Section 373.042, F.S., requires the District to establish minimum flows and levels for water bodies located within the District’s boundaries. This rulemaking is necessary to establish the minimum flows for the Gum Slough Spring Run and associated springs in northwestern Sumter County and southwestern Marion County. The establishment and periodic evaluation of minimum flows is required by statute to ensure that the minimum hydrologic requirements of the water resources and ecology of this spring group are maintained. The establishment of minimum flows for the Gum Slough Spring Run are being developed using previously peer-reviewed, Governing Board adopted methods.