photo by T. Scott).
Utilization - Levy Blue Spring is located within a county park and is a popular swimming

area.

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

Average for 1917-1974 8.87 (1) (56 measurements)

Min (June 28, 1973) 4.5 (1)

Max (August 3, 1945) 22.0(1)

December 17, 2002 1.71(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

215

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature Ca 35.5A 35.4

DO K 0.12A 0.12I

pH Na 2.51A 2.48

Sp. Cond. Mg 5.4A 5.1

Lab Analytes Al - 10U

BOD - 0.2U As 3U 3U

Turbidity - 0.2 B - 10U

Color - 5U Cd 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity - 110 Co - 1U

Sp. Cond. 222.0 - Cr 2U 2U

TDS - 122Q Cu 2U 4U

TSS - 4UQ Fe 8.6I 44U

Cl - 4.8 Mn 0.38I 0.54I

SO4 - 1.5 Ni 1U 2U

F - 0.079I Pb 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - 0.3U

TOC - 1.5I Ra-228 - 0.9U

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.51 Se 5U 7U

NH3 + NH4 - 0.012I Sn - 4.5I

TKN 0.16I 0.18U Sr - 38.3

P 0.025I 0.045U Zn 1U 2.1I

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

231

21.0

2.68

7.80

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002

Table 130. Levy Blue Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 8Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 131. Levy Blue Spring bacteriological analysis.
Manatee Spring

Location - Lat. 29° 29’ 22.20” N., Long. 82° 58’ 36.74” W. (SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 26, T. 11

S., R. 13 E.). Manatee Spring is approximately 7 miles (11.2 km) west of Chiefland within

Manatee Springs State Park. From the US 19/27A and CR 320 intersection in Chiefland,

drive west approximately 5.2 miles (8.4 km) on CR 320 to the entrance of the park. Follow

park road to the main parking area; the spring is 200 ft (61 m) north of the parking lot.

Description - Manatee Spring and its run are on the east side of the Suwannee River within a densely wooded, lowland floodplain. The spring discharges into a conical sink depression. The spring pool measures 60 ft (18.3 m) north to south and 75 ft (22.9 m) east to west.

The depth of the spring pool is 25 ft (7.6 m). The bottom of the spring pool is sand with

numerous submerged logs. There is a limestone ledge 3 ft (0.9 m) below the water surface

and a vertical wall on the south side of the spring pool where wooden steps lead down into

the water for swimming access. There is a tremendous boil associated with this spring.

Thick algae cover approximately 75% of the limestone ledge and wall. The water is sky blue.

Native aquatic grasses inhabit the spring run. There are many cypress trees and knees on

the north and east shores of the spring pool. The spring run flows southward to the

Suwannee River approximately 1200 ft (365.8 m). A boardwalk follows the run to a dock at

the mouth of the run on the Suwannee River. Uplands on the south side of the spring rise

to approximately 15 ft (4.6 m) above the water level and are developed into a recreation area

underneath a thick canopy of live oak and pine. There are numerous walkways and a rock

wall along the south shore of the spring pool. The north shore is relatively pristine and

wooded. An extensive underwater cave system has been mapped at Manatee Spring. Divers

report that entry into the cave against the current is very difficult.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

216

Figure 109. Manatee Spring (photo by T. Scott).
Utilization-The spring and its surroundings constitute Manatee Springs State Park. The

area is developed for camping, hiking, swimming, scuba diving, and nature study.

Discharge- All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

March 14, 1932 149(1)

December 17, 1942 218(1)

July 24, 1946 137(1)

April 27, 1956 110(1)

November 18, 1960 238(1)

May 28, 1963 145(1)

April 19, 1972 220(1)

April 25, 1972 210(1)

July 31, 1973 203(1)

October 23, 2001 154(7)

BULLETIN NO. 66

217

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 23.0 23.0 22.0 22.5 - Ca 75 74 74 84.1 82.4

DO - - - 1.6 - K 0.4 0.2 0.2 1.1 1.1

pH 7.4 8.0 8.0 7.04 - Na 2.9 3.1 3.0 3.78 3.64

Sp. Cond. 402 390 413 430 - Mg 6.3 7.7 5.2 6.5 6.3

Lab Analytes B - - - 25U -

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

Turbidity - - - 0.2 - As - - - 3 U 3 U

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

Alkalinity - 180 170 198 200 Co - - - 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - - 460 - Cr - - - 2 U 2 U

TDS - - - 268 - Cu - - - 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS - - - 4U - Fe - - - 35 U 35 U

Cl 5.1 - 4.0 7.2 7.3 Mn - - - 0.5 U 0.5 U

SO4 23 22 25 32 32 Ni - - - 2 U 3 U

F 0 0.2 0.2 0.09 I 0.11 Pb - - - 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se - - - 4 U 4 U

TOC - - - 1U - Sn - - - 20U -

NO3 + NO2 - - - 1.7 1.8 Sr - - 100 187 -

NH3+NH4 - - - 0.011 I 0.01 U Zn - - - 5 U 5 U

TKN - - - 0.06 U 0.06 U

P - - - 0.025 0.023

PO4 - - - 0.027 -

1956 1972

I=Value 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 1946 Analytes 1946 1956

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 8Q

Enterococci 8Q

Fecal Coliform 6Q

Total Coliform 310Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 133. Manatee Spring

bacteriological analysis.

Table 132. Manatee Spring water quality analysis.
MADISON COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

218

Figure 110. Springs visited by FGS in Madison County.
Madison Blue Spring

Location - Lat. 30° 28’ 49.57” N., Long. 83° 14’ 39.71” W. (SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 17, T. 1

N., R. 11 E.). Madison Blue Spring is approximately 10 miles (16 km) east of Madison on

the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. From the intersection of US 90 and SR 6 just east

of Madison, drive east on SR 6 approximately 8 miles (12.9 km) to the bridge over the

Withlacoochee River. Turn south (right) at the park sign just before the bridge. The spring

is 525 ft (160 m) south of the highway.

Description - This spring issues from the bottom of conical depression. The spring pool

diameter is about 72 ft (21.9 m) north to south and 82 ft (25 m) northeast to southwest. Pool

depth measures 24 ft (7.3 m). The spring has vertical limestone walls. The 100 ft (30.5 m)

long and 15 to 25 feet wide (4.6 – 7.6 m) spring run flows swiftly into the tannic

Withlacoochee River. There was no visible boil in October 2001. Nearly the entire spring

bottom and sides are covered with dark green algae. Sandy high ground surrounds the

spring and rises to approximately 20 ft (6.1 m) above water level. Mixed hardwoods and

pines occur along with numerous dirt pathways. An underwater cave system has been

mapped at Madison Blue Spring.

Utilization - Madison Blue Spring is state-owned and is managed as a county recreational

park with picnic tables, parking lot, and facilities. Swimming and scuba diving occur frequently here. A wooden access platform for scuba diving is located on the north side of the

pool.

BULLETIN NO. 66

219

Figure 111. Madison Blue Spring (photo by T. Scott).
Discharge- All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

March 16, 1932 75(1)

April 24, 1956 77.8(1)

November 15, 1960 141(1)

May 28, 1963 113(1)

November 6, 1973 139(1)

October 23, 2001 71.4(4)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

220

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.5 21.1 21.0 21.29 - Ca 39 41 40 41.3 41.4

DO - - 2.5 1.76 - K 0.7 0.3 0.8 0.47 0.47

pH 7.6 7.7 7.7 7.75 - Na 2.4 2.6 2.9 2.77 2.77

Sp. Cond. 262 257 261 277 - Mg 8.7 7.2 10 8.4 8.5

Lab Analytes As - - 3 U 3 U

BOD - - 0.7 0.29 I - Al - - - - 75U

Turbidity - - 4.0 0.9 - B - - 0 25 U -

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

Alkalinity - 120 120 122 123 Co - - 0 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - - 280 - Cr - - 5 2 U 2 U

TDS - - - 155 - Cu - - 4 2 U 2 U

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

Cl 3.6 4.0 4.0 4.7 A 4.7 Mn - - - 0.91 I 0.32 I

SO4 10 9.6 11.0 14 A 14 Ni - - - 1.5 U 1.5 U

F 0.1 0.4 0.1 0.14 0.15 Pb - - 10 5 U 3 U

Nutrients Se - - - 3.5 U 3.5 U

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

NO3 + NO2 - - 0.01 1.3 1.4 Sr - - 0 56.4 -

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.013 I 0.01 UQ Zn - - - 4 U 3.5 U

TKN - - - 0.06 U 0.06 U

P - - 0.03 0.041 0.042

PO4 - - 0.52 0.03 J -

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

2001 Analytes 1946 1960 1973 Analytes 1946 1960

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

1973 2001

Table 134. Madison Blue Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 6Q

Enterococci 8Q

Fecal Coliform 4Q

Total Coliform 40Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 135. Madison Blue Spring bacteriological analysis.
Suwanacoochee Spring

Location – Lat. 30° 23’ 12.02” N., Long. 83° 10’ 18.36” W. (NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 24, T. 1

S., R. 11 E.). The spring flows into the Withlacoochee River near its confluence with the

Suwannee River, 13 miles (21 km) northwest of Live Oak. From the intersection with I-10

northwest of Live Oak, drive northwest on US 90 approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) to the

Suwannee River. Cross over the river and turn north (right) on NE Drew Way. Follow the

road to the Suwannee River State Park Picnic Area Annex. Follow the gated track in the

picnic area southeast under the railroad trestle to the spring. Suwanacoochee Spring is situated on the southwest bank of the Withlacoochee River within view of the river’s confluence with the Suwannee River.

Description – The single vent opening on the west end of the pool runs down into the bank

to a line of sight depth of 10 ft (3 m). The small spring pool has a 15 ft (4.6 m) diameter.

Limestone is exposed around the pool and sand covers the bottom. The water is clear and

greenish. Algae are prevalent on submerged surfaces. This spring was discharging tannic

water during April 2002 in response to a late March heavy rain. The water didn’t entirely

clear up until early August 2002, at which time the spring was barely flowing.

Suwanacoochee Spring discharges from the base of 25 ft (7.6 m) high banks along the river

through the remains of a late 1800’s rock bath house intended to pool the water for swimming. The rock structure has rectangular window openings and has become disfigured with

age. Both sides of the river have high forested banks with limestone overlain by sand. Also,

in August 2002, the adjacent Withlacoochee River was at a historically low stage and was

BULLETIN NO. 66

221

Figure 112. Suwanacoochee Spring (photo by R. Means).
an estimated 2 ft (0.6 m) below the spring pool surface. Cave divers report that

Suwanacoochee and Ellaville Springs are connected by an extensive underwater cave system that extends underneath the Suwannee River bed.

