Why has the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) set a minimum flow regime for Blue Spring?
State law (Paragraph 373.042(2), Florida Statutes (F.S.), mandates that the District adopt minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for all first magnitude springs. First magnitude springs are those springs with a long-term average flow of at least 100 cubic feet per second (cfs) or 65 million gallons per day (mgd). Additionally, Blue Spring was named as a water course to be prioritized for the establishment of MFLs in a 1995 Settlement Agreement between the District and the organizations Concerned Citizens of Putnam County For Responsive Government, Inc., and Citizens For Water, Inc. The adoption of a minimum flow regime for Blue Spring will protect the spring from a reduction in flows that could threaten its water resource values and functions, including its use as a reliable winter warm-water refuge by manatees.
Related Questions
- How will the approved Blue Spring minimum flow regime impact the development of water supplies to meet future water supply needs?
- What authority does the St. Johns River Water Management District have to make rules regarding the use of water?
- Why has the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) set a minimum flow regime for Blue Spring?
