PRESERVING AND RESTORING THE FOUNDATION OF NORTH FLORIDA’S ECONOMY
Water quality refers to the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water. Data shows persistent elevated nutrient levels, primarily nitrate, in rivers and springs throughout the District. Nitrate, in some instances, is the limiting nutrient that can cause imbalances in the ecosystem and impact the health of springs, rivers, and estuaries. Increased nutrient loads not only adversely impact the ecological health of rivers and springs but also the health of Gulf estuaries downstream.
The District partners with state agencies, local governments, land owners, and other stakeholders to implement projects to reduce nutrient loading, including implementing agricultural BMPs, stormwater treatment, and erosion control and bank restoration. The District actively monitors nitrate concentrations throughout the District in both groundwater and surface water.