Rainbow Creek

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Up TMDL Ground Water Levels Septic Systems Agriculture Manure Management

Rainbow Creek flows west from the valley floor of Rainbow, then under the I-15, and finally through the northern portion of Fallbrook before converging with the Santa Margarita River.  Rainbow Creek is highly impacted by agriculture and residential runoff, which has raised the phosphate and nitrate levels in the creek's water.  Click HERE to view a map of the Rainbow Creek watershed.

The Nutrient Reduction Management Plan is highly useful for nurseries, grove owners, and home owners in learning how they can reduce the amount of nutrients (including nitrates and phosphates) that enter Rainbow Creek.  Please click HERE to view the pdf version of the Nutrient Reduction Management Plan and the simple steps that can be taken to increase the health of the creek and its habitat.  The NRMP was developed by UC Cooperative Extension, County of San Diego, and the Rainbow Creek Stakeholder Advisory Committee and finalized in January 2008.

The Rainbow Creek Total Maximum Daily Load was adopted in 2005 by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board.  This TMDL focuses on the nitrogen and phosphorous levels in the creek and identifies the sources of those nutrients.  Please visit the TMDL page to find out more about the TMDL and it's goals and objectives.  

High ground water levels on the Rainbow valley floor are a concern  during the rainy season as the high water levels can lead to septic system failure and contamination of Rainbow Creek and the surrounding area.  To learn more about the impacts of high ground water levels and to see what the current level of the ground water is in the Rainbow Creek watershed, please visit the Ground Water Levels page.

Septic systems can be a source of water pollution if they are not maintained and cared for properly.  Due to the high ground water levels in the Rainbow Creek watershed, septic system care and maintenance are vitally important to protecting the health of the residents and ecosystem.  To learn more about septic systems, how they function, how to properly care for and maintain a septic system, and what to do if a septic system fails, please visit the Septic Systems page.

Animal waste from farm animals and pets is another source of pollution that can affect Rainbow Creek.  The proper methods for the clean up and disposal of farm animal and pet waste can be found on the Manure Management page.  

 

Agricultural operations (including groves and nurseries) can also be a source of pollutants into Rainbow Creek.   Please visit our Agriculture page to see what Best Management Practices are available to reduce the amount of pollutants that can enter Rainbow Creek.

 

 

                                                Last Updated: June 10, 2008