run for the springs

One step at a time. It’s good advice for running a race. But to the organizers of the Run for the Springs 5K, a community and corporate running event being held here in Marion County, it means much more.

› By Sean Trapani › Photos by Richard Rossetto

Some of our area’s water resources need help. The Run for the Springs 5K represents a positive step people can take to help make a di erence.

The run, which will be held on April 14, is an event designed to bring the community together and help spread awareness of both the beauty of and the immediate risks to our local water system. The event was created by the Marion County O ce of the County Engineer Storm Water Management Program, a group of people who not only care for the water we drink but also one of the most precious sources of water in the world.

A Storied Spring

The most famous water source that the run’s organizers aim to protect is Silver Springs, the largest artesian spring in the world. Unfortunately, Silver Springs (and Rainbow

Springs) are categorized by water management experts as “impaired.” This means they are being polluted with contaminates such as nitrates (the stu we find in fertilizers).

In some areas of our springs, the nitrate levels are over seven times higher than what they should safely be. But other concerns include “flow,” which is the amount of water that passes through the springs. Back in the 1930s, the flow rate was about 30 percent more than it is today.

Get Active

Starting at the McPherson Government Complex, the Run for the Springs 5K is, at its simplest form, a 5K road race. But it’s not a solo event. Instead, participants will work as part of a team, collaborating with friends, family and co-workers.

For those who don’t run, there will be an arts and crafts

How To Help Now

“Our natural springs, lakes and rivers make Marion County a beautifully unique place to live, work and play,” says Gail Mowry, a professional engineer who works for Marion County. “Because we use this same water for drinking and other daily activities, we all play a role in keeping our water clean.”

Here are a few tips from Mowry for people who want to help: area and a bounce house for the kids. (In fact, the race organizers have partnered with the Marion County Parks and Recreation Department to expand the children’s area this year, o ering more space and activities for the kids.)

› Reduce nitrate levels.

› Fertilize only if absolutely necessary.

› Don’t fertilize right before a rain storm. (It will just wash the nitrates down into the aquifer and then into the springs.)

› Use the right amount of fertilizer. Visit bewisewhenyoufertilize.com to help figure out the proper amount of fertilizer to use.

› If you have a septic system, have it inspected and pumped out every four or five years.

› Consider hooking up to a sanitary sewer, which is an excellent way to send your home’s wastewater to a facility that can treat nitrogen more e ectively.

Everyone who attends will experience a variety of septic systems, which, if left to disrepair, can be a significant pollutant to our springs.

If your company or group would like to participate in the Run for the Springs 5K or learn more about corporate sponsorships, visit the Marion County website (MarionCountyFL.org) and enter “Run for the Springs 5K” into the search bar at the top right of the page. To learn more about the natural springs in our community and how to help, visit FloridaSprings.org.

Whether one participates in the run, becomes an advocate for our local springs or simply decides to make better choices in their water usage, there are many ways for everyone to help. After all, in running races or saving natural treasures, every positive step makes a di erence.

Increasing Spring Ow

Some of the reduced flow in the springs is related to drought. But the amount of water individuals and businesses use also has a great impact. Some simple things people can do right now include: enrichment and educational opportunities to learn more about our natural springs. Plus, all proceeds from the event will be used to help people here at home in Marion County, primarily in the form of assistance to people wanting to inspect and repair their

› Turn o the faucet when brushing your teeth.

› Update internal plumbing to water-e cient fixtures, such as converting old toilets to new, low-flow toilets.

› Purchase water and energye cient appliances.

› Equip your irrigation system with a working soil sensor. The sensor can detect when the soil is moist and keep the system from turning on.

› Don’t irrigate when it is raining.

Learn more › RUN FOR THE SPRINGS 5K › April 14 ›

McPherson Government Complex

› Day-of-race registration and packet pickup begins at 7:15am, race begins at 8am › $25 per runner › http://bit.ly/2oD5m7C