Utilization – The spring was historically used for bathing in the 1800’s, but is currently

undeveloped on state park property.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in

ft3

/s.

November 6, 1931 40.8(1)

March 16, 1932 18.3(1)

November 8, 1973 51.6(1)

September 24, 1997 35.46(4)

August 6, 2002 0.54(2)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

222

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.0 Ca 53 53A 53.8

DO 1.6 K 0.6 1A 1.0

pH 7.3 Na 2.4 11.2A 11.2

Sp. Cond. - Mg 11 7.8A 7.9

Lab Analytes Al - - 10U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 0.5U 0.75U

Turbidity - - 0.15 B - - 18I

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.025U 0.025U

Alkalinity 160 - 152 Co - - 2U

Sp. Cond. 370 338.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 196 - 203.0 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 21I 40U

Cl 3.6 - 5.8 Mn - 27.4A 27.6

SO4 11 - 27.0 Ni - 3.6U 2U

F 0.1 - 0.14 Pb - 0.025U 0.1U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.3

TOC - - 1.7I Ra-228 - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 0.48 Se - 0.69I 1U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.015I Sn - - 5U

TKN - 0.065I 0.065I Sr 0 - 88.0

P - 0.064A 0.069A Zn - 2U 4U

PO4 - 0.063 -

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 1973 Analytes 1973

21.07

0.25

7.02

360

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 137. Suwanacoochee Spring

bacteriological analysis.

Table 136. Suwanacoochee Spring water quality analysis.
BULLETIN NO. 66

223

MANATEE COUNTY

Figure 113. Spring visited by FGS in Manatee County.

Spring description provided on enclosed CD.
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

224

Figure 114. Springs visited by FGS in Marion County.

MARION COUNTY
Fern Hammock Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 11’ 00.86” N., Long. 81°

42’ 29.50” W. (SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 17, T.

15 S., R. 26 E.). Fern Hammock Springs are

located in the Juniper Springs Recreation

Area, adjacent to the Juniper Prairie

Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest.

The recreation area entrance is on the north

side of SR 40, 26 miles (42 km) east of Ocala.

From the intersection of SR 40 and CR 326

just east of Ocala in Silver Springs, travel

east on SR 40 approximately 20.3 miles

(32.7 km) to the Juniper Springs Recreation

Area on the north (left) side of the road.

Access to the springs is via a hiking trail.

Fern Hammock Springs are located downstream from Juniper Springs along Juniper

Springs Run.

Description - The pool measures 75 ft (22.9

m) north to south and 156 ft (47.5 m) east to

west. There are at least 20 sandy boils scattered throughout the spring pool. The

largest sand-filled boil, located directly

under the footbridge, was sampled for water

quality. The depth measured over the sampled boil is 5.0 ft (1.5 m), but the rest of the

spring pool is shallow, averaging approximately 2 ft (.6 m) deep. The bottom of the

pool is sand with abundant patches of native

aquatic grasses. The water is clear and has a light bluish tint. Limited exotic aquatic vegetation is present in the spring pool. Algae are present as a thin and patchy coating on the

aquatic grasses. The springs are situated in a shallow spring pool that is a widened section

of a side channel of Juniper Creek. A clear water channel flows into the pool on the south

side. Water exits via a clear stream channel on the northwest side of the pool flowing

approximately 600 ft (182.9 m) to Juniper Creek. There are additional small springs along

the creek. A wooden footbridge arches over the center of the elongated spring pool. This

spring is maintained in a more natural state than the neighboring Juniper Springs. Much

of the pool is under a hardwood forest canopy and is within a dense mesic forest of pine,

palm, and hardwoods. The banks are pristine, rising steeply to 3 ft (0.9 m) above water

level. There is an interpretive pavilion near the northeast shore up in the woods, and two

old ceramic drainage pipes lead down into the pool.

Utilization - The springs are within the Ocala National Forest. Campgrounds are near the

springs but swimming is prohibited due to ecological restoration efforts.

BULLETIN NO. 66

225

Figure 115. Fern Hammock Springs

(photo by T. Scott).
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured

in ft3

/s.

December 16, 1935 15.5(1)

Annual Mean 1936 16.8(1) (5 measurements)

March 11, 1937 15.6(1)

April 4, 1946 17.6(1)

April 23, 1956 11.6(1)

November 15, 1960 17.7(1)

April 19, 1972 12.7(1)

Annual Mean 1985 13.6(6) (4 measurements)

Annual Mean 1990 11.0(6) (6 measurements)

Annual Mean 1995 13.0(6) (4 measurements)

Annual Mean 2000 10.9(6) (5 measurements)

Annual Mean 2001 10.6(6) (4 measurements)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

226

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 21.5 Ca 12 12.5 12.4

DO - K 0.2 0.26 0.26

pH 8.3 Na 2.7 2.4I 2.3I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 4.4 4.5 4.4

Lab Analytes Al - - 20U

BOD 0 - - As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.15 B - - 15U

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 43 - 46 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 110 120.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 63 - 65.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 4.3 - 4.0 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 5.2 - 5.8 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.071I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.1

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

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

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.015I Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 90 - 75.5

P - 0.022A 0.031 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.033 -

NO3 0.26 - -

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

116

22.07

5.84

7.73

2002 Analytes Analytes 2002 1972 1972

Table 138. Fern Hammock Springs water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1200Q

Fecal Coliform 88Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 139. Fern Hammock

Springs bacteriological analysis.
Juniper Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 11’ 01.34” N., Long. 81° 42’ 44.68” W. (SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 17, T. 15

S., R. 26 E.). Juniper Springs is located in the Juniper Springs Recreation Area adjacent to

the Juniper Prairie Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest. The recreation area entrance

is on the north side of SR 40, 26 miles (42 km) east of Ocala. From the intersection of SR 40

and CR 326 just east of Ocala in Silver Springs, travel east on SR 40 approximately 20.3

miles (32.7 km) to the Juniper Springs Recreation Area on the north (left) side of the road.

Description - Juniper Springs has a generally shallow, oval shaped pool with multiple

vents. The pool measures 90 ft (27.4 m) east to west and 120 ft (36.6 m) north to south. The

vent sampled for water quality is located on the east side of the spring pool. Pool depth

measured over the sampled vent is 11.7 ft (3.6 m). A small boil was present over this vent

in January 2002. The bottom consists of sand and limestone with patches of native aquatic grasses. Limestone is exposed near the vents. The vent on the west side of the pool is a

sandy boil approximately 6 ft (1.8 m) below the surface. Another vent is near the center of

the pool. The water is clear and pale blue. Some algae are growing on aquatic grass blades,

but overall algal presence is relatively sparse. A limestone wall with multiple accesses surrounds the spring pool. An old millhouse with a spillway is located along the run just downstream and within view of Juniper Springs. Juniper Springs forms the headwaters of

Juniper Creek. It flows generally eastward through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness approxBULLETIN NO. 66

227

Figure 116. Juniper Springs (photo by H. Means).
imately 10 miles (16.1 km) into Lake George. There are many small springs along the run.

To the south and west of the spring, higher ground rises to approximately 8 ft (2.4 m) above

the water level. All land adjacent to spring pool is landscaped and developed into a recreation area.

Utilization – Juniper Springs is located within the Ocala National Forest and is popular

for swimming. Camping and full facilities are available. Juniper Springs Run is a superb

canoeing and kayaking stream, and boat rentals are available. Motorized boats are not

allowed inside the wilderness area.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

228

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.0 Ca 13 12.5A 12.8A

DO - K 0.9 0.26A 0.26A

pH 8.5 Na 2.7 2.3I 2.3I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 4.6 4.3A 4.4A

Lab Analytes Al - - 20U

BOD - - - As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.1 B - - 15U

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 40 - 48 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 110 120.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 68 - 62.0 Cu - 3.5U 3.5U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 35U 35U

Cl 5.0 - 4A Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 8.4 - 5.6A Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.069I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.2

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

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.03 - 0.084 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.012I Sn - - 10U

TKN - 0.06U 0.06U Sr 120 - 78.4A

P - 0.028 0.034 Zn - 1.5U 2U

PO4 - 0.027 -

NO3 0.08 - -

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

115

22.02

6.24

8.03

Table 140. Juniper Springs water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 141. Juniper Springs bacteriological analysis.
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

February 10, 1931 0.5(1) (estimated)

April 13, 1935 8.94(1)

December 16, 1935 15.7(1)

Annual Mean 1936 13.1(1) (4 measurements)

March 11, 1937 12.8(1)

April 4, 1946 14.1(1)

April 23, 1956 9.66(1)

November 5, 1960 13.6(1)

April 19, 1972 10.1(1)

Annual Mean 1985 12.2(6) (5 measurements)

Annual Mean 1990 9.12(6) (6 measurements)

Annual Mean 1995 11.96(6) (4 measurements)

Annual Mean 2000 8.81(6) (5 measurements)

Annual Mean 2001 8.24(6)(4 measurements)

BULLETIN NO. 66

229
Orange Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 30’ 38.34” N., Long. 81° 56’ 38.66” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 25, T. 11

S., R. 23 E.). Orange Spring is located on Orange Creek approximately 8 miles (12.8 km)

southwest of Interlachen. From the intersection of SR 20 and CR 21 just west of Interlachen,

head south on CR 21 and travel approximately 8.1 miles (13 km) to the bridge over Orange

Creek. The spring is 0.15 miles (0.24 km) northeast of the SR 21 bridge over Orange Creek.

Description – Orange Spring sits in a slightly ovoid depression entirely ringed with a rock

retaining wall. It measures 99 ft (30.2 m) east to west and 111 ft (33.8 m) northeast to

southwest. The bottom is sand with depths ranging from 3 ft (0.9 m) to 12 ft (3.7 m) over the

vent. The water color is murky greenish, and there are iron-reducing bacteria, algae, and

some aquatic vegetation occurring in the spring. The vent is located in the northwest quadrant of the spring. The Springs Team visiting the spring was told there is a locked gate over

the vent preventing access. It is uncertain if limestone is exposed in the vent. A slight boil

is visible on the spring surface. There is a sharp odor of hydrogen sulfide emanating from

the spring water. The relatively short spring run exits the pool toward the northeast over

a 2 ft (0.6 m) high, man-made, limestone waterfall. Past the waterfall, the spring run is then

channeled through a narrow concrete chute. The spring run flows approximately 500 ft

(152.4 m) and joins the dark waters of Orange Creek. The spring is situated on the south

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

230

Figure 117. Orange Spring (photo by R. Means).
edge of the heavily forested floodplain of Orange Creek. A water bottling facility and historical house are located to the south of the spring. Historically, Orange Spring attracted

people during the 1800’s and early 1900’s for bathing and healing in its mineral-rich waters.

