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Highlights
- Charlotte Harbor is Florida's second largest open water estuary at 270 square miles
- Generally considered one of the most productive estuarine ecosystems in southwest Florida
- Designated an "Estuary of National Significance" in 1995
- Includes Charlotte, Lee, and a portion of Sarasota County
- 4,400-square-mile watershed
The Hydrologic Conditions Report provides an excellent historical record for long-term local and regional hydrologic analysis.
The Hydrologic Conditions Report is generated monthly and provides an analytical summary of regional and temporal variations in the hydrologic conditions for planning and regulatory purposes. In addition, it provides an excellent historical record for long-term local and regional hydrologic analysis.
Data collected are used by the regulatory,… Read more
Manatees »
Springs are the most important wintering site for threatened manatees on Florida’s West Coast, as they provide thermal refuge when the Gulf of Mexico’s temperature drops below 68 degrees. The springs in Kings Bay remain at a constant 72 degrees year-round. At colder temperatures, manatees may suffer from cold stress or hypothermia as they do not have a thick layer of blubber for protection. If cold weather persists, manatees may not leave the warmth of the springs for days… Read more
The word “resiliency” can be described as the ability to recover quickly from disasters and adapt to future conditions. The word also refers to building defenses against the impacts of climate change.
Coastal Florida is vulnerable to impacts from climate change, which may include temperature extremes, intensified storms, increased flooding and sea level rise. West-central Florida has already seen some of these adverse impacts, and projections show the impacts… Read more
The District has issued Emergency Order No. SWF 21-037 (Tropical Storm Elsa) in preparation for emergency authorization for repairs, replacement, restoration, and certain other measures made necessary by Tropical Storm Elsa.
This program allows local governments and private entities to share costs for projects that assist in creating sustainable water resources, provide flood protection and enhance conservation efforts.State Funding OpportunitiesAll cooperators are encouraged to apply for state funding for projects by using the links below. State Funding… Read more
This ongoing conservation service provides assistance to public water utilities in an effort to increase system efficiency and reduce system losses. It includes the following services:
- Water Audits
- Leak Detection Surveys
- Meter Accuracy Testing
Year-Round Water Conservation Measures Return Elsewhere
Due to lingering drought effects and water resources not recovering as quickly as other areas, the Southwest Florida Water Management District's (District) Governing Board voted today to maintain once-per-week lawn watering and other restrictions in the District's northern region, which includes Citrus, Hernando, Levy and portions of Lake, Marion and Sumter counties. This order in Marion County would be limited to… Read more
Daily Rainfall UpdateThe rainfall data below provide a summary of daily and month-to-date rainfall totals at 125 locations in the District. The Rainfall Data Collection Sites map shows the locations of the measurement stations and the Daily Rainfall Data chart shows rainfall accumulations in inches. (Click any image to view full size.) … Read more
This Statement of Agency Organization and Operation (“Statement”) is issued and maintained as required by Sections 120.53 and 120.54, Florida Statutes (“F.S.”) and Chapter 28-101, Florida Administrative Code (“F.A.C.”). This Statement is intended to assist the public in understanding how the Southwest Florida Water Management District operates, how it is organized, and how to do business or interact with the District.Introduction: What is the Southwest… Read more
The District’s Governing Board recently voted to let water shortage restrictions expire due to significant improvements in the aquifer and river levels as a result of this summer’s above-average rainfall.
Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties had been subject to District-declared once-per-week lawn watering restrictions and other stringent requirements. Thirteen other counties were under a drought advisory, which required water utilities to do extra enforcement… Read more
February 2023
Q: What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?
A: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a set of nine guiding principles which help protect natural resources and preserve Florida’s unique beauty. A Florida-friendly landscape is beautiful yet saves water and protects the environment too.
Q: What are the nine guiding principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?
A: The nine guiding principles of Florida-… Read more
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
The Governing Board voted June 29 to let water shortage restrictions expire on June 30.
The Governing Board voted to lift the restrictions in response to significant improvements in aquifer and river levels as a result of this winter’s above-average rainfall. Moreover, the region’s major public water suppliers have been able to capture and store large supplies of water to meet the needs of residents. However, the Board urged residents to continue the water conservation… Read more
To avoid storing leftover fertilizer, decide how much you need before you make a purchase. Don’t guess! Measure your property and calculate the total square footage of turfgrass. Do not include landscape plants in the area to be fertilized.
Watch the How Much Fertilizer Should You Buy Video … Read more
h3. Residents urged to check their irrigation systemsThe "Southwest Florida Water Management District's(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ "Governing Board(Governing Board)":/about/governingboard voted today to declare a Phase I water shortage for "the District's entire 16-county area (Map of the District)":/data/map/ beginning Dec. 1.The Phase I alert is intended to raise the public's awareness of dry conditions, and to direct water utilities and their local… Read more
Your Questions Answered
July 2021
Floridians use nearly 6.4 billion gallons of water per day. With an estimated 1,000 people moving to the state daily, residents are projected to use an additional 1 billion gallons per day by 2040. That’s why exploring potable reuse, or recycled water, is one way we can help ensure there is plenty of water to meet the demand. Southwest Florida Water Management District Water Supply Manager Jay Hoecker outlines… Read more
Your Questions Answered
September 2020
Homeowners in Florida know the scorching heat can wreak havoc on lawns and landscapes, which can increase your yard irrigation and your water bill. That’s why Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is gaining in popularity. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Senior Communications Coordinator Katherine Munson explains what Florida-Friendly Landscaping really means and the benefits it provides.… Read more
What is a datum?
A datum is a standard position or level (i.e., starting point) from which measurements are taken.
What is the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 (NGVD 29)?
Originally called the Sea Level Datum of 1929, it was created for vertical control surveying in the United States. This datum was used to measure elevation above (altitude) and depression below (depth) mean sea level. However, as technology improved and the demand for… Read more
Water utilities can reduce per capita water use and maintain revenues by using water-conserving rate structures. Your water management district can provide information and tools to help utilities accomplish these goals.Why Use Rates to Conserve?In many areas of Florida, water supplies are stressed as growth fuels new demand for water. To ensure a sustainable water supply, utilities are tapping alternative sources including conservation. The pricing of water is one way to… Read more