Dive In to Preserve Our Springs

Welcome to SRWMD

North-central Florida is a 15-county area rich with natural resources and wondrous beauty. Whether you are just visiting, or you reside here, there are a variety of ways you can help keep our waters healthy.

“Dive in” is an invitation from the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) to discuss the issues, challenges and solutions facing our springs. As a resident or guest of the this region, you can do your part to reduce all manner of pollution and preserve these natural water ways for generations to come. We are working to preserve and protect our springs, and we invite you to take the plunge for this important cause.

Our progress

Managing Water

The Role of SRWMD

With more than 450 documented springs, SRWMD has one of the highest concentrations of freshwater springs in the United States. The Florida counties covered by the SRWMD are: Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and some of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Jefferson, Levy and Putnam counties. Our role is to protect the springs, using innovative techniques to monitor water quality data, and undertake projects to preserve the ecosystems surrounding our waters.

SRWMD continually prioritizes projects that help reduce damaging discharges to the springs. We engage and obtain input in efforts to determine best courses of action to protect the area’s natural resources. Our focus is on accountability, transparency and collaboration to protect our water resources.

Springs conservation and protection is at the foundation of SRWMD’s four main mission areas. Water quality, water supply, natural systems and flooding research all support the preservation and sustainability of our springs. Our research data is used to create long-term planning documents, which identify needs and chart progress to ensure our springs remain a part of our region’s culture.

SRWMD employs a strong team of scientists and experts with the education and skills needed to help solve our springs’ greatest challenges. We also work with local communities and stakeholders to implement projects that help capture water, improve water quality, prevent flooding and restore a natural system.

Leroy at Suwannee River Water Management District

About Our Springs

Ecology, Economy, & Water Supply

The springs serve as a recreational area for families, kids and everyone in between. They also provide a habitat with wildlife such as manatees, fish, otters and turtles. Underwater, submerged aquatic vegetation such as American eelgrass, springtape, southern naiad, Carolina fanwort, and coontail also depend on the springs as a habitat. The health of our springs depends on water quality and is critical for people, plants and animals alike.

As a natural resource, the springs are also important to our economy and prosperity. They stay at an average temperature of 70 degrees year-round, so there’s never a bad time of year to visit.

That’s why people from all over the world come to visit the springs and contribute to local tourism in a safe, outdoor environment.

A clean, abundant supply of water is undeniably linked to our well-being. With 19 first magnitude springs in our region, each one produces nearly 65 gallons of freshwater every day. Ensuring water quality preserves a natural resource, and it’s easier than ever for the community to get involved. To protect our springs and preserve them for generations to come, we invite you to learn more about what you can do today.

Leroy at Suwannee River Water Management District

About Our Springs

Ecology, Economy, & Water Supply

The springs serve as a recreational area for families, kids and everyone in between. They also provide a habitat with wildlife such as manatees, fish, otters and turtles. Underwater, submerged aquatic vegetation such as American eelgrass, springtape, southern naiad, Carolina fanwort, and coontail also depend on the springs as a habitat. The health of our springs depends on water quality and is critical for people, plants and animals alike.

As a natural resource, the springs are also important to our economy and prosperity. They stay at an average temperature of 70 degrees year-round, so there’s never a bad time of year to visit.

That’s why people from all over the world come to visit the springs and contribute to local tourism in a safe, outdoor environment.

A clean, abundant supply of water is undeniably linked to our well-being. With 19 first magnitude springs in our region, each one produces nearly 65 gallons of freshwater every day. Ensuring water quality preserves a natural resource, and it’s easier than ever for the community to get involved. To protect our springs and preserve them for generations to come, we invite you to learn more about what you can do today.