Saving the springs

TALLAHASSEE — The pristine waters that flow out of Panhandle springs are precious to the environment, and Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection is asking everyone to help protect them.

“Florida’s springs are one of our most fascinating geological treasures,” said DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard in a news release. “The health of Florida’s many springs is directly related to our actions, and this month is dedicated to encouraging residents and visitors to help conserve our springs.”

April recently was declared Springs Protection Awareness Month by FDEP.

Last year, the state invested more than $37 million in spring improvement projects.

These projects improve water quality and quantity and protect important natural resources, the release stated. The quality of spring water reflects groundwater conditions, which 93 percent of Floridians rely on for drinking water.

Gainer Springs, which is part of the St. Andrew Bay watershed and the main source of water to Deer Point Lake, produces about 1.4 million gallons of water per day, according to Johnny Patronis, co-owner of the spring’s surrounding property.

“It’s Bay County’s crown jewel,” Patronis said. “It’s very important to keep it safe, keep the banks safe.”

While Patronis considers it “a noble gesture” for millions of dollars to be invested into protecting springs, he believes one of the best ways to protect them is by staying away from the banks.

“So many people gather there, climbing the banks, creates erosion, bringing trash with them,” he said. “Those areas are very sensitive” and “it’s very important to keep it safe, to keep the banks safe.”

HELP PROTECT SPRINGS

When visiting a spring:

-Use extreme caution when boating and anchoring in spring runs. Anchors, props and boat groundings can destroy aquatic vegetation and increase the cloudiness of the water

-Dispose of your trash properly. Cans and bottles, cigarette butts, plastic bags and other trash harm water quality and wildlife and destroy the natural beauty of the springs

-Avoid trampling underwater vegetation and stirring sediments when tubing, snorkeling or swimming at springs