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Springs Frequently Asked Questions »
What springs are located within our District? There are more than 200 springs within the District. There are five first-magnitude spring groups in the District. First-magnitude springs, which are the largest springs by volume of water discharged, release 64.6 million gallons per day or more. The five springs are: Rainbow River, Crystal River/Kings Bay, Homosassa River, Chassahowitzka River and Weeki Wachee River. Together, they discharge more than one… Read more
Rock Ponds Ecosystem Restoration Project »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District, in cooperation with Hillsborough County, completed the largest habitat restoration project ever done in the history of Tampa Bay.Project BackgroundSince 2009, the District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) program has been working to design and construct the largest coastal restoration project ever performed for Tampa Bay. This project is a cooperative effort between SWIM and the Hillsborough County… Read more
Sarasota Bay »
 Highlights
  • Designated an “Estuary of National Significance” in 1987
  • Surface area of approximately 52 square miles
  • Includes Manatee and Sarasota counties
  • 150-square-mile watershed
ChallengesThree main challenges exist in the Sarasota Bay watershed:
  • Alteration and loss of coastal uplands and wetlands due to development
  • Spread of non-native animal and plant species
  • Degraded water quality from non-point source…
Read more
Springs »
Your Questions Answered  April 2020 April is Springs Protection Awareness Month, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is committed to protecting the more than 200 springs within the District. To raise awareness about the importance of these natural treasures, Springs Scientist Dr. Madison Trowbridge answers some commonly asked questions about our springs. Q:  What is a spring? A:  A spring occurs when… Read more
Charlotte Harbor »
 Highlights
  • Charlotte Harbor is Florida's second largest open water estuary at 270 square miles
  • Generally considered one of the most productive estuarine ecosystems in southwest Florida
  • Designated an "Estuary of National Significance" in 1995
  • Includes Charlotte, Lee, and a portion of Sarasota County
  • 4,400-square-mile watershed
ChallengesThree main challenges exist in the Charlotte Harbor watershed:
  • Alteration and…
Read more
Springs »
Your Questions Answered April 2019 April is Springs Protection Awareness Month, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is committed to protecting the more than 200 springs within the District. To raise awareness about the importance of these natural treasures, Chief Environmental Scientist Dr. Chris Anastasiou answers some commonly asked questions about our springs. Q:  What is a spring? A:… Read more
Crystal River/Kings Bay »
 Highlights
  • Tidally influenced Kings Bay is the headwater of Crystal River
  • Hydrologically unique springs system comprised of more than 30 springs
  • Designated an Outstanding Florida Water
  • Located in Citrus County
  • 364-square-mile watershed
  • Kings Bay forms the largest, natural warm-water refuge for the Florida Manatee in the United States.
ChallengesTwo main challenges exist in the Crystal River/Kings Bay watershed:… Read more
MFLs Public Meetings »
Information on upcoming and recent public meetings on the District's Minimum Flows and Levels Program will be consolidated on this page. Read more
Terra Ceia Huber and Frog Creek Restoration Project »
The project will restore and enhance nearly 170 acres of coastal uplands on District lands adjacent to Tampa Bay.Property Information The Terra Ceia Huber and Frog Creek Upland Restoration project is a District Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Initiative to restore and enhance coastal uplands on District lands adjacent to Tampa Bay. The Huber tract, comprised of two parcels bisected by the southern I-275 approach to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, is… Read more
District Hosts Trail Mixer to Support the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition »
Paddlers have a chance to be part of history and join the members of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition on their excursion along the Rainbow River. The District is hosting a Trail Mixer in partnership with the Expedition 9 a.m. Jan. 24 at Rainbow… Read more
Tampa Bay »
  Highlights
  • Designated an “Estuary of National Significance” in 1990
  • Florida’s largest open-water estuary at 373 square miles
  • Over 2.7 million residents in the watershed
  • Includes portions of Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties
  • 2,200-square-mile watershed
GoalsWater Quality Goals
  • Update nutrient reduction goals for each bay segment using a revised seagrass-nutrient management paradigm…
Read more
Media Alert: Celebrate Florida Springs at Swimsuits to Hiking Boots »
table(webalert). |*Who:*|The Southwest Florida Water Management District||*What:*|A day of educational speakers, booths and tours at Rainbow Springs State Park to promote Florida springs awareness.Events include a basin bus tour, headsprings snorkel tour and ranger guided hike.||*When:*|Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.||*Where:*|Rainbow Springs State Park, 19158 SW 81st Place Road, Dunnellon, FL 3443||*How Much:*|Park admission is $2 per person, children 6 and under are… Read more