Search Content

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

Rule 17.1(i) – DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTS FOR LOBBYISTS WHO REPRESENT PUBLIC ENTITIESThese 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: $‎121,659.62

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

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

Part of being a water superhero means fighting off the villains that threaten our water resources. That includes invasive plants that creep in and take over natural water habitats. What Makes a Plant Invasive? Invasive plants are non-native species that have been brought to Florida from around the world. Some non-native plants are harmless, but others can reproduce and spread rapidly, pushing out native plants and wildlife. When non-native plants… 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

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

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

Your Questions AnsweredMarch 2019Q:  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 ditches.… Read more

Your Questions AnsweredOctober 2021Record 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 Management… Read more

August 2024Q:  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 ditches. Stormwater ponds are required for… Read more

Hernando County residents interested in learning about how to create beautiful landscapes, conserve water and protect the environment can take advantage of a unique educational opportunity. A “Florida-Friendly Landscaping Grow Smart” workshop will be conducted in Hernando County at the SNPJ Lodge on March 2. The SNPJ Lodge is located at 13383 County Line Road in Brooksville.The half-day program, open to all Hernando County residents, starts at 8:30 a.m. The… Read more

November 2023Q: How can I save water when preparing holiday meals?A:  Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use approximately 2 gallons of water per minute.Q: What can I do to reduce… Read more

April 2025Q: 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’s Governing Board celebrated the success of the “Florida-Friendly Yards, Grow Smart” public awareness campaign Tuesday. The Tampa Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) recently presented the District with a Bronze Quill Award for the campaign. The Bronze Quill award recognizes excellence in business communications.Winners of the Bronze Quill Award are eligible for the… Read more

Read more

A Levy County project expected to reach up to 40,000 people was awarded a $5,000 Community Education Grant from the "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ to educate residents on the importance of salt marshes.This year the District approved 29 grants Districtwide for a total of $120,471. This is the 14th year "Community Education Grants(Community Education Grant program)":/business/communitygrants have been available.… Read more

Learn about the District's founding and highlights of our 60+ years in this interactive timeline of the District's history. - Requires a modern browser with javascript enabled Read more