OPEN FILE REPORT NO. 85


UNION COUNTY

Santa Fe Spring


 Figure 70. Santa Fe Spring (photo by T. Scott).
Figure 70. Santa Fe Spring (photo by T. Scott).


Location Lat. 290 560 05.3" N, Long. 820 31' 49.5" W (NW14 SE1 SE1 sec. 29, T. 6 S, R.
18 E). Santa Fe Spring is located approximately 8 miles (13 km) northeast of High Springs
on the west bank of the Santa Fe River. The spring is 2 miles (3.5 km) upstream from the
1-75 bridge over the river. At this point, a narrow spring run comes in form the north. The
spring is approximately 90 ft (27 m) up the spring run at the head.

Description This spring is a large circular sink hole with steep sides. Spring pool diam-
eter measures 192 ft (59 m) north to south and 215 ft (66 m) northeast to southwest. Spring
depth is 83 ft (24 m). The water color is typically clear and tinged greenish blue though it
was tannic in October 2001. No boil was observed during the October 2001 visit. The short
spring run is approximately 90 ft (27 m) long, and flows southeasterly into the Santa Fe
River. Some algae is present on rocky substrate in the spring run. No other aquatic vege-
tation could be seen through the dark water. Very little emergent vegetation is present.
Cypress trees are common along the water line. The spring pool is surrounded by 15-20 ft
(4.5- 6 m) high steep, sandy banks. The uplands are generally forested around the pool with
live oaks and pines.

Utilization The uplands around this spring are privately owned. At least five cabins are
evenly distributed around the pool atop the high banks.