A spring produces "spring water" that is sold in stores, although the FDA allows for tap water to be marketed as spring water. Springs are points where water is released from the ground and form a pool of water. The source of this water can be rain or snow.

Significance

What makes water from a spring different from tap water is that spring water is free of chemicals that are added to water by local municipalities and water marketers. Springs are also free of the filtering systems that filter out useful natural minerals.

Geography

Springs can be found all over the world in forests, canyons, rivers and places where ground water rises to the surface. Northern and central Florida has the highest concentration of springs on Earth and is home to more than 700 freshwater springs.

History

Springs result over thousands of years. Water seeps underground then moves through passages before filling holes where water wears away rocks, creating bigger holes until water overflows to the surface. Sinkholes are naturally occurring cavities in the earth's surface that fill with water to form springs.

Aquifers

Aquifers are layers of water underneath the ground. The surface above this layer is called a water table. Aquifers supply the water for springs and wells.

Benefits

Natural spring water that is marketed in stores is usually bottled at the source, such as Coca-Cola's Dasani water, bottled at Ginnie Spring in Florida. Not only do springs produce clean drinking water, they foster useful plant life.

Tourism

Springs attract tourists who admire scenic beauty. Many national parks such as Yellowstone as well as state parks offer views of colorful blue, green and turquoise springs surrounded by trees and vegetation. Springs also facilitate recreation such as kayaking, swimming and snorkeling.

Source:

"Florida 's Flows of Clear, Cool Water;" Christopher Percy Collier; NY Times; April 11, 2008

"A Sermon on Springs;" Peter Warshal; Lime.com; December 2004

Resource:

Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection

The Nibble, Bottled Waters

U.S. Geological Survey, The Water Cycle