Crystal River - what happened to the springs?

[handben]

I just got back from a trip to N. Florida. I brought my kids to Crystal river with the thought that we might see some manatees; but if not, we'd have some decent dives around King's spring. I remembered diving there as a teenager some 20 years ago and having good visibility and a mixture of fresh and salt water fish around the spring. I remembered swimming into the cavern and seeing the light streaming in through 2 separate entrances. It was beautiful then.

When I went back, I was able to find the spring, but it was spewing the filthiest water you can imagine. Looks like raw sewage coming out now. I guess it's not sewage though, at least it didn't smell as bad as it looks. It was a real shame to see it in such a sorry state. Does anybody have any idea what happened to this spring/aquifer to cause such a dramatic degradation in water quality?

 

[PerroneFord]

You can start here:

Karst Store DVDs

 

[CaptEsteban]

You went a little late for most of the manatee action, although you can find a few in the area, year round. You just have to know where & when to look. King Spring has had poor water clarity most of the time, the last few years. Like you stated, many years ago it was super clear & much more enjoyable. It is as dry as a bone here & we need rain badly to help replenish our aquifers & who knows when we will get any ! Many divers also stir up the silt badly.
Rainbow River is still good & clean & is a good , easy dive for everyone. If anyone wants to go there, drop me a PM.
Esteban