FLORIDA SPRINGS: WAKULLA SPRING

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Discover One of the Largest Springs in the World-- Wakulla Spring

Wakulla Springs, Florida
Wakulla Spring - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©
Florida has an estimated 1,000 freshwater springs, and 31 are designated as first-magnitude. First-magnitude springs have a flow of at least 64.6 million gallons per day.

One first-magnitude spring is Wakulla Spring, located 14 miles south of Tallahassee, in Edward Ball Wakulla Spring State Park. With a flow of about 400 million gallons per day, it more than meets first-magnitude criteria. 

Wakulla Spring is also designated as one of 30 Outstanding Florida Springs,  which requires additional protection for conservation and restoration. 

Wakulla Spring is one of the largest and deepest springs in the world. Fed by the Upper Floridan Aquifer, it discharges mostly to the Wakulla River, which feeds the St. Marks River that flows to the Apalachee Bay Estuary. 

The spring vent is located 180 feet below ground, connected to over 40 miles of caverns and tunnels that have been mapped by divers. The International Commission on Geoheritage features a photo from a diver's perspective and a 3-D map of the caves and tunnels.

"Spring" Life

Common Gallinule at Wakulla Springs, Florida
Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©
 Wakulla Spring's warm water (about 72 degrees F) creates an attractive environment for manatees during the winter. 

Wakulla Spring is also home to all manners of fish, waterfowl, alligators and other aquatic animals and plants. 

White ibis at Wakulla Springs, Florida
Ibis at Wakulla Spring-Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©
The downstream estuary supports the endangered Kemp’s Ridley turtle, shrimp, crabs, oysters and juvenile fish. 

Wakulla Spring and it's downstream flows influence the St. Marks Wildlife Refuge and Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve. These provide habitats for several threatened species. 

Geological Heritage Site

Wakulla Spring was designated as a Geological Heritage Site by the International Commission on Geoheritage in 2024. The designation refers to "a key place with extraordinary geological elements or processes of the highest scientific relevance." 

Bones of an ancient mastodon were found at the bottom of the spring in 1850. Remains of nine other extinct animals have since been found, including saber-toothed tigers and giant ground sloths.

Cultural and Recreational Importance

Historic Lodge at Wakulla Springs, Florida
The Lodge at Wakulla Spring - Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©
Located in Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, the spring and its surroundings provide visitors with opportunities for hiking, swimming, wildlife-viewing and more. Wakulla Spring was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1966 because of its extensive and beautiful flora and fauna.
Riverboat for tours at Wakulla Springs, Florida
Photo by Donna Kaluzniak©

The historic Spanish-style lodge was built by Edward Ball in 1937. The original elevators are still in operation, and the lobby ceiling is painted with wildlife scenes. The old-fashioned soda shop features the longest known marble bar.

Wakulla Spring was a location for several film productions, including The Creature from the Black Lagoon and Tarzan movies. 

Riverboat tours offer a view from the water, and a great way to see the variety of birds, gators, and plant life. Rangers narrate the journey on a loop downstream and back, highlighting wildlife and historical stories.

Wakulla Spring Needs Help

Wakulla Spring has experienced problems with algae and invasive species like hydrilla, caused mostly by excessive nitrogen levels. Also, flow rates for the spring diminish due to drought and over-pumping of the Floridan Aquifer. 

The area of the aquifer that feeds Wakulla Spring is an unconfined layer, meaning stormwater and other pollutants can seep into the aquifer. 

Alligator at Wakulla Springs, Florida
After much scientific study and meetings with stakeholders (utilities, environmental groups, citizens, regulators, scientists, farmers and more) - the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) determined a pollution reduction goal for nitrogen, called a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL).

From there, FDEP and stakeholders developed a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP), which describes 
  • Where the nitrogen comes from and
  • Actions stakeholders must take to reduce nitrogen to meet the TMDL. 
The Wakulla Springs BMAP was originally adopted in 2018 and updated in 2024.

Implementing the BMAP Improved Nitrogen Levels

Graphic showing nitrogen sources at Wakulla Springs, Florida
Graphic from FDEP Story Map.  OSTDS = Septic Tanks


Nitrogen pollution comes from multiple sources. Some nitrogen is naturally occurring from the atmosphere. Other sources include agricultural and lawn fertilization; septic tanks; wastewater treatment facility discharges; and livestock waste.

The highest levels of nitrogen were from agricultural fertilization and septic tanks. However, all areas were addressed in the BMAP. 

Utilities upgraded and expanded their wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs) to provide advanced waste treatment to remove nitrogen. They installed new sewer collection mains to eliminate septic tanks so the wastewater could be treated. Millions of dollars were spent to accomplish these activities. 

Septic tank owners also installed advanced systems that were capable of removing nitrogen. 

Farmers implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) to reduce fertilizer use and manage irrigation to avoid runoff. 

Local governments enacted fertilizer ordinances, requiring limits on fertilization, application methods, distance from water bodies and more.

Here's a presentation from FDEP's 2025 update meeting  showing progress on the Wakulla Spring and River BMAP. 

The Florida Springs Council notes that nitrogen pollution was reduced by 90,000 pounds between 2018 and 2024, but there is still more to do.

How Can You Help the Spring?

One thing the BMAP shows is that everyone has a stake in protecting the springs--as well as opportunities to do so.

Here Are a Few Ways to Make a Positive Impact

Visit Wakulla Spring! By seeing the beauty and wildlife yourself, you will appreciate and want to protect this amazing natural resource!

To reduce nitrogen levels:
  • Use Florida Friendly Landscaping, which reduces fertilizer, pesticides, and water use.
  • Check to see if your city or county has a fertilizer ordinance, and if it does, follow it!
  • Use fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides only as much and often as necessary.
  • If you have a septic tank, upgrade it if required. In all cases, ensure it is inspected annually and properly maintained.
  • Pick up pet waste.
  • Leave grass clipping on the lawn - not blown into the street.
  • Direct downspouts into your garden or onto your lawn.
  • Wash your car at a car wash (they recycle), or use a phosphate-free soap.
To help prevent reduced flow levels:

Geek Out

Watch a video from the Wakulla Springs Alliance, Following the Water to Wakulla Spring. The video traces flows from Tallahassee to the spring.

Watch the Wakulla Springs Robot 3D Mapper Expo Video from the Wakulla Environmental Institute:


Watch a Friends of Wakulla Springs video, Rivers Beneath Us, exploring the cave system of Wakulla Springs:



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