Gemini Springs Water Quality
Gemini Springs: A Valuable Water Resource
Gemini Springs is a second magnitude spring and consists of two spring vents approximately 150 feet apart in the City of DeBary, Florida, wholly within Volusia County. Gemini Springs is one of more than 1,000 springs throughout Florida, one of 30 Outstanding Florida Springs established in 2016 by the Florida Legislature, and one of 3 Outstanding Florida Springs located in Volusia County. The Legislature notes that, "Outstanding Florida Springs" are a unique part of the state's scenic beauty, provide critical habitat and have immeasurable natural, recreational, economic and inherent value. A part of the St. Johns River system, Gemini Springs is a popular destination for walking, cycling, and ecotourism; thus, maintenance and protection of the springs are high priorities for the surrounding municipalities, Volusia County, the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP).
Gemini Springs Basin Area Requirements
In 2016, the Florida Legislature identified Gemini Springs as an impaired second magnitude “Outstanding Florida Spring” that requires additional protections to ensure conservation and restoration for future generations. To achieve the water quality restoration targets established in the TMDL, the Gemini Springs Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) was developed by the FDEP and contains enforceable sets of projects and management practices to reduce nitrogen pollution that is impacting the Springs. The FDEP has determined that septic tanks are a major source of nitrogen pollution in Gemini Springs and, as a result, has implemented a septic system remediation plan as part of the Gemini Springs BMAP. The law requires specific actions regarding both existing and new septic systems located near Gemini Springs within the area known as the Priority Focus Area (PFA).
Gemini Springs Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL)
Gemini Springs Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP)
FDEP Interactive Map showing PFA areas
Changes for Septic Tank Owners
New Septic Tanks in Gemini Springs Priority Focus Area (PFA):
Requirements for new homes or businesses installing new septic systems (or adding rooms on) on lots less than one acre within the Gemini Springs PFA have changed. These new systems are required to include enhanced treatment of nitrogen. The installation of nitrogen-reducing systems will not be required if a central sewer connection project is planned by a local government and the project has been included in the remediation plan.
These requirements will be phased in no later than five years after the adoption of the restoration plans.
Existing Septic Tanks in Gemini Springs Priority Focus Area (PFA):
For existing systems within the Gemini Springs PFA, nothing will immediately change. However, failing systems will need to be enhanced with nitrogen-removing technology or the home/business will need to connect to central sewer.
Volusia County is currently working with the FDEP to establish a septic upgrade incentive program which will help to offset the differential costs of replacing a conventional septic system to a higher efficiency nitrogen treatment unit within the Gemini Springs PFA.
Public Information Exchange Meeting
Local governments are mandated to implement various strategies to reduce total nitrogen levels. Volusia County and the City of DeBary is in the process of developing cost-effective and financially feasible alternative scenarios to address the nitrogen loads in the Gemini Springs area that will meet the state legislative mandates and regulatory requirements and best fit the surrounding community.