Rainbow Springs is known for its outstanding water clarity and is popular for swimming and paddling.
About the Springs
The Rainbow River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in Marion County. Rainbow Springs is the headwaters of this short, freshwater river flowing nearly 6 miles from the headsprings to where it meets the Withlacoochee River.
Many springs make up the Rainbow River system. These springs comprise the Rainbow Springs group, which is the fourth largest spring group in Florida based on the amount of discharge. Many of these springs are located in the upper portions of the river, including within the Rainbow Springs State Park boundaries. The headwaters of Rainbow River are composed of a 250-foot diameter, semicircular spring pool with four main boils. Other springs contribute to the flow downstream, including springs located in the Indian Creek tributary. Bubbling sand boils also can be seen within the river.
The Rainbow springshed, which contributes groundwater to the Rainbow Springs system, is approximately 735 square miles and covers a significant land area in Alachua, Levy and Marion counties. Rainfall in this region directly affects the amount of water discharged from the springs by impacting the water level in the aquifer, which provides the driving force for spring flow. Click here to view the spring flow data for the Rainbow River.
Challenges
The primary issues facing this system include nitrate enrichment, potential decreases in historical flows, and the presence of invasive aquatic vegetation. Nitrate concentrations are higher compared to historical concentrations in many springs in the Rainbow River system. These elevated concentrations can have adverse effects on the ecosystem. Long-term spring flow is largely affected by rainfall patterns and to a lesser extent by groundwater withdrawals. The Rainbow River system has an adopted Minimum Flows and Levels (MFL). Although submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities are currently healthy in the upper reaches of the river, invasive SAV species and algae are more abundant in the lower portions of the river.
Unique Features
Rainbow River is known for its natural beauty and aesthetics. The water coming from the springs is so clear visibility near the headsprings can exceed 250 ft, which is equal to the height of a Giant Sequoia tree.
The river has drawn visitors to its sapphire-blue waters for centuries. Archaeologists believe that early Native American hunters camped around Rainbow Springs 10,000 years ago and several prehistoric sites have been identified. Some of the first known settlers came to the Rainbow Springs area around 1854, and the discovery of hard rock phosphate deposits in 1890 triggered a mining boom.
From the late 19th century until the early 20th century, Rainbow River and its immediate surroundings were mined for phosphate. The lands surrounding the headsprings became a privately-owned tourist attraction from the 1930s through the 1970s. After the private park closed, the lands were unmanaged until the State of Florida took over the property in 1990 and created the Rainbow Springs State Park.
This winding river is home to many different plant and animal species. Visitors can spot river otters, wood ducks, and over 20 different types of fish species swimming in the river. Various birds, snakes, alligators, and turtles may be observed along the banks.
Data Collection
Water quality is routinely monitored in the Rainbow River, with some parameters collected hourly. Various information is collected including nitrate levels, water clarity, spring flow and salinity. The data is available through the District’s Environmental Data Portal. Submerged aquatic vegetation is currently mapped twice a year within the river at specified locations. A summary of the current data for the Rainbow River in relation to the parameters collected by the District can be viewed in this report:
Springs Management
The District has designated the Rainbow River system as a Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) priority water body. Additionally, this system is designated as an Outstanding Florida Spring, an Outstanding Florida Water and an Aquatic Preserve by the state. These designations provide additional protections and require management plans to ensure the river's conservation and restoration for future generations. The District has invited local, regional and state agencies to form the Springs Coast Committees, whose first goal is to develop management plans tailored for each spring system. The Rainbow River’s management plan, called a SWIM Plan, can be viewed here:
Project Highlights
- 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)