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The Determination of Minimum Flows for Sulphur Springs, Tampa

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DRAFT<br />

reach <strong>of</strong> the river 50 meters long near the mouth <strong>of</strong> the spring could serve as an<br />

indicator <strong>of</strong> the maintenance <strong>of</strong> a thermal refuge <strong>for</strong> manatees (B. Ackerman, personnel<br />

communication). FWC staff further suggested that the mean water temperature in this<br />

refuge should not be reduced by more than 2 degrees Celsius ( 0 C) as a result <strong>of</strong><br />

springflow diversions when water temperatures in the refuge are in the range <strong>of</strong> 15 to 20<br />

0 C. This was considered to be a conservative approach, as it was assumed that water<br />

temperature changes in the spring run would be less than those observed in the river.<br />

Also, if the spring discharge can maintain water temperatures above 20 o C during cold<br />

periods, when other areas <strong>of</strong> the river are below 20 o C that is <strong>of</strong> benefit as well. Such<br />

thermal functions would benefit not only manatees, but also fishes that are susceptible<br />

to kills during very cold periods (e.g. snook). <strong>The</strong>rmal modeling simulations that predict<br />

the effects <strong>of</strong> removing or diverting various quantities <strong>of</strong> flow from <strong>Sulphur</strong> <strong>Springs</strong> on<br />

water temperatures in the lower river are evaluated in Chapter Five in relation to<br />

proposed minimum flows <strong>for</strong> <strong>Sulphur</strong> <strong>Springs</strong>.<br />

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