Manatee Spring, once clear and blue, now green from algae

Manatee is a first-magnitude spring with an average flow of 90 to 100 million gallons a day. Smaller springs are along the stream — referred to as a run — from the mainspring to the Suwannee River.

In winter, it is as surefire a place to see its namesake marine mammals as any in the region. When the water in the Gulf of Mexico becomes too cold for their liking, manatees cruise up the Suwannee River and congregate in the warmer spring run and the spring.

Location: Manatee Springs State Park is at 11650 NW 115 St. off U.S. 98 in Chiefland.

Visitors: Swimming and scuba diving are allowed but with restrictions. Swimming is prohibited in Catfish Hotel spring, in the run and at the end of the 800-foot boardwalk that winds alongside it.

Open-water diving is allowed at the main spring and at Catfish Hotel, where cavern diving is also allowed. Diving in Friedman Sink requires cave certification. The number of divers is limited each day and divers must stay at least 50 feet away from manatees.

The park also has a campground and trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Problems: The park website describes Manatee Springs as “one of Florida’s breathtaking first-magnitude springs.” It could also be described as one of the most heartbreaking.

Severe algal growth has resulted in thick green mats along the surface and algae clinging to anything that will provide a foothold in the pool.

Manatee is considered one of the most polluted springs in Florida with typical nitrate levels much higher than the .35 milligrams per liter set by the state as a standard for first-magnitude springs that are designated as Outstanding Springs.

Agriculture is considered the main culprit of the nitrate but the spring has been periodically inundated for long periods with water from a flooding Suwannee River, which alters the water chemistry of the system.

Future: Manatee is under state protective measures that include a basin management action plan that is intended to reduce nitrate levels. Farmers in the area are required to use methods to reduce water pumping and the use of excess fertilizer.

Visiting our springs

This is part of a continuing series profiling notable springs in North Central Florida, part of a larger effort, Fragile Springs Revisited, by the Gainesville Sun and the Ocala Star-Banner. Find the entire series at gainesville.com/news/environment.

Visiting our springs

This is part of a continuing series profiling notable springs in North Central Florida, part of a larger effort, Fragile Springs Revisited, by the Gainesville Sun and the Ocala Star-Banner. Find the entire series at gainesville.com/news/environment.