Springs protection is a conservation issue for a large part of Florida. Thirtynine of the state’s counties have springs, and many of these counties rely on them to draw tourists.
So how many tourists do cruddy springs attract? Not many.
In north central Florida, Marion County is considering taking action to lower the amount of nitrates released from septic tanks and in landscaping. Nitrates make green things grow. So the more that seep into the springs, the more algae there is to muck up the water.
The U.S. Geological Survey’s 2004 study on Silver Springs found that their are more nitrates than normal in the ground water. Other studies have shown that fertilizer is the source of the nitrates.
Marion County commission met again on Tuesday, Sept. 9th, to discuss a revised ordinance with less stringent regulations. They decided to put off voting on the new ordinance for another 30 days.
The ordinance will regulate how fertilizer can be used near a drainage retention area, canal, wetland, sink hole, or cave.
There are plenty of ways to protect the springs that dont involve expensive septic systems that may or may not help. Careful use of fertilizer at home is the first step. Remember not to use it before it rains a lot, or near a body of water.
Ginny Springs: Photo By Hailey Petway
