SpringsWatch: Weeki Wachee River

The Weeki Wachee Spring and Spring Run System (Weeki Wachee River) is located in western Hernando County and is a focal point for outdoor recreation in the area. Rainbow, Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and Weeki Wachee make up what is known as the Springs Coast. The headspring that feeds the Weeki Wachee River is located in Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The Weeki Wachee River flows approximately 7.5 miles from its headspring until it meets the Gulf of Mexico. Weeki Wachee Springs is renown for it’s natural beauty, but also for it’s man-made attractions such as water slides, and most famously, the Weeki Wachee Mermaid shows. 

Volunteers with the Florida SpringsWatch program conduct monthly sampling along the Weeki Wachee River. Our Weeki Wachee group currently collects data for the following parameters: temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, vertical light attenuation, horizontal secchi disk measurements, and aquatic vegetation surveys. In addition to water quality monitoring, this group also conducts visual fish counts within the river. A mask and snorkel are required, click here to learn more about common fish found in the springs! The SpringsWatch program is a great way to get out to the springs, learn, and volunteer. To learn more about the data our volunteers are collecting, click on the dashboard and report links below!  

This group is currently accepting volunteers. You must have your own watercraft to participate in this SpringsWatch group. 

Click here to sign up or contact us for more information about upcoming SpringsWatch trips!