Gainer Spring Group

Overview

Gainer Spring Group is a first magnitude springs group with a combined average flow of 154 cubic feet per second or about 100 million gallons per day. Gainer Springs Group consists of five major and nine minor springs. Two of the largest vents, vent 2 and vent 1C, are also known as Emerald and McCormick springs, respectively. These two spring vents have strong boils contributing strikingly clear water into the natural tannic colored waters of Econfina Creek.

The area surrounding the springs is covered with a dense growth of scrub pine and associated vegetation. To the west on the opposite side of Econfina Creek, the land rises 80-90 feet to a woody knoll and to the east the land gently slopes 10-20 feet above water surface. Econfina Creek and its many springs collectively discharge into Deer Point Lake, which is the primary source of drinking water for Bay County and Panama City.

Unique Features

The springs in the middle reach of Econfina Creek, of which Gainer Springs Group is the largest, contribute approximately 300 million gallons of water a day to the Deer Point Lake Reservoir that is Bay County’s primary water supply. The reservoir provides water for more than 90 percent of the population of Bay County, including the residents of Panama City, Panama City Beach and neighboring communities. Overflow from the reservoir provides critical fresh water to St. Andrews Bay. In part to ensure protection of the water quality and quantity flowing into the reservoir, the District has purchased more than 42,000 acres of the primary recharge area of the Econfina Creek springs. This land, including the surrounding springs in the middle reach of Econfina Creek, is publicly accessible and has high recreational value.

Projects

FY 2016-2017

District adopts 2016-2017 budget focused on springs, water resource protection

District awarded $15.3 million for springs projects

FY 2015-2016

Springs restoration continues with $17.8 million investment in northwest Florida

District adopts budget focused on springs, water resource protection

 FY 2014-2015

NWFWMD Budget Continues Focus on Water Resource Protection

Proposed Springs Funding to Benefit Environment and Communities of Northwest Florida