The Kings Bay spring system is a vital cultural and economic resource for the state of Florida. Located near Crystal River, Kings Bay forms one of the largest group of springs in Florida and generates the headwaters of the Crystal River.

The system is a national wildlife refuge, serving as the largest winter refuge for manatees on the Florida Gulf Coast. It is a popular ecotourism destination and has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water by the state.

Now, there will be more fresh water for the springs thanks to a unique partnership between a power plant and a wastewater treatment plant. The city of Crystal River will send up to 750,000 gallons per day of reclaimed water to Duke Energy’s Crystal River Energy Complex where it will be used for industrial purposes.

Redirecting reclaimed water to Duke Energy rather than discharging it into a spray field will reduce the amount of nutrients reaching the spring area by an estimated 28 percent. Additionally, the reclaimed water will offset groundwater usage by 0.75 million gallons per day initially. In the future, that may grow to 1.5 million gallons per day. Both efforts will increase freshwater resources flowing into Kings Bay.

Protecting our springs and natural waterways is vital to preserving Florida’s natural resources. Together, a Duke Energy power plant and a wastewater treatment plant are doing just that.