Rainbow Springs is known for its outstanding water clarity and is popular for swimming and paddling.
Updating the Springs SWIM Plans
At their July 26, 2023 meeting, the Springs Coast Steering Committee approved incremental refinements to the quantifiable objectives within the SWIM Plans for all five first-magnitude spring systems for review by the District Governing Board.
For questions or comments about the quantifiable objective refinements, email SWIMPlanUpdate@WaterMatters.org by November 1, 2023.
A virtual public meeting is scheduled for October 18, 2023. An overview of the refinements will be presented. Public comment will be accepted at this meeting.
About the Springs
Rainbow Springs is the headwaters of the Rainbow River, which is a short, freshwater river that flows 5.7 miles from the headspring south to the Withlacoochee River.
The Rainbow Springs springshed, which contributes groundwater to Rainbow Springs, is approximately 735 square miles of mostly agricultural lands, forested uplands and growing urban areas. This springshed covers portions of Alachua, Levy and Marion counties.
The Rainbow River and its immediate surroundings were mined for phosphate in the early part of the twentieth century. From 1934 to 1973 the headsprings property was used as a tourist attraction that included glass bottom boats and a monorail through the tree canopy. Today, it is known as the Rainbow Springs State Park.
Challenges
Although Rainbow Springs has some of the healthiest submerged aquatic vegetation, it has one of the highest nitrate levels among the west-central Florida spring systems. Excess nitrate levels in water can be harmful to aquatic insects, amphibians and fish. If algae have an unlimited source of nitrates, excess growth may occur. Large amounts of algae growth can cause reduced water clarity and extreme fluctuations in dissolved oxygen, which is stressful to aquatic life. In addition, unhealthy Hydrilla and Lyngbya dominate at the lower portion of the river.
Unique Features
The unique ecological attributes of Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River were recognized by the state of Florida when the system was designated an aquatic preserve and an Outstanding Florida Water. In 1989, the District adopted the Rainbow River as a Surface Water Improvement and Management priority water body.
District-Funded Projects
- Rainbow River Algae and Sediment Assessment Project (completed)
- Rainbow River Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Mapping (ongoing)
- Marion County – Rolling Hills Stormwater Improvements (completed)
- Rainbow Springs Stormwater Retrofit (completed)
- Oak Run to JB Ranch Reclaimed Water Main (approved)