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An equipment failure prevented the "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ from completing the hydrilla treatment scheduled on part of the Rainbow River on March 4-8. The treatment has been rescheduled for March 18-21 on the section of river upstream of the County Road 484 bridge.Workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K and post informational signs in the treatment areas noting treatment dates and applicable water use… Read more
The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ will be treating water lettuce on the Rainbow River during the week of Jan. 10–14.District workers will treat scattered infestations on the river from the head spring to the Withlacoochee River.Workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Knockout and post warning signs in the treatment areas noting treatment dates and water use restrictions. Treated river water should not be used… Read more
The "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ will be treating hydrilla and water lettuce on the Rainbow River in Marion County during the period of Feb. 2-5.District workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K to treat hydrilla on the section of the river downstream of the County Road 484 bridge. The aquatic herbicide Tribune will be applied to scattered infestations of water lettuce throughout the river.Informational signs… Read more
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) invites the public to a workshop on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Dunnellon City Hall, located at 20750 River Drive in Dunnellon. The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed minimum flow for the Rainbow River System in Marion County. The Florida Legislature requires the District to set minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for priority water bodies within the District. A minimum flow or… Read more
Your Questions Answered
November 2022
Q: What is the SWIM Program?
A: The Surface Water Improvement and Management or SWIM Program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies issues and drivers, and implements projects to improve water quality and habitat. In 1987, the Florida Legislature established the SWIM Act to protect, maintain, and restore Florida's surface water bodies. The Act required the five water… Read more
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) invites the public to a workshop on Wednesday, August 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Public Library, located at 11211 Countryway Blvd in Tampa. The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed minimum and guidance levels for Lakes Horse, Juanita, Little Moon and Rainbow in Hillsborough County.The Florida Legislature requires the District to set minimum flows and levels (… Read more
There are more than 200 documented springs throughout the District. However, most individual springs cluster around 16 groups of springs, five of which are classified as first-magnitude groups based on the amount of water they discharge. While recognizing the need to manage all springs, the District places a priority on the five first-magnitude spring groups: Rainbow, Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa, Chassahowitzka, and Weeki Wachee. These spring groups, located in… Read more
March 2024Q: What is a spring?A: A spring occurs when groundwater that is under pressure flows through natural cracks in the aquifer and creates a natural opening in the ground. The pressure causes the water to flow from the aquifer to the earth’s surface. Our groundwater is the result of seasonal rainfall that soaks into the ground and into the aquifer. Springs can occur as an individual vent but more often as many… Read more
The "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ (District) has partnered with the "Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition":http://floridawildlifecorridor.org/, as members of the exploration team travel through the District by walking, paddling or biking their way more than 700 miles from the Everglades Headwaters in Central Florida, across the Panhandle to the Alabama border. The expedition began Jan. 10 at Creek Ranch outside of Orlando. The… Read more
Highlights
- The lower half of the river is part of the more than 31,000-acre Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
- Designated an Outstanding Florida Water
- Located in Citrus County
- 190-square-mile springshed
- Ecological shifts in the river caused by sea level rise, coupled with the decline of spring discharge primarily due to a long-term decrease in…
Highlights
- Largest natural lake in Hillsborough County with a surface area of greater than 800 acres
- Popular for recreational use as it is one of the few natural lakes in the area with public access
- Discharges into the Hillsborough River which is used for municipal water supply for the City of Tampa
- Nutrient loadings from the watershed have caused extreme…
Springs »
April 2023
Q: What is a spring?
A: A spring occurs when groundwater that is under pressure flows through natural cracks in the aquifer and creates a natural opening in the ground. The pressure causes the water to flow from the aquifer to the earth’s surface. Our groundwater is the result of seasonal rainfall that soaks into the ground and into the aquifer. Springs can occur as an individual vent but more often as… Read more
Springs »
Your Questions Answered
April 2022
Q: What is a spring?
A: A spring occurs when groundwater that is under pressure flows through natural cracks in the aquifer and creates a natural opening in the ground. The pressure causes the water to flow from the aquifer to the earth’s surface. Our groundwater is the result of seasonal rainfall that soaks into the ground and into the aquifer. Springs can occur as an… Read more
Highlights
- Homosassa Springs is the headwaters of the Homosassa River and is known as the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park
- The park serves as a rehabilitation center and refuge for orphaned or injured manatees.
- Located in Citrus County
- 270-square-mile springshed
Highlights
- Weeki Wachee Springs are the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River
- The headspring is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which features a water park and the famous underwater mermaid show
- Located in Hernando County
- First magnitude spring: 260-square-mile springshed
- Potential decrease in historic flows
- Elevated…
Highlights
- System of 19 interconnected lakes, made up of two major groups; five in the northern chain and 14 in the southern chain
- Lakes were interconnected through the construction of canals to promote commerce
- Located in Polk County
- 32-square-mile watershed
- Nutrient loading from urban runoff
- Destruction of natural systems…
Lake Tarpon SWIM Plan Update The Surface Water Improvement and Management, or SWIM, program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies challenges and implements projects to improve water quality and natural systems. The District is currently updating the SWIM plan for Lake Tarpon and the draft plan is below: Approval ProcessThe draft Lake Tarpon SWIM plan was be presented… Read more
Highlights
- Lake Panasoffkee is the third largest lake (4,820 acres) in west central Florida
- Designated an Outstanding Florida Water
- Located in Sumter County
- Loss of lake area due to sedimentation
- Loss of desirable habitat for fisheries
- Increased shoreline vegetation and…