Three First-Magnitude Spring Systems Added to SWFWMD Priority List

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has announced it will add three first-magnitude spring systems — Weeki Wachee River, Chassahowitzka River and Homosassa River — to the Surface Water Improvement Management (SWIM) Program priority list. The existing SWIM Program priority list includes two first magnitude spring systems - Rainbow River and Crystal River/Kings Bay. This action initiates bringing all five of the District's first magnitude springs onto the SWIM Program priority list.

These spring groups are important for their ecological value and their economic impact.

A first-magnitude spring discharges 64.6 million gallons of water per day or more. Together, all five of the District's first-magnitude springs discharge more than one billion gallons of water per day.

Staff will now coordinate with several state agencies and stakeholders to request any comments they have on the priority list changes. District staff anticipates requesting the Governing Board's final approval within six months.

Staff will now coordinate with several state agencies and stakeholders to request any comments they have on the priority list changes. District staff anticipates requesting the Governing Board's final approval within six months.