Minimum Flows for the Upper Peace River

Map of the Upper Peace River.

Overview 

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is currently developing new minimum flow standards for the Upper Peace River. Minimum flows are limits established by the District’s governing board for surface water courses and are intended to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area that may be caused by water withdrawals.  

The Upper Peace River, which is the northernmost section of the Peace River, begins at the confluence of Saddle Creek and the Peace Creek Canal, just north of Bartow. From there, it flows south through Polk County into Hardee County, reaching Zolfo Springs. 

Draft Minimum Flows Report

A draft minimum flows report for the Upper Peace River was developed by District staff though  extensive research that included collecting a comprehensive set of data consisting of  historical water levels and flow rates, instream habitats, water quality, and information on wildlife diversity and abundances. The draft report and the accompanying appendices are available below for review.  

Upper Peace River Proposed Minimum Flows 2026
Draft Report
Upper Peace River Appendix A
Upper Peace River Appendix B
Upper Peace River Appendix C
Upper Peace River Appendix D
Upper Peace River Appendix E
Upper Peace River Appendix F
Upper Peace River Appendix G
Upper Peace River Appendix H

The draft report and appendices will be updated following an independent scientific peer review process and careful consideration of public and stakeholder input. A final report will be present to the Governing Board for approval to establish the proposed minimum flows.  

Independent Scientific Peer Review Process 

The draft minimum flows report for the Upper Peace River, along with the scientific or technical data, methodologies, models, and assumptions used to support the development of proposed minimum flows, is voluntarily subjected to independent scientific peer review. The peer review is conducted by recognized experts in fields relevant to the development of minimum flows. 

All peer review panel meetings are listed on the District’s calendar. The meetings are virtual and include opportunities for public comment. The peer review panel will provide comments and recommendations to the District, which may require revisions or additional technical analysis to be addressed in the report. Peer review materials and comments are posted on the District’s web forum.

Public Workshop

Following the conclusion of the peer review panel, a public workshop will be held to share the draft minimum flows report. At the workshop, District staff will present the proposed minimum flows and the public will have an opportunity to ask questions and share comments for consideration before the report is finalized and shared with the Governing Board for approval to initiate rulemaking to adopt the proposed minimum flows into District rules.

Tentative Schedule