Utilization – Orange Spring is owned by a water bottling company, and access is closed to

the public. It was formerly used for swimming.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

September 11, 1972 7.59(1)

January 8, 2003 2.95(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

231

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 24.0 Ca 37 37.7 38.6

DO K 0.9 0.74 0.75

pH 7.6 Na 4.4 4.2 3.6

Sp. Cond. - Mg 9.5 9.3 9.3

Lab Analytes Al - - 10U

BOD - - 0.21I As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.7 B - - 10U

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 120 129 - Co - - 1U

Sp. Cond. 280 - 255 Cr - 5U 2U

TDS 169 - 150.0 Cu - 3.5U 4U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 5U 7.3I

Cl 6.0 - 6 Mn - 3.69 3.8

SO4 11 - 10 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.2 Pb - 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.6

TOC - - 1.2I Ra-228 - - 0.9U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.02 - 0.004U Se - 8U 8U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.083 Sn - - 8.8I

TKN - 0.095I 0.24 Sr 250 - 204

P - 0.072 0.078 Zn - 2.5U 4U

PO4 - 0.085 -

NO3 0.00 - -

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 1972 1972

279

23.31

0.41

7.45

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 143. Orange Spring bacteriological analysis.

Table 142. Orange Spring water quality analysis.
Rainbow Springs Group

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

232

Figure 118. Rainbow Springs Group aerial photo (photo by H. Means).

Figure 119. Rainbow Springs Group head spring (photo by T. Scott).
Group Location— Lat. 29° 06’ N., Long. 82° 26’ W. (sections 7, 12, and 18, T. 16 S., R. 18

E.). The Rainbow Springs Group is approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km) north of Dunnellon and

forms the headwaters of the Rainbow River. From the intersection of US 41 and CR 484 in

Dunnellon, drive north on US 41 approximately 3.7 miles (6 km) to a large sign on the east

(right) side of the road indicating the entrance to the Rainbow Springs State Park, at 83rd

Place Road. Turn east (right) onto 83rd Place Road and continue 0.8 miles (1.3 km) to the

parking area near the head of the Rainbow River.

Group Description—Rainbow Springs Group forms the Rainbow River, which flows

approximately 5.7 miles (9.2 km) south to the tannic Withlacoochee River. Surrounding

land has high rolling sand hills with pine forest, agricultural fields and developed areas.

Springs, in addition to those at and near the head of the Rainbow River, discharge from

numerous limestone crevices and sand boils in the bed of the river and along the banks

through the upper 2 miles (3.2 km).

RAINBOW NO. 1— Lat. 29° 06’ 08.91” N., Long. 82° 26’ 14.88” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec.

12, T. 16 S., R. 18 E.). Rainbow No. 1 is at the head of the Rainbow River. The spring pool

measures 330 ft (10.6 m) north to south and 360 ft (109.7 m) east to west. The large spring

pool has multiple vents. The depth over the main vent is 9.9 ft (3 m). The bottom is sand

with occasional limestone boulders. Water is clear and blue. A boil is visible over the main

vent. Aquatic vegetation is patchy, including some exotic aquatic vegetation. Motorized

boats are prohibited, but the area is accessible by canoe or kayak. There is a designated

swimming area on the west side of pool. Land around the northern half of the pool rises

sharply to approximately 25 ft (7.6 m) above the water. Rainbow Springs State Park facilities are situated on the high ground to the north. Live oak and pines are abundant on high

ground. There is a dense hardwood-palm swamp forest along the pool’s east and west edges.

BULLETIN NO. 66

233

Figure 120. Rainbow Springs Group rocks underwater (photo by T. Scott)
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

234

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures

Temperature - - 22.5 23.4 - 23.5 - 23.4 - 23.0 -

DO - - 6.0 6.61 - 5.33 - 5.71 - 4.45 -

pH - 7.9 7.8 7.95 - 7.68 - 7.65 - 7.41 -

Sp. Cond. - 145 121 161 - 251 - 347 - 337 -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - 0.0 0.2 U - 0.2 U - 0.2 U - 0.2 U -

Turbidity - - 1 0.05 U - 0.05 U - 0.1 - 0.05 U -

Color - 2 0 5 U - 5 U - 5 U - 5 U -

Alkalinity - - 53 67 A 67 A 115 115 123 123 160 158

Sp. Cond. - - - 160 - 250 - 340 - 330 -

TDS - - - 89 - 134 - 207 - 192 -

TSS - - - 4 U - 4 U - 4 U - 4 U -

Cl 3.0 3.5 3.3 3.9 3.8 4.4 4.4 6.5 6.5 5.4 5.2 A

SO4 16.0 4.7 4.3 4.8 4.8 4.9 4.8 44 44 8.2 7.9 A

F - 0.0 0.2 0.079 I 0.095 I 0.097 I 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.11 0.13

Nutrients

TOC - - 0.0 1 U - 1 U - 1 U - 1 U -

NO3 + NO2 - - 0.17 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.3 0.9 0.92 1.1 1.1

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01 U 0.013 I 0.011 I 0.01 U 0.01 U 0.01 U 0.017 I 0.01 U

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

P - - - 0.029 0.028 0.034 0.036 0.028 0.028 0.034 0.037

PO4 - - 0.03 0.034 - 0.037 - 0.026 Q - 0.04 -

Metals

Ca 21 21 20 22.4 J 22.9 39.6 J 40.3 53.8 AJ 54 57.4 J 55.2

K 0.5 0.4 0.1 0.11 0.11 0.12 0.13 0.28 A 0.28 0.17 0.16

Na 1.4 2.9 2.0 2.33 2.31 2.41 2.53 3.74 A 3.68 2.97 2.85

Mg 5.1 4.0 3.1 3.6 3.7 4.9 5 6.8 A 6.8 6.3 6.1

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

Al - - 30 - 75 U - 75 U - 75 U - 75 U

B - - 4 25 U - 25 U - 25 U - 25 U -

Cd - - 0 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U

Co - - - 0.75 U - 0.75 U - 0.75 U - 0.75 U -

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

Cu - - 0.2 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 5.2 I

Fe - - 0 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U

Mn - - 0 0.5 U 0.5 U 0.5 U 0.5 U 0.5 U 0.5 U 0.5 U 0.5 U

Ni - - 3 2 U 2 U 2 U 2 U 2 U 2 U 2 U 2 U

Pb - - 6 5 U 4 U 5 U 4 U 5 U 4 U 5 U 4 U

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

Sn - - - 10 U - 10 U - 10 U - 10 U -

Sr - - 70 55 - 82 - 423 A - 153 -

Zn - - 0 5 U 5 U 5 U 5 U 5 U 5 U 5 U 5 U

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 Q=Exceeding holding time limit

Analytes 1927 1946 1974 2001 2001 2001 2001

No. 1 No. 4 No. 6 Bubbling

Table 144. Rainbow Springs Group water quality analysis.
RAINBOW NO. 4 - Lat. 29°06’ 06.87” N., Long. 82° 26’ 13.77” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 12,

T. 16 S., R. 18 E.). Rainbow No. 4 is approximately 350 ft (106.7 m) downstream from Spring

No. 1. It issues from a conical depression at the bottom of the river. The circular spring pool

measures approximately 75 ft (2.9 m) in diameter. The depth measured over the vent is 10.9

ft (3.3 m). Water is clear and pale blue. A boil is not visible. Aquatic grasses sway in the

current with very little exotic aquatic vegetation. Algae are present but are not dominant.

This spring is located within the State Park no motorized boat zone. Land on both sides of

the river is low lying and harbors pristine hardwood swamp forest.

RAINBOW NO. 6 - Lat. 29° 05’ 34.11” N., Long. 82° 25’ 42.83” W. (NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec.

18, T. 16 S., R. 18 E.). Rainbow No. 6 is just off the south bank approximately 0.4 miles (0.6

km) downstream from the headwaters. It emerges from the bottom of the Rainbow River

between 1 and 1.5 miles (1.6-2.4 km) downstream from the head of the river. It issues from

a conical depression nearest the west bank of the river and forms a boil on the river surface.

The spring pool measures approximately 60 ft (18.3 m) north to south and 75 ft (22.9 m) east

to west. The depth measured over the vent is 16.9 ft (5.2 m). Limestone is evident on the

bottom of the spring. River and spring water are clear and pale blue. Aquatic grasses are

common in the spring pool. Exotic aquatic vegetation is present on the south side of the pool.

Algae occur thinly on limestone substrate. High ground on the west side of the river rises

to nearly 20 ft (6.1 m) above the water. There are some pines on the hill top. This spring is

downstream from the state park, and private houses are along the west bank. The east side

of the river is low-lying and heavily forested state land.

BUBBLING SPRING - Lat. 29° 06’ 04.46” N., Long. 82° 26’ 05.45” W. (SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4

sec. 7, T. 16 S., R. 18 E.). Bubbling Spring flows into the Rainbow River from the east

approximately 200 ft (61 m) downstream from Spring No. 4. The spring pool measures 45

ft (13.7 m) north to south and 75 ft (22.9 m) east to west. The shallow spring pool measures

only 2.8 ft (0.9 m) over the vent. Water issues from a small crevice in the limestone. The

force of the boil pushes the water column approximately 0.5 ft (0.2 m) higher than the surrounding spring pool. The pool bottom is sand and limestone and the water is clear and pale

blue. This spring and its run have very rich aquatic vegetation. Algae are thinly present

on limestone substrate. Bubbling Spring is at the head of a spring run that is approximately 400 ft (121.9 m) long. Densely forested high ground adjoins the east side of the pool and

rises to approximately 15 ft (4.6 m) above water. There is a hardwood forest canopy over the

spring pool. The spring is within the state park.

