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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. The District is a leader in… 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

Year-Round Water Conservation MeasuresAlways refer to your city or county regulations first. … 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

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

Charlotte CountyRestriction InfoReport ViolationsCharlotte County(941) 764-4300(941) 764-4309Punta Gorda(941) 575-3339(941) 639-4111Citrus CountyRestriction InfoReport… Read more

November 2024Q: 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 water… 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

Q: What are the new water restrictions for the Southwest Florida Water Management District?A: The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted to extend one-day-per-week watering restrictions again for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties until Dec. 31 due to ongoing… 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

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

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

February 2024Q: What is Water 101?A: Water 101 is a Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) initiated campaign to connect homeowners and community managers with helpful water conservation and water quality tips and resources. This campaign will help support two of the District’s strategic initiatives: water conservation and water quality maintenance and improvement. The campaign encompasses two avenues of information that can… 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

Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is one of five regional agencies directed by state law to protect and preserve water resources within its boundaries. Established in 1961 to operate and maintain several large flood protection projects, the District’s responsibilities have expanded to include managing water supply and protecting water quality and the natural systems — rivers, lakes, wetlands and associated uplands.Origin and EvolutionThe Southwest… Read more