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When you reset those clocks this weekend for the start of Daylight Saving Time, don’t forget to check the timers on your irrigation system controllers.
Sunday is when we reset the clocks forward one hour. The time change is also a good time to make sure irrigation
system timers are set correctly to ensure that the systems operate consistently with current water restrictions.
Under the District’s current year-round water conservation measures,… Read more
When you reset those clocks this weekend for the start of Daylight Saving Time, don’t forget to check the timers on your irrigation system controllers.
Sunday is when we reset the clocks forward one hour. The time change is also a good time to make sure irrigation
system timers are set correctly to ensure that the systems operate consistently with current water restrictions.
Under the District’s current year-round water conservation measures,… Read more
Word Glossary
Alternative Water Supply (AWS)
Includes the use of a nontraditional source of water to help meet different freshwater needs of a community. Examples include reusing wastewater or treating seawater through a desalination plant.
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.
Compost… Read more
July 2023Q: Why is water supply a challenge in Polk County?A: Polk County lies wholly within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) and the majority of the county also lies within the District’s Southern Water Use Caution Area, where groundwater withdrawals have caused adverse impacts to lakes, wetlands and natural systems. The District identified that Polk County was reaching sustainable limits of traditional groundwater supplies… 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
May 2024Q: What is reclaimed water?A: Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater, which can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies. Reclaimed water is delivered through purple pipes, which you have probably seen in your community. Q: What are some of the ways reclaimed water is used?A: Reclaimed water is used to irrigate crops, residential lawns, schools, golf courses and parks. It’s also… Read more
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
With more than 70 springs, Crystal River/Kings Bay is the largest natural winter refuge for manatees on the Florida Gulf Coast. About the SpringsCrystal River/Kings Bay is a first-magnitude spring system that originates in Citrus County. Kings Bay is a 600-acre bay at the headwaters of the Crystal River, which is a… Read more
February 2025Q: What is an invasive species?A: An invasive species is an organism that does not naturally occur in a specified geographic area, has been introduced intentionally or unintentionally by humans, and either does or could harm the environment, economy or human health. Invasive species pose a significant threat to Florida's ecosystems by impacting water quality, native habitats and biodiversity. Both aquatic and… 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
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
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
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
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 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.
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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
Water 101 for Homeowners Welcome homeowners! The choices you make - from the plants in your yard to what toilet you install - can make a big difference in your overall water use. And, everything we do on land can affect the health of our water resources. It’s important to consider water savings and protection to understand your personal impact. The resources below will help you and your neighbors learn more about all things water!
The Splash! school grant program provides up to $3,000 per teacher to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources issues. Public and charter school teachers of grades K through 12 are eligible to apply.COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATIONBefore completing a grant application, be prepared with the following:Grant Topic: Review the grant topics and associated details below. Select one or more grant topics and plan your associated key concepts,… Read more