Utilization- The uppermost portion of Rainbow River is part of Rainbow Springs State

Park. It is developed into an interpretive and recreation area with emphasis on preserving

the natural quality of the watershed. The east side of the river below the state park is stateBULLETIN NO. 66

235

Analyte Vent No. 1 Vent No. 4 Vent No. 6 Bubbling

Escherichia coli 1 KQ 1AKQ 1 KQ 1 KQ

Enterococci 1 KQ 1AKQ 1 KQ 1 KQ

Fecal Coliform 1 KQ 1AKQ 1 KQ 1 KQ

Total Coliform 1 KQ 1AKQ 1 KQ 1 KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 145. Rainbow Springs Group bacteriological analysis.
owned and protected. The west side below the state park is subdivided into private lots,

often with houses near the river’s edge.

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

Average 1965 - 1974 763(1)

Maximum (October 12, 1964) 1230(1)

Minimum (October 3, 1932) 487(1)

October 23, 2001 634(7)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

236
Salt Springs

Location – Lat. 29° 21’ 02.36” N., Long. 81° 43’ 58.05” W. (irregular section 42, T. 13 S., R.

26 E.). Salt Springs are located within the Ocala National Forest in the Salt Springs

Recreation Area. From the intersection of SR 40 and CR 314, approximately 12 miles (19.3

km) east of the US 301/SR 40 intersection in Ocala, head north on CR 314 approximately 18

miles (29 km) to the junction with SR 19. From the junction of SR 19 and CR 314 continue

north (left) 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the entrance of Salt Springs Recreation Area which is located on the east (right) side of the road.

Description - There are several vents located in a large, shallow spring pool. The pool

measures approximately 129 ft (39.3 m) northeast to southwest and 189 ft (57.6 m) northwest to southeast. The spring pool averages approximately 2 ft (0.6 m) deep; however, it is

deeper over the vents. Some vents are reported to be up to 20 ft (6.1 m) deep (Springs Fever

website). The sampled vent is located in the north corner of the spring pool nearest the concrete wall, and the depth there is 8.0 ft (2.4 m). Limestone and sand form the pool bottom.

The water is clear and light blue. Native aquatic vegetation is abundant with some exotic

aquatic vegetation. Some algae are present as patches and thin layers on limestone and vegetation substrates. Salt Springs Run flows southeast approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) into

the northwest corner of Lake George. The north, south, and west sides of the pool are built

up with a vertical 5 ft (1.5 m) concrete wall with an accompanying sidewalk. Motorboats are

not allowed in the spring pool, but they frequent the run. The surrounding environment

consists of rolling sand hills to the north, south, and west, rising steeply to approximately

BULLETIN NO. 66

237

Figure 121. Salt Springs (photo by T. Scott) 
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

238

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - - 24.0

DO ---

pH - 7.1 7.8

Sp. Cond. - - -

Lab Analytes

BOD ---- 0.2AU

Turbidity ---- 0.20

Color - 0 - - 5U

Alkalinity - - - -67

Sp. Cond. - 9330 6500 6300.0 -

TDS 5210 5850 - - 3440.0

TSS - - - -4U

Cl 2400 2800 1900.0 - 1800.0

SO4 540 610 - - 410.0

F - 0 0 - 0.10

Nutrients

TOC - - - -1U

NO3 + NO2 as N - - 0.12 - 0.11

NH3 + NH4 - - - - 0.018I

TKN - - - 0.17I 0.18I

P - - - 0.015U 0.015U

PO4 - - - 0.014 -

NO3 - - 0.53 - -

Metals

Ca 220 240 - 160 160

K - 38 - 29.7 28.7

Na 1400 1500 - 925 982

Mg 140 170 - 102 102

Al - - - -75U

As - - - 3U 3U

B ---- 320

Cd - - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co ---- 0.75U

Cr - - - 2U 2U

Cu - - - 3.5U 3.5U

Fe - 100 - 35U 35U

Mn - - - 2U 2U

Ni - - - 2U 2U

Pb - - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - -3.8

Ra-228 ---- 0.9U

Se - - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - -10U

Sr - - 6000 - 3490

Zn - - - 7.5U 7.5U

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

6070

23.62

2.63

7.33

1924 1946 1972

Table 146. Salt Springs water quality analysis.
18 ft (5.5 m). The uplands adjacent to the springs are developed and landscaped with grassy

lawn and shady live oaks. An old house from the late 1800’s sits on a hill to the southwest

of the pool. Salt Springs derives its name from its saline waters.

Utilization - The springs are within Salt Springs Recreation Area. Camping and full facilities are available.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

February 9, 1929 87.3(1)

September 8, 1930 81.4(1)

Annual Mean 1931 92.5(1) (5 measurements)

March 3, 1932 73.3 (1)

February 7, 1933 61.8(1)

Annual Mean 1935 69.57(1) (3 measurements)

April 4, 1946 78.7(1)

April 24, 1956 79.9(1)

November 16, 1961 88.2(1)

June 8, 1966 107.0(1)

April 25, 1967 91.9(1)

April 20, 1972 77.1(1)

Annual Mean 1985 88.51(6) (5 measurements)

Annual Mean 1990 70.22(6) (6 measurements)

Annual Mean 1995 73.43(6) (4 measurements)

Annual Mean 2000 74.83(6) (5 measurements)

Annual Mean 2001 76.38(6) (4 measurements)

BULLETIN NO. 66

239

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 147. Salt Springs bacteriological analysis.
Silver Glen Springs

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

240

Figure 122. Silver Glen Springs circa 1930 (anonymous).

Figure 123. Silver Glen Springs (photo by T. Scott). 
Location-Lat. 29° 14’ 45.04” N., Long. 81° 38’ 36.50” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 25, T. 14 S.,

R. 26 E.). Silver Glen Springs is in the Ocala National Forest approximately 30 miles (48.3

km) northeast of Ocala. From the intersection of SR 40 and CR 326 just east of Silver

Springs, travel east on SR 40 approximately 24.8 miles (40 km). Turn north (left) on SR 19

and travel approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) to Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area located on

the east (right) side of SR 19. The spring is south of the parking area.

Description-Silver Glen Springs has a large combined spring pool with two vents. Water

quality was sampled at the east vent. The combined springs pool measures 200 ft (61 m)

north to south and 175 ft (53.3 m) east to west. The depth is 18 ft (5.5 m) at the east vent

which is a conical depression. The second vent, often referred to as “Natural Well”, is on the

southwestern edge of the pool. It is 12–15 feet (3.7-4.6 m) in diameter and is approximately

40 feet (12.2 m) deep. The west vent is a vertical cave opening in limestone. Much of the pool

has a bare sand bottom. Water is clear and light blue. Large boils occur over both vents.

Some patches of aquatic grass are in the combined pool. Exotic aquatic vegetation is present, but not common. Algae are common. Native aquatic vegetation is abundant around the

“Natural Well.” Two ropes close off the springs pool to boat traffic. Within the main pool,

access to “Natural Well” is restricted. There are many large fresh and salt water fishes in

both vents but are especially common in “Natural Well”. The spring run is approximately

200 ft (61 m) wide on average and flows east approximately 0.75 mile (1.2 km) to the St.

Johns River. The spring run is heavily used and has suffered damage from the boat traffic

and recreational use. Uplands rise gently around the springs to approximately 12-15 ft (3.7-

4.6 m). Oak, cedar, and pine are common. An underwater cave system has been mapped at

Silver Glen Springs.

Utilization-Silver Glen Springs is part of the Ocala National Forest. There are swimming

and picnic facilities. Boats are not allowed in the spring pool, however, the spring run may

become crowded with hundreds of recreational boats during peak use periods.

Discharge- All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Average 1931 – 1972 112(1) (11 measurements)

Maximum (April 12, 1935) 129(1)

Minimum (February 7, 1933) 90(1)

September 13, 2001 109(7)

BULLETIN NO. 66

241

Analyte Value

Escherichia coli 1KQ

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Total Coliform 20Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 148. Silver Glen Springs bacteriological analysis
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

242

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 22.8 23.0 23.4 - Ca 87 74 69.7 70.4

DO - - 3.66 - K 10 11 9.1 9.2

pH 7.4 7.8 7.64 - Na 330 290 238 241

Sp. Cond. 2480 2220 1810 - Mg 46 38 35.6 35.9

Lab Analytes As - 0 3 U 3 U

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

Turbidity - 0 0.05 U - B - 570 101 -

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

Alkalinity - 69 69 69 Co - 0 0.75 U -

Sp. Cond. - - 2000 - Cr - - 2 U 2 U

TDS - - 1050 - Cu - 10 2.5 U 2.5 U

TSS - - 4U - Fe 80 - 35 U 35 U

Cl 610 520 470 480 Mn - - 1 U 2 U

SO4 200 190 170 180 Ni - - 2 U 2 U

F 0.0 0.2 0.12 0.12 Pb - 0 5 U 4 U

Nutrients Se - - 4 U 4 U

TOC - 0.0 1 U - Sn - - 10 U -

NO3 + NO2 - 0.03 0.046 0.05 Sr - - 1480 -

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.011 I 0.01 U Zn - 20 5 U 5 U

TKN - - 0.093 I 0.069 I

P - 0.02 0.025 0.024

PO4 - 0.02 0.028 -

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 Q=Exceeding holding time limit

Analytes 1946 1972 2001 Analytes 1946 1972 2001

Table 149. Silver Glen Springs water quality analysis.
Silver Springs Group

BULLETIN NO. 66

243

Figure 124. Silver Springs Group, Main Spring aerial photo (photo by H. Means).

Figure 125. Silver Springs Group, Main Spring (photo by Steve Specht).
Group Location— Lat. 29° 12’ N., 82° 03’ W. (sec. 6, T. 15 S., R. 23 E.). The Silver Springs

Group is located approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) northeast of Ocala. From the intersection

with US 301 and SR 40, drive east on SR 40 for 6.1 miles (9.8 km) to the Silver Springs

theme park entrance on the south side of SR 40. Turn onto the access road and continue 0.3

miles (0.5 km) to the parking area. The springs can also be accessed by water. Boats can be

launched at a boat ramp on SR 40 at the west end of the bridge over the Oklawaha River

approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Silver Springs theme park.

Group Description— The Silver Springs Group, flowing from numerous vents, forms the

headwaters of the Silver River, a major tributary of the Oklawaha River. There are numerous smaller springs in the bed or at the edges of the spring run within about 3,500 ft (1,066.8

m) of the main orifice. The run is usually clear and the bottom at all locations in the springs

and run is easily visible. The Silver River flows from its headspring eastward for approximately 5 miles (8 km) through a dense mixed hardwood and cypress swamp to the Oklawaha

River. The Oklawaha River flows northward and is a tributary to the St. Johns River.

Higher sandy terrain with pine and the Silver Springs community lie to the west of the

springs.

