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December 2023Q: Why is conserving water outdoors important?A: Typically, outdoor water use accounts for about 50 percent of water consumed by households, so it’s important to pay attention to your outdoor water use. If using a permanent inground irrigation system, conduct regular maintenance to ensure the system is working properly and make seasonal adjustments throughout the year. If using a non-permanent above-ground… Read more
Water conservation is a key component of the District’s mission to ensure the public’s water needs are met and is one of the 12 Strategic Initiatives outlined in the District’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. Within the Conservation Strategic Initiative, the District’s goal is to enhance efficiencies in all water-use sectors to ensure beneficial use.Water use data provides evidence of the District’s continued commitment to water conservation. For several years, the District has… Read more
Measuring Water Quality
Scientists use many different instruments to determine the quality of water, including Secchi disks (measure water clarity), probes, nets, gauges and meters. Water quality is not just measured by direct sampling. Information can also be derived from aerial and satellite photographs by observing the surrounding environment and by collecting organisms that live in the body of water.
Although you might not have access to the resources of a… Read more
Your Questions Answered
May 2021
Florida’s population is growing with an average of 1,000 people moving to the state every day. If you’re new to Florida, you may not be familiar with the state’s water resources or how to do your part when it comes to water conservation. Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Lead Communications Coordinator Robin Grantham shares water-related tips for life in the Sunshine State.
Q: How… Read more
Charlotte CountyRestriction InfoReport ViolationsCharlotte County(941) 764-4300(941) 764-4309Punta Gorda(941) 575-3339(941) 639-4111Citrus CountyRestriction InfoReport… Read more
Scientists use many different instruments to determine the quality of water, including Secchi disks, probes, nets, gauges and meters. Water quality is not just measured by direct sampling. Information can also be derived from aerial and satellite photographs, by observing the surrounding environment and by collecting organisms that live in the body of water.
Although you might not have access to the resources of a scientist, there are some simple tests you can perform to… 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
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
Note: The new year-round water conservation measures will not go into effect until the current water shortage order, which restricts lawn watering to one-day-per-week, is lifted.The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted in December to approve revisions to the District’s two-day-per-week year-round water conservation measures to coincide with similar measures in other areas of the state.Compared to the state’s… Read more
Your Questions Answered
June 2019
The rainy season is upon us and it’s a great time to conserve potable water by watering your lawn less. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Senior Conservation Education Coordinator Katherine Munson explains why homeowners should, “Watch the Weather, Wait to Water.”
Q: Why are the summer months the best time for outdoor water conservation?
A: During the summer months of June… Read more
June 2023Q: Why are the summer months the best time for outdoor water conservation?A: During the summer months of June, July, August and September, Florida typically sees increased rainfall. When it’s raining daily, give your irrigation system a break. Yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every two to three days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off your irrigation system, and turn it back on when needed.… Read more
Conservation Is Always In Season
In west-central Florida, water conservation is always in season. That means some conservation measures are in effect year-round, whether it is the rainy season or the dry season.
After nearly two years of public input, debate and review, revised year-round water conservation measures went into effect Sept. 15.
The District began discussing possible updates to Rule 40D-22 (mandatory year-round conservation measures) in November… Read more
Phase I Water ShortageAlways refer to your "city or county" regulations first.Effective Dates and Areas
- The District’s Phase I water shortage restrictions are in effect Nov. 21, 2023 through July 1, 2024, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments.
- The following… Read more
To conserve water means to use it wisely and to not be wasteful. Conserving water is a very important part of making sure there is enough water to meet the needs of humans and the environment. And even though we might have enough fresh water available to meet our needs today, we also need to plan for the future.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District), along with other local governments and organizations, are responsible for managing… Read more
There are several different ways to categorize Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional water use. The accepted use of the term ICI refers only to the nonresidential, public supply customers and excludes multifamily, residential uses. This information was collected in 1997 .
Manufacturer
This St. Petersburg manufacturer could achieve potential water savings of 50% by following these recommendations:
Bathroom retrofits
Your Questions Answered
October 2022
Q: What is a water control structure?
A: The primary purpose of the District’s water control structures is to manage the flow of water. Water control structures vary greatly in size and are used for multiple purposes. The District’s water control structures can be classified into three main categories: flood control, salinity barriers, and water conservation structures. These… Read more
Your Questions Answered
May 2019
The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is preparing for a heightened risk of severe rain events, flooding and storm damage. Jerry Mallams, Operations & Land Management Bureau Chief, explains how the District works to prepare for the storm season by minimizing flood risks throughout the 16-county region.
Q: What… Read more
Water Quality Basics
Water quality is a description of the condition of water, similar to how we refer to our health to describe the condition of the human body. Water quality can refer to the chemical, physical and biological condition of water. It also includes evaluating whether water is safe to be used for a specific purpose like drinking, recreation or to support wildlife.
You can’t tell much about the quality of water simply by looking at it. In… Read more
Q: What are the new water restrictions for the Southwest Florida Water Management District?A: The District’s Modified Phase I water shortage restrictions are in effect Nov. 21, 2023, through July 1, 2024, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments. The following restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands… Read more
The District’s Regional Water Supply Plan assesses the projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet demands over a 20-year period. The Plan is updated every five years, in accordance with Section 373.709, Florida Statutes.
Why We Do It
The 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is an assessment of projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet these demands in the Southwest Florida Water… Read more