Fact Sheet 008-03
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Katz, B.G., and others, 2003, Florida Springs Interdisciplinary Science Study: U.S. Geological
Survey Fact Sheet 008-03, 4 p.
ABSTRACT
The Florida Springs Interdisciplinary Science Study is an integrated U.S. Geological Survey
science effort that builds on the knowledge of Federal, State, and local partners to address
serious human health and ecological concerns that have arisen regarding Florida’s spring
waters (Florida Springs Task Force, 2000). The steady increase in nitrate concentrations
observed during the past 40 years threatens the aesthetic, cultural, and recreational value
of these springs. The Upper Floridan aquifer, which supplies water to springs, is important
not only for human consumption, but also for supporting critical ecological habitats for a
variety of species. The USGS chose Manatee Springs as the location for this pilot study
because of ongoing work being conducted by the Suwannee River Water Management District
(SRWMD) and other scientific investigations supported by the State. The USGS work at this
first magnitude spring will address the following objectives to build on existing work:
• Determine the major source(s) of nutrient enrichment;
• Develop baseline surveys of organisms that may be suitable for examining the ecological
effects of nutrient enrichment in spring waters;
• Determine the occurrence of other contaminants of concern that could be associated with
nutrient enrichment in spring waters (e.g. pharmaceuticals, pesticides and their degradates);
• Delineate areas most vulnerable to contamination based on geologic conditions and current
land-use practices; and
• Assess how changing land-use practices have affected concentrations of nutrients and other
contaminants in the spring.
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