MAIN SPRING - Lat. 29° 12’ 58.34” N., Long. 82° 03’ 09.47” W. (SW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 6,

T. 15 S., R. 23 E.). The spring is in a steep-walled depression in the limestone. The main

spring is approximately 200 ft (61 m) northeast of the glass-bottom boat loading area. This

is the headspring of the Silver River and the largest spring of the group. The spring pool

measures 300 ft (91.4 m) north to south and 195 ft (59.4 m) east to west. The depth measured over the vent opening is 33 ft (10.1 m). The vent opening is a horizontal oval-shaped

orifice in the base of a limestone ledge on the northeast side of the spring pool. The bottom

is sand with limestone pieces that have fallen from the walls. The water is clear and light

blue. Aquatic vegetation is abundant across the spring bottom, and a layer of algae covers

most substrates. There was no visible boil on the water surface during the October 2001

visit; however, divers observed flow coming out of the vent. Most of the pool edge is a wooden retaining wall. The west side of the pool is developed into glass-bottom boat dock. All

nearby uplands to the north, west, and south are developed as parts of the Silver Springs

theme park. An underwater cave system has been mapped at the Silver Springs Main

Spring.

RECEPTION HALL - Lat. 29° 12’ 52.61” N., Long. 82° 03’ 05.05” W. (NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4

sec. 6, T. 15 S., R. 23 E.). Reception Hall is now referred to as The Abyss by most theme park

personnel. It is located on the south side of the Silver River approximately 1,000 ft (304.8

m) downstream from Main Spring. It is one of three side springs that form a larger, conjoined spring pool. Reception Hall Spring pool is approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) in diameter

and 25 ft (7.6 m) deep. The bottom is sand with limestone exposed near and around the vent.

Water discharges from a vertical crack in the limestone. The water is clear and light blue,

and sand and shell particles are suspended in the spring flow. No boil was visible on the

surface of the spring pool during October 2001. An old boat is wrecked and half buried on

the north side of the pool. Aquatic vegetation is common around the outskirts of the spring

pool. The area near the vent is bare sand around the limestone orifice. Uplands to the south

rise to nearly 6 ft (1.8 m) above the water and are forested with hardwoods. To the north, on

the other side of the river, the land is developed by the theme park.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

244
BLUE GROTTO - Lat. 29° 12’ 54.91” N., Long. 82° 02’ 59.59” W. (NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 6,

T. 15 S., R. 23 E.). Blue Grotto is the next spring pool east of the conjoined pool with

Reception Hall. Blue Grotto is also on the adjacent south side of the Silver River. It is about

300 ft (91.4 m) east of Reception Hall Spring. The circular spring pool measures 105 ft (32

m) in diameter. The depth over the vent is 21.6 ft (6.6 m). Water discharges from a cavity

in the limestone. Bare sand surrounds the orifice. Sand and shell particles are suspended

in the upwelling. A boil is visible on the water surface. There is aquatic vegetation along

the outskirts of the spring pool. During the October 2001 visit, a 10-12 ft (3-3.7 m) alligator

was lying on the bottom near the vent with a dusting of sand and shell on its back. The

water is clear and light blue. Along the south shore is a thin strip of hardwood and cypress

trees. Just past the trees is a man-made spring channel called the Fort King Waterway. It

flows parallel to the Silver River and eastward. South of this channel the land rises up to

about 15 ft (4.6 m) above water surface. On these banks is an exotic animal zoo.

Utilization—Land on the north side of the Silver River near the headspring is part of the

Silver Springs theme park which is privately operated. Land along the south side of the

Silver River is part of the Silver River State Park.

Discharge—Silver Springs Group 

October 1932 to September 1974: 820 ft3

/s(1) average

Maximum October 7, 13-17, 20, 1960: 1,290 ft3

/s(1)

Minimum May 7, 1957: 539 ft3/s(1)

November 15, 2001: 556 ft3/s(7)

BULLETIN NO. 66

245

Analyte Main Blue Grotto Reception Hall

Escherichia coli 1KQ 48Q 1AKQ

Enterococci 1KQ 34Q 1AKQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ 52Q 1AKQ

Total Coliform 1KQ 110Q 1AKQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100ml)

Table 150. Silver Springs Group bacteriological analysis.
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

246

Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter Unfilt. Filter

Field Measures

Temperature - - 23.5 23.2 - 23.5 - 23.6 -

DO - - - 2.38 - 3.16 - 3.73 -

pH - 7.8 8.1 7.20 - 7.26 - 7.24 -

Sp. Cond. - 401 420 471 - 443 - 468 -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - 0.1 0.2 U - 0.2 AU - 0.2 U -

Turbidity - - 0 0.05 U - 0.05 U - 0.05 U -

Color - 4 0 5 U - 5 U - 5 U -

Alkalinity - - 170 176 176 153 153 158 157

Sp. Cond. - - - 510 - 480 - 500 -

TDS - - - 285 - 273 - 292 -

TSS - - - 4 U - 4 U - 4 U -

Cl 7.7 7.8 8.0 9.1 9.2 8.9 9 8.8 8.9

SO4 44 34 39 59 60 63 64 73 74

F - 0.1 0.2 0.17 0.17 0.15 0.15 A 0.16 0.16

Nutrients

TOC - - 8.0 1 U - 1 U - 1 U -

NO3 + NO2 - - 2.6 1.2 1.1 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01 U 0.01 U 0.01 U 0.025 A 0.011 I 0.01 U

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

P - - 0.14 0.042 A 0.044 0.038 0.039 0.037 0.038

PO4 - - 0.14 0.03 J - 0.042 J - 0.045 J -

Metals

Ca 73 68 68 73.3 76.5 68.2 A 70 73 74.3

K - 1.1 0.2 0.61 0.68 0.65 0.67 0.64 0.68

Na - 4.0 4.3 5.92 6.87 5.91 A 6.48 6.04 6.39

Mg 9.2 9.6 9.3 10.7 11.1 11.3 A 11.4 12 12.2

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

Al - - - - 75 U - - - 75 U

B - - 0 25 U - 25 U - 25 U -

Cd - - 0 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U 0.75 U

Co - - 0 0.75 U - 0.75 U - 0.75 U -

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

Cu - - 0 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U 2.5 U

Fe - - 20 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U 35 U

Mn - - 0 1U 1 U 1 U 1 U 1 U 1 U

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

Pb - - 2 5U 4 U 5 U 4 U 5 U 4 U

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

Sn - - - 10 U - 10 U - 10 U -

Sr - - 500 693 - 676 A - 782 -

Zn - - 1 5 U 5 U 5 U 5 U 12 I 5 U

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

2001 2001 2001

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

Main Blue Grotto Reception Hall

Analytes 1907 1946 1972

Table 151. Silver Springs Group water quality analysis.
ORANGE COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

247

Figure 126. Springs visited by FGS in Orange County.
Rock Springs

Location – Lat. 28° 45’ 23.20” N., Long. 81° 30’ 06.25” W. (NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 15, T. 20

S., R. 28 E.). Rock Springs is located within Dr. Howard A. Kelly County Park, approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Apopka. From the junction of US 441 and SR 435 in

Apopka, travel 5.9 miles (9.5 km) north on SR 435. Turn east (right) on Bay Bridge/Rock

Springs Road and travel 0.3 miles (0.5 km) to the park entrance and parking lot. The spring

is southeast of the parking area.

Description – Rock Springs emerges from a horizontal cave at the base of a 20 ft (6.1 m)

high vertical limestone and sand bluff. The water is clear and bluish. For a few hundred

feet (approximately one hundred meters), the stream cuts into limestone, and its bottom has

sand and marine fossil shells that eroded out of the limestone. There is no vegetation and

only minor algal growth. Lush ferns and moss blanket the bluff and upper stream banks.

The upper part of the run averages 15 – 20 ft (4.5 – 6.1 m) wide and 5 ft (1.5 m) deep. Rock

Springs Run flows north, east, and south, eventually into the Wekiva River approximately

8.6 miles (13.8 km) downstream. Approximately 120 ft (36.6 m) downstream, a boardwalk

arches over the stream. About 1,000 ft (304.8 m) downstream from the springhead, the run

has been pooled for swimming. The cave and immediate vicinity are closed to use, but the

rest of the run serves as a swimming, snorkeling and tubing hotspot. A dense cabbage palm

and oak hammock occupies lands adjacent to the cave and upper part of the run. The spring

is bordered on all sides by high, rolling sand hills that are owned and maintained as a county park.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

248

Figure 127. Rock Springs (photo by T. Scott)
BULLETIN NO. 66

249

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 23.9 23.0

DO - -

pH 7.3 6.4

Sp. Cond. 222.0 240.0

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - 0.2U

Turbidity - - - 0.05U

Color 4.0 0.0 - 5U

Alkalinity - 86.0 - 95A

Sp. Cond. - - 250.0 -

TDS 128.0 146.0 - 154.0

TSS - - - 4U

Cl 6.1 7.5 - 8.1

SO4 17.0 19.0 - 19.0

F 0.1 0.2 - 0.14A

Nutrients

TOC - - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.07 1.1 - 1.30

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.01U

TKN - - 0.06U 0.06U

P - - 0.082 0.082

PO4 - - 0.09

NO3 0.3 4.7 - -

Metals

Ca 29 29 30 31.5A

K 0.6 0.9 1.2 1.3A

Na 4.3 4.8 4.6 4.8A

Mg 8.4 8.2 9 9.7A

Al - - - 50U

As - - 3U 3U

B - - - 12I

Cd - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - 0.75U

Cr - - 2U 2U

Cu - - 3U 3U

Fe 70 - 25U 25U

Mn - - 0.5U 0.5U

Ni - - 4U 2U

Pb - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - 0.5

Ra-228 - - - 0.9U

Se - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - 7U

Sr - 240 - 177A

Zn - - 2U 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 1946 1971

23.82

1.02

7.13

256

 -

Table 152. Rock Springs water quality analysis.
Utilization - The spring is developed into a park with swimming, picnicing and camping

facilities.

