Su-No-Wa Spring is a small sixth-magnitude spring in Nassau County, Florida, near the headwaters of Thomas Creek in the drainage area between the St. Marys and St. Johns rivers. The spring is unusual because Nassau County contains very few documented springs, making Su-No-Wa one of the county’s better-known groundwater discharge features.

According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, the spring has been modified with a concrete pipe enclosure and overflow structure. Water rises through fine sand in the spring pool before flowing northwest toward Thomas Creek. Additional seepage has also been documented from nearby sandy hillsides.

A Rare Nassau County Spring

Several regional planning and groundwater reports identify Su-No-Wa Spring as the only formally identified spring within Nassau County. Unlike many areas of central and north Florida where limestone springs are common and highly visible, much of Nassau County’s groundwater discharge occurs through diffuse seepage rather than large spring vents.

Because of this, Su-No-Wa Spring represents an uncommon example of a mapped and documented spring system within the county. The spring appears in multiple Florida spring inventories and hydrologic reports despite its relatively small size.

Spring Characteristics

Su-No-Wa Spring is classified as a sixth-magnitude spring, meaning its flow is relatively modest compared to Florida’s famous first-magnitude springs such as Silver Springs or Wakulla Springs. Historic descriptions note that the spring discharges from the surficial aquifer rather than directly from a large limestone cavern system.

The spring pool was historically enclosed within a concrete structure, with overflow water traveling downslope toward Thomas Creek approximately 100 feet away.

Access and Current Conditions

Public access information for Su-No-Wa Spring is limited, and the spring is not known as a developed swimming destination. As with many smaller Florida springs located on or near private land, visibility and accessibility may vary over time.

More Resources

• St. Johns Water Management District
• Nassau County 2030 Comprehensive Plan