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There are a variety of different programs that FARMS supports including:Well Back-PluggingThe 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, Prairie and Joshua Creek watersheds…

January 2024Q: What is a prescribed burn?A: A prescribed burn, also known as a prescribed fire, is a fire intentionally ignited by land managers to meet specific land management goals and objectives. The burns follow a written prescription, which outlines the defined fire treatment area, specific weather conditions that are required, the tactics staff will use, and the staffing and equipment resources that are required to safely conduct the…

Conservation Takes Center Stage April in Florida… It’s an ideal time to enjoy a little fun in the sun and to remind Floridians about the importance of water conservation. The state Legislature designated April as Water Conservation Month because April is in the dry season, typically the time when water needs are most acute and temperatures begin to climb. Although Florida receives an average of 52 inches of rainfall per year, 60 percent of that annual rainfall is…

Controller SettingsSet your irrigation controller to water wisely. Be sure to check your local water restrictions for irrigation start times and watering days.

• Irrigation Start Time: Only one start time is needed to initiate watering all irrigation zones. Check your local…

July 2024Q: What is an aquifer?A: An aquifer is a body of underground rock and/or sediment that stores water. The groundwater within an aquifer can fill the spaces between grains of sand and gravel, or it can fill the cracks and fissures in solid rock.Q: Are there different types of aquifers?A: In west-central Florida the groundwater system is comprised of three main aquifer units; the surficial aquifer, the…

 District staff and Governing and Basin Board members toured The Villages. From left to right: Albert “Bo” Rooks, Withlacoochee River Basin Board member; John Heuer, deputy executive director; Janet Kovach, Governing Board member; Jerry Rice, Governing Board vice chair; Seeth Trimpert, Withlacoochee River Basin Board vice chair; John Arnett, III, water resources engineer for The Villages; Janey Baldwin, Withlacoochee River Basin Board member; Gary Moyer, vice…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.watermatters.org is encouraging residents to fix leaks and install inexpensive water-saving devices in conjunction with Water Conservation Month.The District is kicking off its "Fix It for Less" campaign that encourages homeowners to make changes in three areas of the home – the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room – to save water and money.The campaign features a new website at "WaterMatters.org/FixItForLess/":http…

April is Water Conservation Month across the state because this month is traditionally one of the driest of the year and typically marks the peak demand season for public water suppliers. It’s also a good time to remember there are a number of easy ways to save water and money. Some simple habits can make a big difference by saving thousands of gallons per year. Other changes may save only a few drops at a time, but when multiplied by almost five million residents…

The Mini-FARMS Program promotes agricultural water quality and water quantity best management practices (BMPs) and provides overall water resource benefits to agriculture properties. The Mini-FARMS Program works with and provides a mechanism for enrollment in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) adopted agricultural BMPs program, through a Notice of Intent (NOI) to implement BMPs. Through the Mini-FARMS Program, the District will reimburse…

 Learn about current District water restrictions, or view local government water restrictions contact information.

View Land Currently for Sale »The District has parcels for sale as part of its surplus lands program. Many of these parcels will be sold “as-is,” and others will be sold with the District retaining a conservation easement with certain restrictions. If you are interested in purchasing one or more of these parcels, contact the District’s Real Estate Section at (352) 796-7211.Why Does the…

Located near the mouth of Trout Creek, this property on the Hillsborough River is popular for fishing, canoeing and group picnics. It is a pleasant place to get away for a midday break or to take small children for a mini-adventure. Prior to District acquisition, development of a small housing subdivision had begun on the north side of the river. Concrete foundations and other artifacts remain for the astute observer. The lakes east of the entrance road are all man-…

To help achieve its mission, the District promotes behaviors that conserve and protect water resources. Social research can provide information that helps staff design programs that more effectively lead to sustainable behaviors.Not only can social research be used for designing more effective programs, but it can also be used for evaluating those programs. A survey conducted before an educational campaign, for instance, can set a benchmark for what people know, believe and…

While we shelter at home to stay safe, it’s also a great time to find ways to conserve water. April is Water Conservation Month and there are plenty of ideas, both indoor and outside, for your entire family to save water: Indoors

• Only operate the dishwasher when full.
• Thaw frozen foods in the fridge or microwave instead of using running water.
• Take showers that are 5 minutes or less.
• Turn off the water while…

Today is the last day of Water Conservation Month, and April is traditionally one of the driest of the year and peak demand season for public water suppliers. The District works with our local government partners to share the importance of water conservation and to increase efforts to conserve water. Thanks to all our partners who joined the District in proclaiming April as Water Conservation Month. The following local governments and partners have declared…

Race fans will be able to enjoy the comforts of a water-conserving restroom station at this year’s Little Everglades Steeplechase. The Southwest Florida Water Management District aims to make the event more “Florida-friendly” by bringing the water conservation restroom station to the race, which is being held March 5 at the Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City.“Bringing the comforts of a private, water-conserving bathroom to community festivals like…

Attendees of this year’s African American Heritage Celebration will be able to enjoy the comforts of a water-conserving restroom. The Southwest Florida Water Management District is bringing its water conservation restroom station to the event, which is being held Feb. 25 at the Pinewood Cultural Center in Largo.“Bringing the comforts of a private, water-conserving bathroom to community festivals like the Annual African American Heritage Celebration is an effective way to…

Water conservation will be a focal point at this year’s Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival with the addition of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water-conserving restroom. The restroom station will be at the annual event Jan. 13-14 at Al Lopez Park in Tampa.“The water-conserving restroom station is a practical and effective tool to spread the word about water conservation,” said Melissa Roe, project manager for the District. “Seeing the restroom station at…