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

Average for 1931-1975 64.6(1) (68 measurements)

Min (March 8, 1932) 52(1)

Min (June 7, 1945) 52(1)

Max (October 17, 1960) 83(1)

Annual Mean 1985 57.54(6) (6 measurements)

Annual Mean 1990 47.85(6) (6 measurements)

Annual Mean 1995 62.94(6) (5 measurements)

Annual Mean 2000 51.4(7)

Mean 1931-2000 59.6(6) (249 measurements)

Annual Mean 2001 46.38(7)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

250

Analyte Value

Enterococci 2Q

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 153. Rock Springs bacteriological analysis.
Wekiwa Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 42’ 42.79” N., Long. 81° 27’ 37.52” W. (NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 36, T. 20

S., R. 28 E.). Wekiwa Spring is located within Wekiwa Springs State Park approximately 4

miles (6.4 km) northeast the town of Apopka. From the intersection of US 441 and SR 436

in Apopka, travel 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east on SR 436 (Semoran Boulevard.). Turn north (left)

on Wekiva Springs Road and travel approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) to a 90 degree bend to

the east. Continue on Wekiva Springs Road approximately 0.4 mile (0.6 km) to the park

entrance on the north (left) side of the road.

Description – The spring pool is roughly circular and measures 105 ft (32 m) in diameter.

The primary vent is in the southeast portion of the pool and is a 35 ft (11 m) long fissure in

the limestone oriented east to west. The spring bottom is sand and averages 5 ft (1.5 m)

deep. Limestone is exposed near the vent. The depth over the vent measures 13.7 ft (4.2 m).

The water is clear bluish green. The boil over the vent is voluminous. A retaining wall 2-3

ft (0.6-0.9 m) high with access steps encloses the pool and extends a short distance down the

run. There is no aquatic vegetation in the spring pool, but the Wekiva River supports a rich

aquatic plant community but has exotic species present. A sidewalk surrounds the pool and

a wooden footbridge crosses the run about 200 ft (61 m) downstream from the pool. Wekiwa

Spring is situated at the base of a northeast-sloping, grassy, hillside maintained for sunbathing and picnicking. Wekiwa Spring gives rise to the Wekiva River, which flows northeast through state land approximately 17 miles (27.4 km) into the St. Johns River.

BULLETIN NO. 66

251

Figure 128. Wekiwa Spring (photo by T. Scott).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

252

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - 23 -

DO ---

pH - 7.9 -

Sp. Cond. - - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - 0.2 - 0.2U

Turbidity - - - -0.2

Color - 5 - - 5U

Alkalinity - 98 - - 130.0

Sp. Cond. - 250 - 337.0 -

TDS 122 150 - - 193.0

TSS - - - -4U

Cl 8 10 - - 16.0

SO4 5.3 13 - - 20.0

F - 0.2 - - 0.17

Nutrients

TOC - - 0 - 1.2I

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.8 0.71 - 0.29

NH3 + NH4 - - - - 0.012I

TKN - - - 0.12I 0.12I

P - - - 0.12 0.120

PO4 - - 0.1 0.12 -

NO3 - 3.4 - - -

Metals

Ca 28 30 - 41.6A 39.8

K - 1.1 - 1.7 1.70

Na 4.0 6.2 - 9.32 10.2

Mg 7.1 9.2 - 11.5 11.3

Al - - - -10U

As - - 0 3U 3U

B ---- 44.0

Cd - - 0 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - 0 -1U

Cr - - 0 2U 2U

Cu - - 10 2U 4U

Fe - - 30 5U 7.4I

Mn - - 10 1.23 1.9I

Ni - - - 1U 2U

Pb - - 0 5U 5U

Ra-226 - - - -0.9

Ra-228 - - - -1U

Se - - - 5U 7U

Sn - - - -22U

Sr - 170 - 143.0

Zn - - 10 2.1I 6U

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

23.38

1924 1971 1972

0.39

7.32

340

Table 154. Wekiwa Spring water quality analysis.
Utilization - Wekiwa Springs State Park is heavily used for swimming, canoeing and camping. The Wekiva River basin is part of a state conservation land called the Wekiva Springs

Geopark comprising 110 square miles (285 square kilometers).

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Average for 1932-1975 74.2(1) (60 measurements)

Min (April 27, 1956) 62(1)

Max (October 17, 1960) 92(1)

Annual Mean 1985 61.18(6) (6 measurements)

Annual Mean 1990 62.23(6) (6 measurements)

Annual Mean 1995 74.91(6) (5 measurements)

Annual Mean 2000 68.93(6) (4 measurements)

Mean 1932-2000 68.51(6) (239 measurements)

October 17, 2002 66.46(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

253

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 155. Wekiwa Spring bacteriological analysis.
PASCO COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

254

Figure 129. Springs visited by FGS in Pasco County.
Crystal Springs

Location – Lat. 28° 10’ 55.92” N., Long. 82° 11’ 06.53” W. (NE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 35, T. 26

S., R. 21 E.). Crystal Springs flows into the Hillsborough River approximately 3 miles (4.8

km) south of Zephyrhills. The spring is located on private land and access from the river is

blocked by a weir/dam structure.

Description – Crystal Springs sits in a pool formed by a dam on the southeast side of the

Hillsborough River. The pool measures 135 ft (41.1 m) north to south and 276 ft (84.1 m)

northwest to southeast. The depth is generally shallow, ranging from 4 to 10 ft (1.2-3 m).

There are multiple vents and sand boils scattered about the pool. The main vent sampled

for water quality has a stainless steel water extraction pipe and is located in the southeastern portion of the pool. The bottom of the spring pool is limestone and sand with abundant

aquatic grass and algae. The water is clear and light blue. The pool edges are entirely

enclosed by a sandbag retaining wall that is approximately 5 ft (1.5 m) tall. On the southeast banks of the pool, construction is underway to make an observation platform. The

weir/dam on the northwest side of the pool has a boardwalk over it, and water discharges

through a culvert into the adjacent Hillsborough River. The clear bluish water from the

spring contrasts sharply with the tannic water of the river. The river is approximately 100

ft (30.5 m) wide at the confluence with Crystal Springs. To the southeast, the ground rises

gently to approximately 8 ft (2.4 m) above the spring, and the hillside is open and grassy. A

residence is located a few hundred feet upslope. The lowlands along the river harbor an

intact floodplain forest.

BULLETIN NO. 66

255

Figure 130. Crystal Springs (photo by H. Means).
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

256

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - 24 24 24 -

DO - - 4 3.5 -

pH - 7.7 7.7 7.6 8

Sp. Cond. - 289 289 291 302

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - 0.3 - - 0.2AU

Turbidity - - - 0 - - 0.1

Color - 5 0 0 5 - 5U

Alkalinity - - 140 130 140 - 154.0

Sp. Cond. ---- - 343.0 -

TDS - - 176 166 171 - 200.0

TSS - - - - - 4U

Cl 5.5 5.4 7 6 6 - 10.0

SO4 9.3 7.8 6.2 6.4 8 - 10.0

F - 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2 - 0.11

Nutrients

TOC - - - - - -1U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.09 0.18 0.97 1 1.3 - 2.10

NH3 + NH4 ---- - - 0.01U

TKN - - - - - 0.06U 0.06U

P - - - 0.03 - 0.042 0.050

PO4 ---- - 0.048 -

NO3 0.4 0.8 4.3 4.4 5.8 - -

Metals

Ca 53 52 49 52 49 62 63.2

K - 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.6 0.38 0.41

Na - 4 3.6 3.5 4.5 5.52 5.18A

Mg 5 4 3.7 3.4 4.2 4.2 4A

Al - - - - - - 32U

As - - - 0 - 3U 3U

B - - - 120 - - 18I

Cd - - - 0 - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - 0 - -1U

Cr - - - 0 - 2U 2U

Cu - - - 10 - 3.6U 2U

Fe - - 10 10 - 5U 26I

Mn - - 0 0 - 0.25U 0.5U

Ni - - - - -1U 1.5U

Pb - - - 0 - 5U 5U

Ra-226 - - - - - -0.8

Ra-228 - - - - - - 0.9U

Se - - - - -12U 7U

Sn - - - - - - 28U

Sr - - 240 280 280 - 227A

Zn - - - 0 - 4.4U 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

368

2002 Analytes

6.98

24.16

1.69

7/19/1923 7/1/1946 5/1/1968 4/20/1972 10/11/1972

Table 156. Crystal Springs water quality analysis.
Utilization – Previously run as a private recreation area, the spring is now being restored

to more natural conditions. It is scheduled to reopen as Crystal Springs Preserve, a learning laboratory and environmental education facility. A portion of the spring flow is extracted by Zephyrhills water bottling company.

Discharge –All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Average for 1923 - 1974 60(1)

Min (July 1, 1946) 20(1)

Max (July 19, 1946) 147(1)

BULLETIN NO. 66

257

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 157. Crystal Springs bacteriological analysis.
PINELLAS COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

258

Figure 131. Springs visited by FGS in Pinellas County. Spring

descriptions provided on enclosed CD.
PUTNAM COUNTY

BULLETIN NO. 66

259

Figure 132. Springs visited by FGS in Putnam County.
Beecher Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 26’ 55.17” N., Long. 81° 38’ 48.71” W. (NW 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 SW 1⁄4 sec. 14, T.

12 S., R. 26 E.). Beecher Spring is located within the Welaka National Fish Hatchery. From

the east end of the US 17 bridge over the St. Johns River, travel approximately 11.1 miles

(17.9 km) east then south and southwest to the junction of US 17 with CR 309. Turn southwest (right) on CR 309 and drive approximately 5.5 miles (8.8 km) to Welaka. The spring is

approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) southeast of the community of Welaka on the east side of CR

309.

Description – Beecher Spring pool is square-shaped, measuring 129 ft (39.3 m) north to

south and 147 ft (44.8 m) east to west. The depth over the vent measures 18 ft (5.5 m). It is

bordered on its north and west sides with a concrete retaining wall. The spring bottom is

uniform with a soft, organic layer over sand with limestone exposed at the vent. The spring

vent is in the northwest side of the pool and issues slightly murky, bluish water, creating a

modest sized boil on the pool surface. Algae are abundant. There is an elevated remnant

section of pipeline suspended above the pool surface near the vent. The outflow channel

flows south for at least 2,500 ft (762 m). Along its course, it is channeled into numerous

man-made holding ponds utilized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as fish hatcheries.

The holding ponds occupy a large open field. The spring run eventually enters the St. Johns

River. To the north and east of Beecher Spring, forested sand hills rise to approximately 15

ft (4.6 m) higher than the spring surface. The south and west sides are forested swampy

lowlands.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

260

Figure 133. Beecher Spring (photo by R. Means).
Utilization – Water from the spring is used for fish hatchery operations. The spring is not

open to the public.

