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What does Florida Water StarSM mean for me?

• Saves an estimated $530 on annual utility bills
• Reduces water and energy use 
• Creates peace of mind due to additional home inspections
• Increases resale through higher quality landscape designs and irrigation systems 

What’s in the Florida Water Star criteria? Florida Water Star criteria focus on three main areas: landscapes, irrigation… Read more

 Edward W. Chance 1942–2006 The District lost a friend and a staunch advocate for the water resources when Governing Board member Ed Chance died on June 26, the day before the June Board meeting. Governing Board members and staff opened the meeting the next day with remembrances of Chance, a well-loved colleague with a gift for storytelling and passion for fairness. “Ed was a special friend to all of us,” said Governing Board Chair Jerry Rice. “Our… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board members opened their meeting today with remembrances of Board member Ed Chance who died on Monday.In his opening invocation, District General Counsel Bill Bilenky noted that Chance was "driven by a love for us and the people we serve" and that he is now "free of pain and singing gospels with the angels.""Ed was a special friend to all of us," said Governing Board Chair Jerry Rice. "Our District, our state and… Read more

Over time, the springs’ water quality and amount of water they discharge have been threatened by both human activities and natural factors. The challenges facing our springs include:  

• Increases in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus due to development in springsheds, excessive fertilizer use and failing septic tanks. Excess nitrate levels in water can be harmful to aquatic insects, amphibians and fish. If algae have an… Read more

Aquifer An aquifer is an area underground that holds water in the gaps between rock, sand or gravel, sort of like an underground lake or stream. Aquitard An aquitard is an underground layer that water can’t move through easily. An aquitard, which might be something like solid rock or fine clay, can trap water in separate aquifers or force it to move in different directions. Condensation Water changing from a gas into a liquid — this is how water vapor turns… Read more

Water plays an important role in our lives. Because we live in a state surrounded by so much water, we often forget about the importance of conservation. All of us can become better at saving water. Have your class pledge to save at least 10 gallons of water per day by using the pledge to the right and we will send you a free conservation challenge kit! Each kit includes a class set of:

• Water Conservation pledge cards
• "Save Water We Do!"… Read more

Rule 17.1(i) – DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTS FOR LOBBYISTS WHO REPRESENT PUBLIC ENTITIES These individuals are full-time employees of the District and serve the public in a variety of ways. These include communicating and providing information about the District and its operations to members of the Florida House and Senate during the legislative process, and as such are registered lobbyists.

• Cara Martin, Government and Community Affairs Office Chief: $‎90,001.60… Read more

Sometimes pollution is easy to see. Garbage and oily chemicals make water look nasty, but pollution can also be invisible. So how do you know if a pond, lake or river is healthy? Scientists test the water to help them find out — and so can you. With a water testing kit and some help from an adult, you’ll be able to test TEMPERATURE, TURBIDITY… Read more

Benefits to builders and owners

• Saves an estimated $530 on utility bills annually, adding up to water savings of up to 48,291 gallons in one year per home
• Increases home values by approximately $10,000; per The Appraisal Journal, home values typically increase by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills
• Provides free marking support through customizable company brochures, plaques for homeowner display and free real estate staff training
… Read more

What is a spring? A spring is a natural opening in the ground where water flows directly from the aquifer to the earth’s surface. The source of this fresh water is from seasonal rainfall that soaks into the ground, which is referred to as groundwater. Springs form when groundwater is under pressure and flows up through an opening called a spring vent, supplying flow to a river or other water body. A spring can occur individually or as a group of many springs. The most… Read more

You can save water, time and money by taking steps now to make your yard Florida-friendly. A properly maintained Florida-friendly yard can help homeowners conserve water and reduce pollution of water resources. A Florida-friendly yard can be beautiful and an asset to the environment, conserving water, protecting natural resources and preserving Florida’s unique beauty. January The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension… Read more

Frequently Asked Questions What is Florida Water Starsm? Florida Water Star is a voluntary certification program designed to increase water efficiency inside the home and in landscapes and irrigation systems. While many certification programs provide general guidelines for water efficiency, Florida Water Star specifically addresses uses relevant to Florida. Following Florida Water Star criteria in new and existing buildings will help sustain the… Read more

During cooler months in fall and winter, your lawn doesn’t need watering every week. It’s the best time to train your yard to need less water! So only water your lawn every other week and only if it needs it. Too much irrigation…

• Makes your lawn less able to survive droughts
• Encourages pests and disease
• Wastes water

How much is enough?

• Grass doesn’t need as much water in the cooler months
• Apply 1/2" to 3/4" of water
… Read more

June 30, 2018Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is committed to providing a website accessible to the public, regardless of disability. In order to further this commitment, SWFWMD staff contracted with an independent third-party (Promet Source) for an accessibility audit and review based on Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0… Read more

Overview Applicants will be asked to break this down in more detail in the application. Students will explore and understand the basics of water and how it moves above, on and beneath the Earth’s surface. As an introduction to the water cycle, students will make Water Cycle Wristbands and learn about… Read more

Overview Applicants will be asked to break this down in more detail in the application. Students will begin this grant project by developing a deeper understanding of the importance of clean, fresh water for humans and wildlife. Through in-classroom activities, students will learn about the source of our fresh water in west-central Florida and the importance of water conservation. This will include viewing SWFWMD’s… Read more

Your Questions Answered March 2019 Q:  What are stormwater ponds and why do we need them? A:  A stormwater pond is designed to collect and manage runoff from rainwater. When rainwater lands on rooftops, parking lots, streets, driveways and other hard surfaces, the rainfall that doesn’t soak into the ground (stormwater runoff) flows into your neighborhood stormwater pond through grates, pipes, shallow swales or… Read more

Residents have just a few weeks left to enter their water-wise yard in Tampa Bay Water’s annual Water-Wise Awards. If you live in Pasco, Pinellas or Hillsborough counties or the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg or Tampa, you are eligible to enter the contest. The Community Water-Wise Awards program recognizes individuals and businesses that are committed to conserving water resources and protecting the environment by using the best in attractive, Florida-… Read more

Your Questions Answered October 2021 Record amounts of rainfall in some areas over the summer has highlighted the importance of stormwater ponds to help prevent flooding and improve water quality throughout the region. You may have seen stormwater ponds throughout neighborhoods and commercial developments in Florida but might not know about their purpose as many people often mistake stormwater ponds for natural water bodies. Southwest Florida Water… Read more