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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded more than $7.5 million in grants for water-quality enhancement projects in Citrus County to protect the health of Kings Bay and Crystal River’s unique spring-fed systems comprised of more than 70 freshwater springs throughout a 600-acre bay.  “We are pleased to provide springs funding for projects that will help restore and protect these important waterways,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “This…

Employee committee members Audra Owens-Powell, senior human resources specialist; Yassert Gonzalez, economist; Tammy Antoine, water conservation analyst; Chan Springstead, planner; Cindy Ortiz, senior administrative assistant; Josie Guillen, administrative assistant 2; and Darlene Johnson, senior administrative assistant, with the gifts for the children of the “adopted families.” For the thirteenth year, District employees have helped make the holidays brighter…

Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, as many Floridians witnessed during the state’s wildfire emergency last year. That’s why the…

Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, as many Floridians witnessed during the state’s wildfire emergency last year. That’s why the…

Visitors can get a free look at the restoration of the Three Sisters Springs property this Saturday at an open house. The Friends of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, Inc. has partnered with the District, Crystal River Wildlife Refuge, the City of Crystal River and other organizations to offer several “free admission” days throughout manatee season in appreciation of the residents and businesses who support the Three Sisters property.  The area had…

Your Questions Answered May 2022 Q:  What does the District do to prepare for hurricane season? A:  Year-round, the District operates 85 water-control structures in its 16-county area. These structures assist with flood protection, manage lake water levels and prevent saltwater from flowing up freshwater streams and creeks. To prepare for hurricane season, staff conduct annual hurricane readiness checks of all the District’s…

SurveysSurveys are the method for collecting quantitative information on an area of interest. The District uses surveys to acquire information from residents about attitudes, behaviors and knowledge regarding water conservation and water quality.2024 November Weeki Wachee River Campaign Annual Survey Report2024, 438 Respondents During the summers of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 the District led a campaign providing science-based recommendations to users of the…

Several hundred Pasco County residents joined the District at its first “Get Outside!” Day community event at Starkey Wilderness Preserve’s Serenova Tract. The event was an opportunity for the District to introduce the property to the surrounding community and encourage more frequent use of the land. More than 400 people attended the event — 74 percent of whom were first-time visitors. “It was a beautiful day and a great turnout by local residents to enjoy a…

The District has many last-minute gift and decorating ideas that can save and protect water resources and create new holiday traditions. Here are some gift ideas:  • Rain barrels are a great way to conserve water and an inexpensive gift when you pick one up at a local extension office. • Compost bins provide nutrients for a garden and keep food scraps out of the garbage disposal. A garbage disposal uses up to 4 gallons of water per minute. • Raised garden…

District introduces new color-coded map to identify water shortage levelsDespite some recent rainfall, a continuing drought is keeping the 16 counties of the Southwest Florida Water Management District on a Water Shortage Alert. The District identifies four possible levels of water shortage, beginning with “moderate” and increasing in intensity through “severe,” “extreme” and “critical.”With river flows, aquifer levels, and…

Left: Merry Mott from the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, far left; Lou Kavouras, District deputy executive director, second from right; and Sylvia Durell, District senior communications coordinator, far right, present the first-place award to the Rag Tag Team. Right: Sandra Harrison of Fernview Farm, left, and Ken Dobler from Ameriscape Services assemble an irrigation system during the Water It Right challenge. A team of industry…

With recent rainfall and cooler temperatures this week, the "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ 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,…

May 2023 Q:  What does the District do to prepare for hurricane season? A:  Year-round, the District operates 84 water control structures in its 16-county area. These structures assist with flood protection, manage lake water levels and prevent saltwater from flowing up freshwater streams and creeks. To prepare for hurricane season, staff conduct annual hurricane readiness checks of all the District’s structures to ensure they…

Pledge to conserve water in 2018. Here are 18 simple ways to save water:

1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
2. Take shorter showers, 5 minutes or less. 
3. Flush less. The toilet isn’t a trashcan.
4. Only operate the dishwasher with a full load.
5. Thaw frozen food in the fridge, not under running water.
6. Purchase water-efficient appliances for your home.
7. Only wash laundry with a full…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District honored Angela Maraj yesterday during a District ceremony that recognized outstanding programs that focused on water resources education. Maraj serves as the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Builders/Developers Outreach coordinator in Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota counties. A total of 27 projects were recognized during the “Partners in Watershed Education Conference” at the Lake Mirror Complex in Lakeland.In…