Poe Springs swimming area closed because of bad water quality and low water levels
Scientists say groundwater levels in the Florida Aquifer are the lowest than they’ve been in over a decade
HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) - Scientists say groundwater levels in the Florida Aquifer are so low that the Poe Springs swimming area had to be closed, starting this week.
Researchers at the Florida Springs Institute tested the water Thursday, July 16, 2026, and discovered that it has excess algae and declining clarity levels.
Stacie Greco, the Water Resources Manager for Alachua County’s Environmental Protection Department, says that the region’s drought, plus human use, is draining the aquifer that feeds the state’s springs with clean water.
“We’ve been getting some rain and that’s helping keep our yards alive and plants. But we haven’t gotten enough to recharge the aquifer. The groundwater that feeds the springs is very low. So not enough water is coming out of the aquifer into the spring vents,” Greco said.
The Environmental Protection Department asked that the community slow down on household and garden water use at this time, and to watch for their announcement that the swimming area has been reopened.
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