District recognizes April 2026 as Springs Protection Awareness Month

The Governing Board of the St. Johns River Water Management District has proclaimed April 2026 as Springs Protection Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of protecting Florida’s springs and the groundwater systems that sustain them.

Florida is home to more than 1,000 natural springs, the highest concentration in the world, and 148 of those springs are located within the St. Johns River Water Management District. Eight of those are designated as Outstanding Florida Springs, which receive additional protection under state law.

Springs are a visible connection to the Floridan aquifer, the primary source of drinking water for most Floridians. Approximately 90 percent of the state’s residents rely on groundwater for their drinking water, making the protection of springs and aquifers essential to Florida’s environment, communities and economy.

“Florida’s springs are among our state’s most valuable natural resources,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Mike Register. “Protecting them means conserving water, improving water quality and continuing restoration work with our partners across the region.”

The District works with state and local partners to restore and protect springs. Efforts include improving water quality, supporting agricultural best management practices, restoring natural flow patterns and reducing nutrient pollution.

Residents can also help by conserving water, maintaining septic systems and limiting fertilizer use. Springs Protection Awareness Month highlights the importance of these actions and encourages Floridians to take steps that safeguard the springs and groundwater resources that support the state’s communities, ecosystems and economy.

For more information on the District’s springs protection efforts, visit www.sjrwmd.com/waterways/springs.

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