The Weeki Wachee River, downstream from the Weeki Wachee spring system, is facing ecosystem unbalances due to accumulated sediments. This issue has become a priority for the water management district to mitigate due to its negative environmental effects. Sedimentation build-up is linked to erosion, river widening, and recreational use. Excessive sediment buildup has changed the natural river depth thus affecting manatee passage, especially during low tide. The buildup has also resulted in negatively affecting submerged aquatic vegetation, a key aspect of a healthy aquatic habitat.
Though there are rules enforced at the boat launch in the state park, other boat launches downstream that are not part of the state park do not enforce the same rules, and even if enforced, there is a lot of leniency with violators. Boats docked on the side of the river on top of natural vegetation, visitors swimming in the spring and river, and the use of motorboats are a common sight downriver from the state park. What may seem like innocent fun at Weeki Wachee is causing sediment uplift and buildup downriver.
With funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the state of Florida, and SWFWMD, a restoration project is in effect with the goal of restoring the river to natural depths. Sea and Shoreline, LLC, has been hired and the company has begun the restoration efforts by using dredging techniques. This effort aims to restore the habitat to natural conditions where manatees can have a safe passage and vegetation will be able to grow.
Excessive recreational activity at Weeki Wachee has resulted in sediment displacement, resulting in sediment accumulation is areas where the water was historically deeper. The shallowness of the water can be seen as water only reaches the knees of visitors enjoying the spring.
A favorite activity at the springs is jumping off logs and trees. Though seemingly quite innocent, this activity can potentially result in sediment disturbance.
Aside from official holidays, visitors also partake in unofficial holidays such as 420, a cannabis-oriented celebration, which results in more foot traffic, docking, and recreation in the spring.
Not only is the spring used for recreational purposes, but also for religious rituals. Here a baptism is being performed with church members congregated in the spring water.
A visitor enjoys a sunny day on a kayak in an area where sediment levels have increased.
The Suwannee River Water management district is working with Sea and Shoreline on a project where sediments are being dredged to restore river depth to healthy levels. Here, a Sea and Shoreline vessel is anchored in an area where dredging work is being done.
Installed pipes for dredging run a significant length of the spring run. In certain areas where pipes cannot continue underwater, they can be seen coming out of the water and back down again.
A sharp drop in sediment at the Weeki Wachee spring run shows how accumulated sediment has an effect on water depth, resulting in ecological issues.