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Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater and can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies.Our RoleThe District works with local utilities and water users to maximize the beneficial use of reclaimed water as an alternative water supply. The use of reclaimed water helps meet current and future water supply needs in the region and is a vital component of the District’s… Read more
The Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) consists of an executive summary and four geographically-based volumes corresponding to the District’s four designated water supply planning regions (Northern, Tampa Bay, Heartland and Southern).
The District’s Governing Board approved the final plan at its Nov. 17, 2015 meeting. The final Board-approved RWSP is available for review below. The District accepted public comment on the draft RWSP through an online comment form,… Read more
The districts administer flood protection programs and perform technical investigations into water resources. They also develop water management plans for water shortages in times of drought, and acquire and manage lands for water management purposes. Delegated regulatory programs include management of the consumptive use of water, aquifer recharge, well construction and surface water management.
Region at highest alert level and subject to modified Phase IV water restrictionsThe Tampa Bay Water service area remains under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Modified Phase IV (or Critical) Water Shortage restrictions for potable water use. These are the District’s highest level of water shortage measures.The Tampa Bay Water’s six member governments include Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties as well as the cities of Tampa, New… Read more
Your Questions Answered
July 2020
Every year, millions of people visit public conservation lands purchased by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) and its partners to protect Florida’s water resources. Ellen Morgan Morrison, the District’s Operations and Land Management Assistant Bureau Chief explains more about District owned and managed lands and how the public can enjoy these properties.
Q: Why does… Read more
Back row from left: David Moore, District executive director; Tammy Antoine, Employee Committee chair; Toi Basso, Employee Committee financial secretary; Judy Whitehead, Governing Board chair; Chan Springstead, Planning representative; Front row from left: Pam Baldwin, Human Resources representative; Jason LaRoche, Resource, Conservation and Data representative; and Michele Cacioppo, Human Resources representative, during the Employee Appreciation Day.… Read more
The District Water Management Plan serves as a comprehensive guide describing our responsibilities for water supply, flood protection, water quality and natural systems.
Section 373.036(2)(e)4 Florida Statutes (F.S.) indicates the water management districts may substitute an annual work plan report included as an addendum to an annual strategic plan for the statutorily required District Water Management Plan. The statute specifies that the strategic plan establish the… Read more
*_Phase III Could Be Declared for Tampa Bay Area if Conditions Worsen_*The "Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/about/governingboard/ voted today to give the District's executive director the authority to issue an emergency order to increase water restrictions in the Tampa Bay area if conditions continue to worsen.Executive Director Blake Guillory is expected to declare a "Modified Phase III":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl… Read more
Glossary »
Aquifer
An aquifer is an area underground that holds water in the gaps between rock, sand or gravel, sort of like an underground lake or stream.
Aquitard
An aquitard is an underground layer that water can’t move through easily. An aquitard, which might be something like solid rock or fine clay, can trap water in separate aquifers or force it to move in different directions.
Condensation
Water changing from a gas into a liquid — this is how water vapor turns… Read more
The Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Program (Work Program) is part of the District’s annual budget reporting process. The Work Program describes the District’s implementation strategy and five-year funding plan for the water resource and water supply development components of the approved Regional Water Supply Plans. The District provides a Proposed Work Program to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for review within 30 days of adoption of the… Read more
The Tampa Bay Planning Region encompasses approximately 2,120 square miles, covering all of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. It is the most urbanized area in the Southwest Florida Water Management District, although land-use types range from urban/built-up areas such as the cities of Tampa and St. Petersburg to predominantly agricultural land uses in the inland portions of Hillsborough and Pasco counties and phosphate mining in southeastern… 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
Highlights
- Weeki Wachee Springs are the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River
- The headspring is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which features a water park and the famous underwater mermaid show
- Located in Hernando County
- First magnitude spring: 260-square-mile springshed
- Potential decrease in historic flows
- Elevated… Read more
Your Questions Answered
November 2022
Q: What is the SWIM Program?
A: The Surface Water Improvement and Management or SWIM Program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies issues and drivers, and implements projects to improve water quality and habitat. In 1987, the Florida Legislature established the SWIM Act to protect, maintain, and restore Florida's surface water bodies. The Act required the five water… Read more
Surveys
Surveys 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.
2022 November Northern Issues Springs Survey Report
2022, 1,235 Respondents
This report details residents’ perceptions and attitudes about the District, springs and other water-… Read more
A Water Use Caution Area, or WUCA, is an area where regional action is necessary to address cumulative water withdrawals which are causing or may cause adverse impacts to the water and related natural resources or the public interest. The District Governing Board designates WUCAs and establishes rules that enhance the protection and/or… Read more
Water Conservation Is Critical During Drought
The District is continuing to step up its water conservation efforts during the state’s annual “Water Conservation Month” in April. Each year the District joins with the state Legislature, Tampa Bay Water and dozens of local governments to make the declaration. However, because the state is experiencing a severe drought, the message is even more timely.
“Because April is part of Florida’s dry season, it… Read more
There are a variety of different programs that FARMS supports including:
- Well Back-Plugging The Well Back-Plugging Program addresses water quality problems that result from agricultural users pumping poor water quality from deep zones of the Upper Floridan aquifer. This program is implemented throughout the SWUCA but primarily focuses on the Shell… Read more