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

November 23, 1960 12.4(1)

April 20, 1972 9.02(1)

BULLETIN NO. 66

261

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 23.5 Ca 33 35.6 37.7A

DO - K 1.4 2.1 2.1A

pH 7.9 Na 41 34.2 37.1A

Sp. Cond. - Mg 8.3 8.9 9.1A

Lab Analytes Al - - 20U

BOD - - 3.2A As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 1.9 B - - 25I

Color 10 - 5.0 Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 92 - 130 Co - - 1U

Sp. Cond. 446 480.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 242 - 226.0 Cu - 2U 4U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 34 47AJ

Cl 74.0 - 69 Mn - 6.69 7.2A

SO4 11 - 12 Ni - 1U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.13 Pb - 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.9

TOC - - 1.8I Ra-228 - - 0.8U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.00 - 0.004U Se - 5U 7U

NH3 + NH4 - - 5.3 Sn - - 8.3I

TKN - 5.4 5.7A Sr 280 - 207A

P - 0.74 0.83A Zn - 1U 2U

PO4 - 0.79 -

NO3 0.00 - -

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

501

22.82

0.29

6.68

Table 158. Beecher Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 2Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 159. Beecher Spring bacteriological analysis.
Welaka Spring

Location – Lat. 29° 29’ 40.39” N., Long. 81° 40’ 23.70” W. (SW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 33, T. 11

S., R. 26 E.). Welaka Spring is located on the east bank of the St. Johns River approximately

1 mile (1.6 km) north of Welaka. From the east end of the US 17 bridge over the St. Johns

River, travel approximately 11.1 miles (17.9 km) east then south and southwest to the junction of US 17 with CR 309. Turn southwest (right) on CR 309 and drive approximately 5.5

miles (8.8 km) to Welaka. The spring can be accessed by boating one mile downstream on

the St. Johns River from the Welaka public boat ramp or by driving 1.2 miles (1.9 km) north

on SR 309 from the junction with SR 308B; turn west (left) on a sand trail and bear north

for 0.1 mile to the spring pool.

Description – The Welaka Spring pool measures 60 ft (18.3 m) north to south and 90 ft

(27.4 m) east to west. The spring pool area is relatively shallow, averaging 5 ft (1.5 m) deep.

A sizeable double boil can be seen over the spring vent. The bottom is sand with increased

organic particle deposition downstream. The water is clear near the spring boil, but dark

water from the St. Johns River mixes with spring water a short distance downstream from

the spring. This spring emits an odor of hydrogen sulfide. The pool banks on north and

east sides are steep, rising to approximately 15 ft (4.5 m) higher than the spring. There are

remains of an old dock or jumping platform on the northeast side of the spring pool. The

current in the wide run is very slow. The wide, slow-moving spring run is 1,200 ft (365.7 m)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

262

Figure 134. Welaka Spring (photo by H. Means).
long and up to 200 ft (60.9 m) wide. It is naturally impounded by the nearby St. Johns River.

Land around the spring pool and along the northern side of the spring run is undeveloped

and forested. Several private residences are located along the south side of the spring run

approximately 500 ft (152.4 m) downstream from the spring. There is a large Native

American shell midden at the confluence with the river on the north side of the spring

mouth.

Utilization – Welaka Spring is privately owned and used for swimming.

Discharge – Not available.

BULLETIN NO. 66

263

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 24.0 Ca 44 50.1 52.6

DO - K 6.4 6.8 7.1

pH 7.8 Na 200 244 252

Sp. Cond. - Mg 24 26.4 27.4

Lab Analytes Al - - 10U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.6 B - - 72

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 1U 1U

Alkalinity 75 - 84 Co - - 1U

Sp. Cond. 1470 1590.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 849 - 849.0 Cu - 3.5U 4U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 24U 31

Cl 370 - 450 Mn - 1.59 1.9I

SO4 57 - 69 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.1U Pb - 5U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.8

TOC - - 1.3I Ra-228 - - 0.9U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.02 - 0.07 Se - 8U 8U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.024 Sn - - 19

TKN - 0.094I 0.21 Sr 1000 - 941

P - 0.07 0.079 Zn - 2.5U 10I

PO4 - 0.074 -

NO3 0.09 - -

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

1720

22.4

1.2

7.38

2003 Analytes Analytes 2003 1972 1972

Table 160. Welaka Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 161. Welaka Spring bacteriological analysis.
SARASOTA COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

264

Figure 135. Springs visited by FGS in Sarasota County.
Warm Mineral Spring

Location – Lat. 27° 03’ 35.65” N., Long. 82° 15’ 35.83” W. (SE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 25, T. 39

S., R. 20 E.). Warm Mineral Spring is located within the town of North Port approximately

11 miles (18 km) east of Venice. From the River Road exit on I-75, travel 5.7 miles (9.2 km)

southeast to the intersection of US 41 and River Road west of North Port. Turn northeast

(left) on US 41and travel 2.5 miles (4.0 km) to Ortiz Road. Turn north (left) on Ortiz and go

1.0 mile (1.6 km) to The Springs Spa and Resort.

Description – Warm Mineral Spring is within a large sinkhole that measures 252 ft (76.8

m) north to south and 315 ft (96 m) east to west. The bottom of the pool slopes gently to a

depth of 17 ft (5.2 m) at about 40 ft (12.2 m) from the shore where it drops off precipitously

(Rosenau et al., 1977). Spring depths are reported to reach 230 ft (70 m). Rupert (1994) provides a description of the sinkhole profile. The vent is at the base of the north wall of the

sink. The spring has a debris cone of dolostone, limestone and sand on the bottom. The

debris cone rises as much as 100 ft (30.5 m) above the deepest part of the sinkhole. The

water is yellow-greenish, slightly murky and often has a hydrogen sulfide odor. There is no

boil on the water surface. Very little aquatic vegetation or algae live in the spring. A small,

narrow spring run exits on the west side and flows southwest approximately 2.3 miles (3.7

km) into the Myaka River. A circular swimming rope on the spring surface keeps the interior deepest water demarcated. Grassy lawn and palm trees cover the surroundings, and

BULLETIN NO. 66

265

Figure 136. Warm Mineral Spring (photo by R. Means)
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

266

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature - - 30.0 28.9 29.5

DO ----1

pH - - 7.0 7.2 7.3

Sp. Cond. -----

Lab Analytes

BOD ----- - 1.4A

Turbidity - - - - - - 0.9

Color - - 6 5 - - 5.0

Alkalinity - - - 130 130 - 131

Sp. Cond. - - - 26000 27000 28900.0 -

TDS - - - 19000 - - 17800.0

TSS - - - - - - 7IQ

Cl 9400 9600 9400 9200 9500.0 - 10000

SO4 1700 1700 1700 1600 1700 - 1700

F - - - 2.0 1.9 - 1.4

Nutrients

TOC - - - - 3.0 - 2.8IQ

NO3 + NO2 as N ----- - 0.013

NH3 + NH4 ----- - 0.34

TKN ----- 0.57 0.56

P ---- 0.01 0.027I 0.019I

PO4 - - - 0.40 - 0.004U -

NO3 - - - 1.7 - - -

Metals

Ca 770 510 640 720 500 493 512

K - - - 180 150 185 191

Na - - - 4900 5200 5520 5260

Mg 470 630 540 480 580 579 616

Al - - - - - - 64U

As - - - - 10 6U 4U

B ----- - 1710

Cd ----0 0.5U 0.5U

Co ---- 0 - 2.4U

Cr ----6 4.3I 5.7I

Cu - - - - 20 3.5U 15U

Fe - - - - 40 5U 7U

Mn - - - - 20 2.77 2.9

Ni - - - - - 20U 20U

Pb - - - - 0 16U 22U

Ra-226 ----- - 16.1

Ra-228 - - - - - - 1.5

Se - - - - - 16U 24U

Sn - - - - - - 22U

Sr ---- 31000 - 35900

Zn - - - - 20 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

1962 1972

2003

Analytes 1927 1930 1943

28700

30.21

0.37

7.06

Table 162. Warm Mineral Spring water quality analysis.
there are abundant chairs and picnic tables. There is an underwater cave that has been

explored and mapped.

Utilization – Warm Mineral Spring is located within a private spa and resort. It is a popular tourist destination. The spring is developed into a healing and wellness swimming

park.

Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Average for 1942 – 1974 9.7(1) (10 measurements)

March 4, 2003 8.46(2)

BULLETIN NO. 66

267

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 163. Warm Mineral Spring bacteriological analysis.
SEMINOLE COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

268

Figure 137. Springs visited by FGS in Seminole County.
Sanlando Springs

Location - Lat. 28° 41’ 19.32” N., Long. 81° 23’ 43.07” W. (SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 sec. 3, T. 21 S.,

R. 29 E.). Sanlando Springs is located on private property within “The Springs,” gated community 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Longwood on SR 427. The spring run flows into the east

side of the Little Wekiva River 0.4 miles (0.6 km) downstream from the SR 427 bridge over

the river.

Description – Sanlando Springs sits in a circular, bowl shaped depression that is submerged on the southeast side of a larger, man-made lake that is dammed for swimming. The

spring pool is reported to be about 30 ft (9.1 m) in diameter (Rosenau et al., 1977). The depth

over the vent measures 14.8 ft (4.5 m). The spring-fed lake measures 200 ft (61 m) north to

south and 180 ft (54.9 m) east to west. Limestone is exposed at the vent. The rest of the pool

bottom is sand. Algae are abundant on the sandy lake bottom. There was a very slight boil

over the vent in May 2002. The vent is surrounded on three sides by a concrete retaining

wall, and there is a platform for swimmers use on the east side. The Little Wekiva River

flows into the lake on the west side, then the combined flow of the spring and river discharges over a weir on the north side of the lake. The surrounding land rises to approximately 30 ft (9.1 m) above the spring level. Palm trees, sandy beaches, and a concrete retaining wall surround the majority of the lake. The spring is surrounded by suburban development.

Utilization - The spring is developed into a private recreation area for residents and is not

open to the general public.

