SRWMD recognizes April as Springs Protection Awareness Month

LIVE OAK, FLA., APRIL 1, 2024 – To help enhance awareness about the importance of Florida’s springs and encourage residents and stakeholders to participate in the protection of those springs, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board has signed a proclamation recognizing April as Springs Protection Awareness Month. 

The annual designation, which was adopted during the District Governing Board’s March meeting, highlights the District’s initiatives to reduce pollution and groundwater usage while minimizing other impacts on the springs through projects. Everyone is encouraged to take steps to make our springs healthy, sustainable, and accessible for all those who seek to use them. 

With more than 450 documented springs in the District, the Suwannee Valley is home to the largest concentration of freshwater springs in North America. 

“Our springs have a significant environmental, historical, economic, and recreational value to communities across Florida,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director of the District. “People travel from all over the world to visit these natural wonders, which also provide 90 percent of drinking water for Floridians. It is our responsibility, as both the District and members of the community, to protect these springs for future generations.” 

The District is also home to 14 of the state’s 30 Outstanding Florida Springs. 

The state of Florida is renowned for its work in water quality assessments and restoration programs. Since the beginning of the Springs Grant Funding in 2014, more than $131 million has been allocated for 68 projects in the District. This funding has enabled the District to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and construct projects that are imperative to achieving restoration goals. 

You can read more about the District’s efforts to preserve our springs, and learn how you can participate, by visiting www.SpringsDiveIn.com. 

The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties. 

For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. 

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