What is “Blackwater”?
Okefenokee Swamp and the Satilla River, while very close geographically speaking, are not connected to each other and, in fact, are in separate watersheds. Waycross, Georgia, the home base of Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions, actually straddles the boundary between their watersheds (a watershed, also known as a drainage basin, is an area that collects and funnels water through myriad creeks and streams into a common outlet, such as a river or wetland). While the Satilla River is the king of its basin, Okefenokee is actually a part of the watersheds for both the Suwannee River that drains into the Gulf of Mexico and for the St. Marys River, which forms the border between Georgia and Florida on its way to the Atlantic.
Mill Creek begins south of Waycross and winds its way to join Big Creek, which feeds the Satilla. Just a stone’s throw from the beginnings of Mill Creek, less than 2,000 feet away, is a creek that runs south and becomes a creek known as Double Branches, one of the headwater streams of the Okefenokee Swamp. In fact, ride down E Washington Drive and you’re right on the border between the two watersheds.
So if the Satilla River and Okefenokee don’t actually touch, what’s something they have in common? Besides their wilderness and their amazing opportunities for paddling and boating experiences, blackwater. The Satilla River is the only blackwater river entirely in Georgia. Okefenokee is America’s largest blackwater swamp.
Guests on Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions tours want to know, “What IS blackwater?”
Simply put, "blackwater" refers to water that has a dark, tea-colored appearance due to the presence of dissolved organic matter. This organic matter comes from the decomposition of plant material, such as leaves and wood, in the surrounding environment. The water's color is a result of tannins leaching into the water from decaying vegetation. Cypress, pine, and oak trees are great sources for tannins and of course, these trees are present in huge quantities throughout both watersheds.
“The water looks like Coca-Cola!” is something I’ve heard often from observant kids during tours. Something I often do is use a clear cup to dip the water and, upon holding it up in the light, people are amazed to see that it’s not black at all, rather a light golden color. Swamp water is natural tea, and the tea we drink at home is domesticated swamp water… at least that’s how I look at it! In fact, my kinfolk, the Swampers, drank the blackwater of Okefenokee on any outing in the Swamp (and so do I). They would just lean over and drink it straight from the surface- calling it “sticking your bill in a gator hole”! The blackwater of the St. Marys (which in large part originates in the Swamp) was once barreled and sold as “sweetwater” a few hundred years back to trading ships for drinking water on long voyages. The acidity of the water helps to reduce the bacterial population, making it so that it would stay “fresh” for long periods.
The tannin-rich water of the Satilla River in shallow spots over the white sand base of the river always makes a beautiful scene!
What are some characteristics of blackwater?
The water typically has a dark brown to almost black color, resembling weak tea. This coloration is a distinguishing feature of blackwater bodies. Visibility in the water is poor, and the water can stain.
Blackwater is often acidic due to the breakdown of organic matter, which releases acids into the water. The acidity can vary, and some blackwater bodies may be more acidic than others. Okefenokee and the Satilla both have low pH (acidic) water.
Blackwater is often nutrient-poor compared to other types of water. The decomposition process consumes nutrients, and the resulting water may have low levels of essential elements like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Blackwater is commonly found in swampy and forested areas where there is a high prevalence of decaying plant material. Wetland environments, such as swamps and bogs, are prime examples of habitats where blackwater occurs.
Despite its dark appearance, blackwater ecosystems can be rich in biodiversity. Many species of fish, insects, and other aquatic organisms are adapted to thrive in these conditions. Okefenokee Swamp has one of the highest biodiversities of any blackwater ecosystem in North America.
A guided swamp tour or river tour with Okefenokee & Satilla Expeditions will show you the beauty of these special blackwater ecosystems up close and personal. Tours are available by motorized boat or canoes/kayaks all year.
Y’all come swampin’ with us soon!
