Gemini Springs in DeBary has been closed to swimmers for about 11 years because of high natural contaminants flowing through the springs.
- Gemini Springs has been closed to swimming for 11 years
- Natural contaminants flowing through the springs
- Volusia County leaders want to reopen the springs to swimming
That could soon change, though.
The Volusia County Council voted Thursday to begin the process of removing some contaminants that flow into the springs.
Other groups are also testing the water flow in Gemini Springs.
George Brinto takes his 1-year-old German Shepherd dog to the springs, but the pup can't cool off.
"It's cool, it's refreshing," Brinto said. "It would be a great place to swim."
High levels of enterococci, a natural contaminant, forced health and Volusia County officials to close the springs more than 10 years ago.
With Thursday's agreement, the county will install baffle boxes near the spring. The boxes are designed to clean up manmade contaminants that are currently flowing into the springs.
"Basically what we’re trying to do is remove nutrients that may be making it into Gemini Springs," said Judy Grim, who works for the county's road and bridge division.
Students at the University of Florida are monitoring the flow of spring water to other bodies of water using dye. The study is through the St. Johns River Water Management District, which conducts similar studies across the state.
Health officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers test the springs on a regular basis to see if enterococci levels are coming down.
Brinto hopes that the springs will be clean enough for him to swim side-by-side with his dog.
"My hope would be that they can return the park to its full use, which would include swimming," he said.
Gemini Springs is a Volusia County-run park, and so it's ultimately up to the county to decide if the park will allow people to swim.
(Saul Saenz, Staff)