The first meeting of the Santa Fe Springs Water Quality Work Group was held at O’Leano State park, 24FEB98. The Group was convened to discuss issues relating to surface and ground water interactions in the Karst areas near the springs in the "High Springs Gap" area of the Santa Fe River and to share information in an effort to develop strategies to prevent degradation of the resource values of the spring and river systems.

The Santa Fe River within the park rose approximately 6 inches during the meeting due to the unseasonable heavy rains experienced the preceding months. The water level has dropped appreciably since then and some areas of the basin are experiencing rainfall shortages. These variations indicate the extensive dynamics of the river and the potential for abrupt change inherent in Floridan riverine systems.

Wes Skiles presented a slide show of his exploration of some of the springs and sinks in the High Springs Gap. His information suggested that there may be many underground "conduits" that have a potential to increase groundwater flow rates in these Karst areas neighboring the river. He stated that the large springs along this stretch of the river do not reverse flow and therefore provide recharge to the aquifer as do springs in other areas of the Suwannee Basin.

David Hornsby, SRWMD, presented data collected over a 9 year period regarding regional surface and ground water quality. His information indicates nitrate levels in surface and ground water in the Suwannee River Basin are increasing. The sources of nitrogen that may be contributing to these increases have been identified for each county in the basin. Inorganic fertilizers are the largest source of nitrogen in all counties, sometimes responsible for almost 50% of the potential load. Septic tanks, chicken, swine and dairy farms effluent were also identified as sources for potential nitrate contamination.

Brian Katz, USGS, presented recent data involving dating of groundwater from springs in the basin and nitrates sampled from the springs. Water from springs in the basin ranged in age from 10 to 25 years old. The nitrate identified in the springs comes from organic and inorganic sources or a combination of the two. There doesn’t appear to be any localized trends for water age or nitrate sources. The data indicates that each spring’s discharge has a unique character.

Jim Stevenson made a presentation summarizing the techniques used by the Ichetucknee Springs Water Quality Work Group. That group has been successful in developing programs to reduce the potential for pollution of the aquifer that feeds Ichetucknee Springs. His recommendations for the Santa Fe Springs Water Quality Working Group included:

Continue the process of working toward a goal of consensus building.

Seek input from all stakeholders.

Maintain a commitment to resolving problems over the long term.

The Group discussed the scope of the area of concern. A map was marked with tentative boundaries to define an area where surface water drainage to the aquifer through Karst features, might influence spring waters. The group also identified features of concern (primarily sinkholes) outside the delineated area that could be considered should further information show significant influence on the springs. The group agreed to finalize the boundary issues at the next meeting.