Water Quality Assessment Report - Florida Department of ...

habitats for many recreational and commercial fi sh species. The economic
value of commercial seafood harvests on Florida’s west coast consists of at
least 95 percent estuary-dependent species.
The estuary’s wetland vegetation helps to maintain or improve water
quality by fi ltering and assimilating many waterborne pollutants and
stabilizing bottom sediments. It also provides a buffer between developed
shorelines and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico that can absorb some
of the destructive impact of storm-generated winds and tidal surges. A
long band of hydric hammock forest occurring just inland of the estuary
provides additional protection to much of the shoreline of Hernando and
Citrus Counties.
Surface Water Quality Classifications
Florida’s water quality standards, the foundation of the state’s program
of water quality management, designate the “present and future most
benefi cial uses” of the waters of the state (Subsection 403.061[10], Florida
Statutes [F.S.]). Water quality criteria for surface water and ground water,
expressed as numeric or narrative limits for specifi c parameters, describe the
water quality necessary to maintain these uses. Florida’s surface water is
classifi ed using the following fi ve designated use categories:
Class I Potable water supplies
Class II Shellfi sh propagation or harvesting
Class III Recreation, propagation, and maintenance of a healthy,
well-balanced population of fi sh and wildlife
Class IV Agricultural water supplies
Class V Navigation, utility, and industrial use (there are no state
waters currently in this class)
All of the waters in the Springs Coast Basin are Class III, marine or
fresh waters, except for a portion of Crystal River (waterbody identifi cation
number 1341), which is a Class II water.
Special Designations
Outstanding Florida Waters
The following waterbodies in the basin have been given additional
protection through designation as Outstanding Florida Waters (OFWs):
Crystal River and Kings Bay, Chassahowitzka River, Crab Creek, Cabbage
Creek, Baird Creek, Salt Creek, Potter Creek, Crawford Creek, Blue
Run, Ryle Creek, May Creek, Chub Creek, Blind Creek, and Weeki
Wachee River. In addition, all of the lakes and streams in Pinellas County
are OFWs.
OFWs are designated for “special protection because of their natural
attributes” (Section 403.061[27], F.S.). These waters are listed in Section
62-302.700, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.). The intent of an OFW
designation is to maintain ambient water quality, even if these designations
are more protective than those required under the waterbody’s surface water
classifi cation. Most OFWs are associated with managed areas in the state
Water Quality Assessment Report: Springs Coast
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