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Project WET Teacher Workshops »
Project WET is not just for science teachers! This multidisciplinary program places special focus on incorporating reading and writing strategies while teaching about water resources through hands-on, investigative and easy-to-use activities. The Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0 contains 90 water-related activities for K–12 students. All workshops are conducted by trained facilitators. What do workshop participants receive?
  • Project WET 2.0…
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Public Invited to Participate in Regional Water Supply Plan Workshops »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will hold two virtual public workshops seeking feedback on the draft 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP). The virtual workshops will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25 and at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 26.A new plan is developed every five years and presents the projected water demands across the District and all water use sectors for a 20-year planning period. The plan also identifies water supply sources and… Read more
Three Sisters Springs Wetland Treatment Project »
The Three Sisters Springs Wetland Treatment Project is helping improve the quality of stormwater before it enters Kings Bay. Project OverviewThe Southwest Florida Water Management District constructed a wetland area on the Three Sisters Springs property to treat stormwater runoff and improve the quality of stormwater before it enters Kings Bay. The Three Sisters property is co-owned by the District and the City of Crystal River. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and… Read more
Water Conservation in Restaurants »
Don’t allow your water bill to drain additional money from your restaurant’s profits. Many water-saving tips take little effort or expense, while some require a financial investment that often pays back over time. Regardless of your restaurant’s size, there are simple low-cost steps to save water and money. Educate Your Staff and Guests Conservation at your restaurant starts with you, but management can’t do it alone. It is important to share best management practices… Read more
Irrigation Scheduling »
Controller SettingsSet your irrigation controller to water wisely. Be sure to check your local water restrictions for irrigation start times and watering days.
  • Irrigation Start Time: Only one start time is needed to initiate watering all irrigation zones. Check your local…
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Annutteliga Hammock »
 The Annutteliga Hammock is an important area for groundwater recharge into Florida's primary drinking water source, the Floridan aquifer system. Situated in the Brooksville Ridge, which runs from northern Citrus County down into central Pasco County, the lands are slightly higher in elevation than the adjacent coastal or central portions of the state. The area within the Brooksville Ridge typically has well-drained soils, karst limerock outcroppings and is dominated by… Read more
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park »
In 2001, the District purchased the property surrounding the first-magnitude Weeki Wachee Spring from the City of St. Petersburg. The acquisition was in support of former Governor Bush's "Springs Initiative," under which strategies were established for the protection and restoration of Florida's springs, including placing them in public ownership. On November 1, 2008, the District entered into a lease agreement with the Florida Parks Service for their management of the… Read more
Chassahowitzka River and Coastal Swamps »
Learn how you can help Protect the Chassahowitzka River » Purchased in the early 1990s, this property is part of a large greenway of public lands that protects the Chassahowitzka Swamp ecosystem and wildlife resources. The Chassahowitzka River's headwaters, several tributaries and springs are within this tract and are known locally for their great sportfishing and… Read more
Weekiwachee Preserve »
 The Weekiwachee Preserve is part of a regional system of conservation lands that extend up to Crystal River Buffer Preserve, preserving the southernmost coastal hardwood hammock in western Florida. The preserve provides a rich mosaic of habitats including several miles of Weeki Wachee River frontage, portions of the Mud River, dense hardwood swamps, freshwater and saltwater marshes, and pine-covered sandhills. The preserve is best known for its Florida black bear… Read more
Lake Marion Creek — Horseshoe Scrub Tract »
 The 8,083-acre Lake Marion Creek Management Area is located on the Polk-Osceola county line east of Haines City off CR 580. Polk County, South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and the District acquired the lands within the area, which protect important headwater areas of Lake Marion and Reedy creeks. Water from these creeks is an important source of fresh water for the Kissimmee River, the Everglades and Florida Bay. The… Read more
Springs and Septic Tanks »
Septic tanks contribute up to 40% of the current nitrogen pollution in the District's five first-magnitude springs. If you have a septic system, it’s important to have the system inspected regularly and maintained as necessary.How do septic tanks impact springs?Wastewater from traditional or damaged septic tanks can leach into the ground, causing nitrates to enter the aquifer. When this happens, the nitrates eventually reach the spring, which results in… Read more
Half Moon-Gum Slough »
This property was acquired to protect and preserve natural water resources and the water quality of the Withlacoochee River, Gum Slough and associated tributaries. The Withlacoochee River, Gum Slough and Gum Springs Run are located adjacent to the property and were designated Outstanding Florida Waters in 1989. Gum Slough is a four-mile-long spring run that flows into the Withlacoochee River. The water in Gum Slough comes from several springs, which makes it… Read more
Water CHAMP Water Use Survey Results »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) created the Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water CHAMP℠) to reduce high water use in the hospitality industry. Water CHAMP has more than 350 participants throughout the 16-county District. Participants receive an environmental self-audit checklist, printed materials for a towel and linen reuse program, staff training materials, and publicity through Water CHAMP’s website and other promotional efforts… Read more
Chito Branch Reserve »
 The Chito Branch Reserve is a unique natural sanctuary situated in the heart of rapidly developing southeastern Hillsborough County. As part of the greater Alafia River Corridor of public conservation lands, its natural habitats provide a haven for native Florida wildlife and plant life, many becoming increasingly rare in the region. Outdoor enthusiasts can observe fox squirrels,… Read more
Prairie/Shell Creek »
 This property is well known by the locals for having good scrub for the area. Several Florida scrub-jay families reside within the property. The mesic flatwoods and tidal marsh system provide a unique natural habitat.
District Reopens Airboat Slide in Citrus County »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has reopened the Flying Eagle Dead River Flats airboat slide after completing required maintenance. The airboat slide is located on the Flying Eagle berm between the Withlacoochee River and Flying Eagle Marsh in eastern Citrus County.
District’s Flying Eagle Nature Center Closed for Hog Hunts March 11-13 »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Flying Eagle Nature Center in Citrus County will be temporarily closed to the public for feral hog hunts March 11-13.Only permitted hunters will be allowed on the property during these dates. All 20 permits for these hunts have been sold.Flying Eagle Nature Center is located at 12650 East Boy Scout Road in Inverness.This activity is one of a series of feral hog hunts being held on District lands to control the… Read more
District’s Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve Hampton Tract Closed for Hog Hunts March 18-20 »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Hampton Tract, including closed area tracts at Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve in Polk County, will be temporarily closed to the public for feral hog hunts March 18-20.Only permitted hunters will be allowed on the property during these dates. All 30 permits for these hunts have been sold.The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve Hampton Tract is located at 14301 Rock Ridge Road in Lakeland.This activity is one of a… Read more
Edward W. Chance Reserve — Gilley Creek Tract »
 The Gilley Creek Tract protects the main branch of Gilley Creek, which is one of the main tributaries of the Manatee River. The creek flows into Lake Manatee, which serves as the primary drinking water source for Manatee County.Formerly a cattle ranch and farm with row crops that had been converted to pasture, hardwood hammocks are still found along the creek channels and wetlands. Undisturbed areas of native habitats thrive in a natural condition, with regular… Read more
District to Hold Public Workshop for Lake Tarpon Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Plan »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will hold a public workshop Thursday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss updates to the Lake Tarpon Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Plan. The workshop will take place at the Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center Auditorium, located at 3940 Keystone Road in Tarpon Springs.In 1987 the Florida Legislature created the SWIM Act to protect, restore and maintain Florida's highly threatened… Read more