The Latest on Crystal River
CONSERVE PROTECT
RESTORE ADVOCATE
EELGRASS EFFECT: Then & Now
Long gone are the days spent driving around the Bay to find a manatee. Now we are looking for ones in clear water WITHOUT other boats near them. We can’t remember the last time that a tour struck out finding manatees to swim with. We’ve become spoiled.
Seasonal Changes Produce Healthier Eelgrass Beds in Kings Bay
If you have swam, boated, or paddled around Kings Bay this winter, you have probably seen an unusual amount of eelgrass blades floating throughout the canals. A closer look may have even revealed that some of the robust eelgrass beds you have grown accustomed to seeing might be looking a little thinner than usual. No need for concern!
Why are Springs Blue?
Next time you’re out at Three Sisters or any other spring, think about how the water you’re swimming through, or paddling on, is rainwater, filtered and cooled through rock, colored by minerals, and reflecting dissolved earth crystals and the blue sky. You’re not only swimming through the water we drink and wash our hands with, but also one of nature’s miracles. No wonder the manatees love it!
Why has Crystal River Become Saltier?
The salinity levels of Crystal River have been rising the past few years largely due to two main factors: acid rain and fertilizer runoff. Acid rain dissolves harmful salts found in concrete, which raise the salinity of freshwater sources, and fertilizer contains many salts which, when over used, can be washed by rain into nearby waterways.
Turbidity and Salinity in Water Quality
While Save Crystal River’s efforts to plant eelgrass does not reduce salinity, the grasses themselves have the capacity to thrive in both saltwater and freshwater. Along with this survival ability, eelgrass helps hold sediment at the bottom of the river floor, which reduces overall turbidity of the water. These traits make eelgrass perfect for restoring Crystal River’s clarity and providing a stable environment for indigenous wildlife.
Nitrates and pH in Water Quality
This post shares the importance of nitrate and pH levels in the calculation of water quality. Nitrates are organic compounds found all around us while pH can be influenced by nitrate levels or human contaminants.
Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen in Water Quality
Temperature and dissolved oxygen are just two of the many factors scientists study when determining water quality. Temperature measures how hot or cold the water is, and dissolved oxygen measures the percentage of oxygen dissolved in a given volume of water. Scientists use both of these as an indicator of contaminants or abnormal activity in a body of water.
Introduction to Water Quality in Crystal River
Crystal River Florida is known for its vibrant, azure springs and “Old Florida” landscape. How can you look out on a sawgrass prairie and not say “wow”? Even though the landscape remains picturesque, the water quality of the river still drastically declines. Only 40 years ago, one could clearly see fish and manatee swimming below. Now in the main river, it is hard to spot any fish unless they jump from the murky water.
UPCOMING IN SEPTEMBER
Save our Waters Week is an annual activity where the waters of Citrus County receive love and attention. We remove debris and restore the condition of the ecosystem. Join in!
Information on this years activities coming soon! We’ll see you on the waterfront!
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Because Save Crystal River is a grass roots organization working to restore our waters, we want to hear from others who support efforts to restore our waters. So please reach out in whatever way is best for you. Call us, send and email, and then like us on Facebook.
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