Protecting Florida’s springs: District proclaims April 2024 as Springs Protection Awareness Month

Two men inspecting a spring

The District maintains data on springs and spring flows for water resource protection and long-term water supply planning. Water level, quality and discharge data obtained from monitoring networks increase scientists’ understanding of the hydrogeologic, climatic and human factors that affect water resources

Two men inspecting a spring

The District maintains data on springs and spring flows for water resource protection and long-term water supply planning. Water level, quality and discharge data obtained from monitoring networks increase scientists’ understanding of the hydrogeologic, climatic and human factors that affect water resources

PALATKA, Fla., March 14, 2024 ― The St. Johns River Water Management District reaffirms its commitment to protecting Florida’s springs by marking the 11th consecutive year of designating April as Springs Protection Awareness Month. The proclamation was officially approved by the District’s Governing Board on March 12 and emphasized the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about the unique role of Florida’s springs and urges residents and stakeholders to actively contribute to their protection.

“Protecting Florida’s springs is embedded in our daily responsibilities and lies at the core of our mission to preserve the state’s water quality and natural resources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “Over the past 10 years, the District has collaborated on 168 projects, resulting in the conservation of millions of gallons of water. This has led to a significant reduction of harmful nutrients entering springsheds across the District.”

The current focus of various projects and initiatives centers on reducing pollution, managing groundwater usage and mitigating other impacts on the springs. The District continues to foster partnerships with multiple entities, advancing springs protection through scientific research, restoration projects, water use regulation, water supply planning and stakeholder outreach.

As the District celebrates more than a decade of Springs Protection Awareness Month, it remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving Florida’s precious natural resources and encourages the community to actively participate in the ongoing efforts to protect these invaluable springs.

Visit www.sjrwmd.com/waterways/springs for more information about the District’s work to protect springs.

View a list of projects benefiting Florida springs at www.sjrwmd.com/waterways/springs/projects.