Under Newberry
The ground around Newberry.
Western Alachua County, around Newberry, Archer and High Springs, is classic karst: limestone near the surface, sinkholes in fields and pastures, and the Santa Fe River and springs such as Poe Springs to the north.
Sinkholes matter for wells here. Ground movement nearby can cloud the water, bring up sand or change how a well behaves.
The water
Hard, limestone water is typical, and iron and sulfur show up in many wells. With so much agriculture on thin, sandy soil over the aquifer, regular bacteria and nitrate testing is sensible.
Permits
Alachua County is split between two water management districts. In the western part, including the Newberry area, the Suwannee River district requires a permit before a well is built, repaired or abandoned. In the eastern part, under the St. Johns River district, the county’s Environmental Protection Department has its own well registration requirements.
Which district handles well permits around Newberry?
Western Alachua County, including the Newberry area, is in the Suwannee River Water Management District, which requires a permit before well construction, repair or abandonment. Eastern Alachua County is in the St. Johns River district, with additional county requirements.
A sinkhole opened near my well. What should I do?
Keep people and animals away from it, stop drinking the well water until it’s tested, and call. Don’t try to fill it or work near the wellhead yourself.
Does Living Water come out to Alachua County?
Yes. Alachua County is in the company’s listed service area. Call (352) 317-7330 to check your address.