BULLETIN NO. 66

269

Figure 138. Sanlando Springs (photo by R. Means)
FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

270

Dissolved Total

Field Measures

Temperature 23.3 24.0

DO - -

pH 7.2 7.2

Sp. Cond. - -

Lab Analytes

BOD - - - 0.2AU

Turbidity - 0 - -

Color 6 0 - 5.0

Alkalinity - 100 - 145.0

Sp. Cond. 228 255 360.0 -

TDS 123 154 - 200.0

TSS - - - 4U

Cl 7.8 10.0 - 21.0

SO4 3.3 9.8 - 13.0

F 0.2 0.3 - 0.15

Nutrients

TOC - - - 1.5I

NO3 + NO2 as N - 0.43 - 0.48

NH3 + NH4 - - - 0.190

TKN - - 0.24 0.24

P - 0.16 0.19 0.19A

PO4 - 0.16 0.2 -

NO3 0.1 - - -

Metals

Ca 29 30 43A 44.3A

K 0.6 1 1.6A 1.6A

Na 5.8 6.7 10.5A 10.9A

Mg 7.9 8.7 11.6A 12A

Al - - - 50U

As - - 3U 3U

B - - - 29I

Cd - - 0.5U 0.5U

Co - - - 0.75U

Cr - - 2U 2U

Cu - - 3U 3U

Fe 90 - 25U 25U

Mn - - 4.8A 5A

Ni - - 4U 2U

Pb - - 3U 5U

Ra-226 - - - 0.7

Ra-228 - - - 1U

Se - - 4U 4U

Sn - - - 7U

Sr - 150 - 86.1A

Zn - - 2U 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 1946 1972

24.65

0.25

6.64

373

Table 164. Sanlando Spring water quality analysis.
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Average for 1942-1975 19.0(1) (32 measurements)

Min (September 12, 1973) 4.3(1)

Max (October 18, 1960) 33(1)

Max (June 24, 1975) 33(1)

November 14, 2000 8.99(6)

Mean 1941-2000 19.82(6) (115 measurements)

Annual Mean 2001 13.13(6) (3 measurements)

BULLETIN NO. 66

271

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 165. Sanlando Spring bacteriological analysis.
Starbuck Spring

Location - Lat. 28° 41’ 49.25” N., Long. 81° 23’ 28.22” W. (NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 2, T. 21

S., R. 29 E.). Starbuck Spring is located on private property within “The Springs” gated community 3 miles (5 km) west of Longwood on SR 427. 

Description – Starbuck Spring pool is circular with a diameter of 66 ft (20.1 m). The depth

in the center measures 7.2 ft (2.1 m). The bottom is sand with limestone exposed in the vent.

Milky blue water discharges from an opening in limestone producing a boil on the spring

surface. Algae are abundant on the bottom and as floating mats. The pool is enclosed by a

sand bag retaining wall. A swift flowing, shallow spring run exits the pool over a weir on

the northeast side. The spring run flows 500 ft (152 m) into the Little Wekiva River from

the east 1 mile (1.6 km) upstream from the SR 427 bridge over the river. The spring harbors little aquatic vegetation. There are two houses adjacent to the spring pool, and their

grassy lawns meet the pool’s edge. Two pvc pipes lead into the pool from each house. Land

around the pool is low-lying, but a sandy slope to the west rises to approximately 20 ft (6.1

m) above the lowlands forming the western edge of the Little Wekiva River.

Utilization - The spring is surrounded by private property and developed for private recreation and water extraction.

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

272

Figure 139. Starbuck Spring (photo by R. Means).
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

Average for 1944-1975 16.6(1) (28 measurements)

Min (May 30, 1974) 12(1)

Min (May 1, 1975) 12(1)

Max (October 18, 1960) 21.4(1)

Mean 1944-2000 14.50(6) (109 measurements)

BULLETIN NO. 66

273

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 24.0 Ca 32 42.3 43.8

DO - K 0.8 1.3 1.40

pH 7.5 Na 8.2 11.8 12.1

Sp. Cond. 270 Mg 9.3 11.9 12.4

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD - - 0.2U As - 3U 3U

Turbidity 1 - 0.35 B - - 28I

Color 0 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 100 - 127.0 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 361.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 155 - 203.0 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 25U 25U

Cl 13.0 - 22.0 Mn - 2.5 2.6

SO4 15 - 26.0 Ni - 4U 2U

F 0.3 - 0.18 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.4

TOC - - 1.3I Ra-228 - - 1U

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.06 - 0.36 Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.030 Sn - - 7U

TKN - 0.082I 0.065I Sr 330 - 350.0

P 0.14 0.17 0.170 Zn - 2U 2U

PO4 0.14 0.17 -

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

24.48

1.82

6.70

370

2002 2002 Analytes 1972 Analytes 1972

-

Table 166. Starbuck Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 1KQ

Fecal Coliform 1KQ

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 167. Starbuck Spring bacteriological analysis.
SUMTER COUNTY

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

274

Figure 140. Springs visited by FGS in Sumter County.
Fenney Spring

Location – Lat. 28° 47’ 41.99” N., Long. 82° 02’ 17.21” W. (NE 1⁄4 SE 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 sec. 31, T. 19

S., R. 23 E.). The spring is located on private property approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) west

of Coleman.

Description – Fenney Spring is situated in a cow pasture with abundant live oaks. The

spring pool measures 84 ft (25.6 m) north to south and 54 ft (16.5 m) east to west. On the

south side of the pool beyond a submerged limestone ledge, The depth measures 21.4 ft (6.5

m). The water is clear, but visibility into the spring is limited by a slightly tannic hue and

algae-covered substrates. No boil was visible on the pool surface during April 2002. The

spring often has dark, tannic water. Steep banks on the south side of the pool are approximately 12 ft (3.7 m) high; the banks along the spring run northward are low-lying. To the

west, there is an adjacent water-filled sinkhole roughly the size of Fenney Spring pool. The

sink hole measures 27.5 ft (8.4 m) deep. The two water bodies are separated by a 5 ft (1.5

m) wide land bridge. Underneath the land bridge, the two karst features connect.

Numerous cow trails run into the spring and along the run. Fenney Spring run is shallow,

slow-moving, and slightly narrower than the springhead. It flows north for approximately

150 ft (45.7 m), then turns southwestward, flowing into Shady Brook which eventually flows

into Lake Panasoffkee several miles downstream.

Utilization - The spring is privately owned and surrounded by cattle pasture.

BULLETIN NO. 66

275

Figure 141. Fenney Spring (photo by R. Means).
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

July 26, 1946 21.6(1)

April 26, 1956 4.66(1)

November 22, 1960 95.5(1)

March 16, 1972 13.9(1)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

276

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 20 Ca 41 47.2 47.6A

DO - K 0.4 0.57 0.59A

pH 7.5 Na 6.4 4.1 4.5A

Sp. Cond. 230 Mg 3.1 2.4 2.5A

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD - - 0.49I As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.15 B - - 12I

Color 65 - 15.0 Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 110 - 132 Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. - 280.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 175 - 171 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 25U 40I

Cl 1.2 - 8.4A Mn - 3.6 3.8A

SO4 1.6 - 5.3A Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.3 - 0.083I Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.6

TOC - - 3.5I Ra-228 - - 2.1

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.1 - 0.3J Se - 4U 4U

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

TKN - 0.19I 0.22 Sr - - 70.2A

P - 0.079 0.091 Zn - 1.5U 3U

PO4 - 0.082 -

NO3 0.26 - -

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

23.1

0.24

7.47

290

Table 168. Fenney Spring water quality analysis.

Analyte Value

Enterococci 8Q

Fecal Coliform 4Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 169. Fenney Spring bacteriological analysis.
Gum Springs Main

Location – Lat. 28° 57’ 31.40” N., Long. 82° 13’ 53.49” W. (NW 1⁄4 NE 1⁄4 NW 1⁄4 sec. 5, T. 18

S., R. 21 E.). Gum Springs Main spring is located approximately 10 miles southwest of

Ocala off SR 484. The springs are surrounded by the Marion Oaks subdivision and are not

accessible to the public.

Description – Gum Springs Main spring pool measures 69 ft (21 m) north to south and 81

ft (24.7 m) east to west. The depth measured over the vent is 9.8 ft (2.9 m). The vent is

located just 5 ft (1.5 m) north of an old wooden dock on the south side of the spring. The

water color is bluish green and there are suspended algal mats and particles in the spring

pool. Two guest houses are situated on high ground to the south and east of the spring,

which rises to approximately 10 ft (3 m) above the water. Gum Springs Main forms the

headwaters of Gum Slough, which flows southwest into the Withlacoochee River. There are

at least seven individual springs along Gum Slough distributed from the head spring up to

.8 miles (1.3 km) downstream (Rosenau et al., 1977). Champion and Starks (2001) call the

springs in this area the Gum Slough Springs Group. They recognize Wilson Head Spring,

Gum Spring Main, Gum Slough #1-4, and Alligator Spring. In April 2002, Gum Spring was

barely flowing, nearly stagnant. Gum Slough was less than 1 ft (0.3 m) deep. All the springs

were reportedly at historic low water levels, and some were not flowing during the April

2002 visit.

Utilization – Gum Springs Main is surrounded by private land and is used privately for

swimming.

BULLETIN NO. 66

277

Figure 142. Gum Springs Main (photo by R. Means).
Discharge - All discharge rates are measured in ft3

/s.

March 15, 1932 11.1(1)

June 13, 1972 85.8(1) (combined flow from 6 springs)

Average 1999 8.6(5)

FLORIDA GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

278

Dissolved Total Dissolved Total

Field Measures Metals

Temperature 23 Ca 50 46.7 50.1A

DO - K 0.4 0.31 0.33A

pH 8 Na 3.3 3.3I 3.4I

Sp. Cond. - Mg 6.8 6.3 6.6A

Lab Analytes Al - - 50U

BOD - - 0.43AI As - 3U 3U

Turbidity - - 0.2 B - - 6.2I

Color 5 - 5U Cd - 0.5U 0.5U

Alkalinity 110 - 129A Co - - 0.75U

Sp. Cond. 358 310.0 - Cr - 2U 2U

TDS 208 - 175 Cu - 3U 3U

TSS - - 4U Fe - 25U 25U

Cl 5 - 6.0 Mn - 0.5U 0.5U

SO4 41 - 23.0 Ni - 2U 2U

F 0.2 - 0.12 Pb - 3U 5U

Nutrients Ra-226 - - 0.3

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

NO3 + NO2 as N 0.5 - 0.9J Se - 4U 4U

NH3 + NH4 - - 0.027 Sn - - 7U

TKN - .06U 0.06U Sr 430 - 335A

P - 0.027A 0.030 Zn - 3.4U 3U

PO4 - 0.025 -

NO3 2.2 - -

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

2002 2002 Analytes 1972 Analytes 1972

23.10

1.81

7.57

318

Analyte Value

Enterococci 4Q

Fecal Coliform 6Q

Bacteria Results (in #/100 mL) 

Table 171. Gum Springs Main bacteriological analysis.

Table 170. Gum Springs Main water quality analysis.