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The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s new public awareness campaign will encourage residents who irrigate their lawns to “skip a week” during the cooler months.According to research by the University of Florida, as temperatures grow cooler, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often. The “skip a week” campaign will use radio and print advertisements to encourage reduce outdoor irrigation.The ads highlight the following tips…

Pledge to conserve during one of the driest months of the year The Southwest Florida Water Management District is urging residents to join their family and friends in pledging to conserve water during the state's annual Water Conservation Month in April. Each year local governments and water management districts throughout the state declare April as Water Conservation Month…

October 2025Q: Why does the District issue permits?A: Water is a public resource that belongs to all of us. However, fresh water is not limitless. Excessive water withdrawals can harm the resources. Other human activities also pose threats. Without the proper safeguards for wetlands, floodplain encroachment and stormwater runoff can cause pollution and flooding. District permitting benefits residents, property owners…

February 2024Q: What is Water 101?A: Water 101 is a Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) initiated campaign to connect homeowners and community managers with helpful water conservation and water quality tips and resources. This campaign will help support two of the District’s strategic initiatives: water conservation and water quality maintenance and improvement. The campaign encompasses two avenues of information that can…

Information on upcoming and recent public meetings on the District's Minimum Flows and Levels Program will be consolidated on this page.

Water conservation will be a focal point at this year’s Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival with the addition of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water-conserving restroom. The restroom station will be at the annual event Jan. 13-14 at Al Lopez Park in Tampa.“The water-conserving restroom station is a practical and effective tool to spread the word about water conservation,” said Melissa Roe, project manager for the District. “Seeing the restroom station at…

Gifts aren’t the only ways to protect water resources this holiday season. Be water-wise when selecting holiday decorations. Here are some suggestions:  • Add some color to your holiday decorating with red salvia splendens. The plant requires little maintenance once placed in your garden after the holidays.  • Use items found around your yard and home to decorate. Palm fronds, magnolia leaves, pinecones and citrus fruit make great ingredients for…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to "Skip a Week" or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February. According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn't need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn off…

It towers more than 10 stories and its canopy shades various species deep in the Green Swamp in Polk County. “Cattle once roamed around him,“ said Paul Elliott, senior land management specialist. “Seminole Indians once camped beside him. Ace has seen a lot.“ District officials aren’t exactly sure the age of “Ace,“ a red maple tree, but they know it’s a Florida Champion. Ace, short for its scientific name Acer rubrum, was recently designated a…

Left: First-time homeowners receive Florida Water StarSM Gold plaques, certificates and keys to their new homes. Center: District Governing Board Member Maritza Rovira-Forino speaks about the Florida Water Star℠ Gold program before presenting plaques and certificates to new homeowners. Right: One of the six certified Florida Water Star℠ Gold homes in the Hidden Creek community in Hillsborough County. Six families recently received the keys to their affordable,…

February is Hiking Trails Month, a great time of year to enjoy the beauty of west-central Florida.Explore more than 60 recreational hiking sites across District properties. Check out our Hiking Pinterest Board for direct links to the various properties and their unique features.  Most hiking properties also have other recreational activities such as fishing, boating…

Your Questions Answered November 2019 We often receive questions from the public about wetlands and why they are important. Tasha Dailey is certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists and explains why wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. Q: What is a wetland? A: A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally, where…

Your Questions Answered December 2019 Florida’s climate makes it ideal for growing a wide variety of crops, which makes the state’s agricultural industry one of the strongest in the country. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) believes working with the agricultural community to conserve water through our Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems or FARMS program is essential to help ensure future water supplies.…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February. According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn…

Your Questions AnsweredSeptember 2018Q:  Why is the Withlacoochee River experiencing flooding again this year?A:  Throughout the spring and summer, above average rainfall has saturated soils and filled wetlands and swamps that are no longer able to store additional rainfall.Q:  Is river flooding a normal occurrence?A:  …

Race fans will be able to enjoy the comforts of a water-conserving restroom station at this year’s Little Everglades Steeplechase. The Southwest Florida Water Management District aims to make the event more “Florida-friendly” by bringing the water conservation restroom station to the race, which is being held March 5 at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City.“Bringing the comforts of a private, water-conserving bathroom to community festivals like…

Attendees of this year’s African American Heritage Celebration will be able to enjoy the comforts of a water-conserving restroom. The Southwest Florida Water Management District is bringing its water conservation restroom station to the event, which is being held Feb. 25 at the Pinewood Cultural Center in Largo.“Bringing the comforts of a private, water-conserving bathroom to community festivals like the Annual African American Heritage Celebration is an effective way to…

With the growing popularity of social media, the District has turned to Facebook and Twitter as its newest communication tools for promoting its mission to protect water resources. Facebook is a free social networking web site that helps people communicate more efficiently with their friends, family and coworkers in a trusted environment. Users can support organizations, such as the District, by signing up to be a “fan” to receive information and interact on the web…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February. According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn off…