Water bodies, watersheds and storm water
In this section
Waterways of the District
- Historical facts about the St. Johns River
- Tour of the St. Johns River
- Lower St. Johns River Basin
- Middle St. Johns River Basin
- Upper St. Johns River Basin
Springs of the District
See overviews, descriptions and locations of springs in the District, including scientific discussions of water quality.
Algae
Aquatic grasses
Get an overview of aquatic grasses.
Wetlands
Wetlands provide vital functions in protecting water resources.
Water quality
- Sources of water pollution
- What you can do to reduce water pollution
- Low impact development
- Harvesting shad to reduce nutrients in water bodies
- Surface water quality
Flooding and stormwater systems
Find tips to help you prepare for storm season.
Many waterways found in the District
The St. Johns River Water Management District covers 12,283 square miles, about 7.8 million acres, or 23 percent of northeast and east-central Florida. The main water body in the District is the northerly flowing St. Johns River, from which the District gets its name. The St. Johns River is the longest river entirely in the state.
Other significant waterways and basins within the District are the Indian River Lagoon, the many lakes of the Keystone Heights area, the Northern Coastal Basin (including Rose Bay), the Upper Ocklawaha River Basin (including Lake Apopka and Lake Griffin), Orange Creek and the St. Marys River.
Florida has one of the largest concentrations of freshwater springs on Earth. Within the District, 96 springs have been identified.
Life in most waterways depends on the survival of underwater grasses. Underwater plants serve as food for some animals and nurseries and shelter for others. The grasses are a vital part of the water world, filtering pollutants from the water and acting as surfaces for organisms — snails, algae and insects — to hold on to. Submersed vegetation is also necessary because it adds dissolved oxygen to the water so aquatic animals can breathe. Its roots stabilize the bottom and prevent erosion.
Many human activities unintentionally add nitrogen and phosphorus or other pollutants to surface waters. Over many decades, urban development, farming, industry and man-made pollutants — such as partially treated sewage from our homes and businesses — have been pumped into waterways for disposal, causing a decline in the health of our rivers and streams. The District, various agencies, other government entities and stakeholder groups are working together to reduce the pollution threats to Florida’s waterways. Each individual can also help protect these waterways.
