Alexander Springs
Lake County’s Alexander Spring is in the Ocala National Forest and the St. Johns River Water Management District. Alexander Springs is a first-magnitude Outstanding Florida Spring and is one of only two first magnitude springs in the federal parks and forests system (the other is Silver Glen Springs). The spring discharges from vents in a conical depression to form a large spring pool of clear, blue water measuring three hundred feet from north to south. Aquatic vegetation is most dominant around the primary vent. Algae and native aquatic grasses are present in the spring. A mixed hardwood and palm forest surrounds Alexander and has species such as maples, sweetgum, and cabbage palms. Recreational activities include camping, picnicking, biking, fishing, hiking, and paddling. It is the only spring in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted.
In 2016, the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Springs and Aquifer Protection Act.
Alexander Springs is currently one of six Outstanding Florida Springs or Spring Groups that is considered “not impaired”.
Historic images
The following images were provided courtesy of the State Archives of Florida. This incredible photographic library provides a window into the historic spring landscape, documenting changing spring and surface water levels, as well as human use and development in this special location.
Science Hub
This is the location for access to data related to this spring. Below, you will find links to reports, data, as well as maps and information from the Florida Springs Institute’s Blue Water Audit project about this particular spring or spring group.
The Blue Water Audit is a tool developed by the Florida Springs Institute to estimate and visualize the impact of human activities on the Floridan Aquifer. Using existing data from a variety of sources, the Blue Water Audit estimates nitrogen loading and groundwater withdrawals for the Florida Springs Region. These estimates are used to assign Aquifer Footprints – a Floridan Aquifer Nitrogen Footprint (water quality) and a Floridan Aquifer Groundwater Footprint (water quantity). Below are maps of the Blue Water Audit Floridan Aquifer Nitrogen footprint for the Alexander Springs springshed within the St Johns River Water Management District, as well as a map of the land use within the Alexander Springs springshed. To find out more about the Blue Water Audit project and to learn how this tool was developed, visit Blue Water Audit.
DATA AND REPORTS
The Interactive Florida Springs Atlas was produced with generous support from the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. The Community Foundation of North Central Florida supported this project through generous support for our Blue Water Audit project.
