While ongoing drought conditions have reduced river flows across North Florida, the unusually low water levels have also created a rare opportunity for staff with the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) to locate and document two previously unknown springs along the Suwannee River.
According to an SRWMD release, the discoveries increase the number of documented springs within the district to more than 450, the highest concentration of freshwater springs in the United States.
The first spring was discovered in late 2025 along the Suwannee River just upstream of Suwannee Springs. Hidden by dense vegetation along the riverbank, the small spring was difficult to identify under normal water conditions. During periods of low flow, however, the spring’s clear groundwater discharge became more visible against the darker river water.
A second undocumented spring was identified in June during a routine outing by district staff. The spring is located along the Suwannee River upstream of Perry Spring.
After confirming both springs had not previously been documented, district staff selected names for the new features, following a long-standing tradition that allows discoverers to name newly identified springs.
The spring near Suwannee Springs was named Ule Spring, using the Timucua word for “baby.” The Timucua were among the most prominent Native American peoples in North Florida prior to European settlement.
The second spring was named Yustaga Spring in honor of the Yustaga people, a branch of the Timucua who historically inhabited portions of North Florida, including areas near the Suwannee River.
Springs form when groundwater from the Floridan Aquifer naturally reaches the land surface through openings in the underlying limestone. Rainfall replenishes the aquifer, and sufficient underground pressure allows water to emerge, feeding many of the rivers, streams and springs that define North Florida’s landscape.
“Even after decades of research and exploration, North Florida continues to reveal new surprises,” said Hugh Thomas, executive director of the Suwannee River Water Management District, in the release. “Finding previously undocumented springs reminds us that there is still much to discover about this remarkable landscape, and every new spring helps us better understand and protect the water resources that sustain our region. These discoveries are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our staff, who are constantly observing, documenting and learning more about the natural resources entrusted to our care.”