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Most people can only imagine what an aquifer is, since the water lies hidden underground. Here in Florida, you can visit an aquifer! How do you visit an underground water supply? Grab some scuba gear and go cave diving in Florida’s springs. Of course, it’s not that simple. Cave diving requires expensive equipment, plenty of knowledge and special skills. Even then it can be dangerous.… Read more

 A bay is a shallow body of salt water between a larger barrier island and the mainland. A barrier island is a long, narrow sandy island parallel to the shore. Palma Sola Bay is located between the barrier island of Anna Maria and the city of Bradenton.In the 1880s, a fishing village called “Cortez” was formed here and was bustling with fishermen. It's one of the last commercial fishing villages in Florida and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Tarpon,… Read more

This project restored shoreline habitat to improve water quality in Kings Bay. Project Overview The District restored the shoreline around Hunter Springs Park. The City of Crystal River has integrated this District project into the redesign of the park.  The restored shoreline will benefit the Crystal River/Kings Bay spring system by creating habitat and improving water quality through reducing erosion and nutrients entering Kings Bay. Background… Read more

The District is scheduled to adopt minimum flows for the Little Manatee River. Minimum flows are established to help protect the system from significant harm caused by ground and surface water withdrawals.OverviewMinimum flows and levels (MFLs) are limits established by the District’s Governing Board for surface waters and groundwater that are intended to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area that may be caused by water withdrawals. The… Read more

This project enhanced 315 acres of wetlands and uplands within the Tampa Bay watershed.Project Information 

• Sawgrass Lake Park is more than 300 acres and is located in Pinellas County.
• The property is owned by the District and managed by Pinellas County.
• The lake and wetland system on the property provide flood protection and natural water treatment to enhance the quality of water draining into Tampa Bay.
• Nonnative and invasive vegetation…

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The District emphasizes scientific and technical excellence along with providing high quality service to the residents of our region. For the past 60 years, the District’s greatest asset has been our staff who have dedicated their professional careers to meeting the District’s mission of protecting water resources, minimizing flood risks, and ensuring the publics water needs are met. District functions are organized into divisions, but staff use extensive teamwork and… Read more

(See Upper Hillsborough Preserve for overall information.)

Part of being a water superhero means fighting off the villains that threaten our water resources. That includes invasive plants that creep in and take over natural water habitats. What Makes a Plant Invasive? Invasive plants are non-native species that have been brought to Florida from around the world. Some non-native plants are harmless, but others can reproduce and spread rapidly, pushing out native plants and wildlife. When non-native plants… Read more

The initiative was designed to better understand the dynamics of the river and watershed, identify how alterations have affected the system, and evaluate alternatives to better manage the water resources. STATUS UPDATE: A peer review of the Withlacoochee River Model was completed in 2020. This peer review concluded that the model results and conclusions are accurate and can be relied upon for resource management and understanding of this complex river… Read more

Blackwater streams and rivers originate in swampy areas and get their names because the water that flows through them is stained dark brown, like the color of tea, by organic acids. This staining gives the appearance of "black" water. Some examples of blackwater rivers in the District include the Hillsborough, Withlacoochee and Pithlachascotee rivers. Some of the animals you will find in blackwater streams and rivers include alligators, river otters, bluegills, snapping… Read more

District Volunteers Participate in Antiterrorism The Brooksville Airport looked as if chaos had broken out. Workers and equipment were stopped in the field while a plane with smoke coming out of the side sat stopped on the runway. Emergency and law enforcement personnel descended on the area. Despite what the scene may have looked like, it was only a test — a test for the Tampa Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF). Three Florida RDSTFs, Tampa, Orlando… Read more

Stay Informed on Prescribed BurnsConducted by the Southwest Florida Water Management DistrictSign up for email and/or SMS alerts about scheduled prescribed burns in your selected region. Enter your contact details below and stay up to date! 🔒 Your information is secure and will only be used for notifications.

 In 1539, the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto made his first New World landfall at the mouth of the Manatee River, where the fresh water of the river flows into the salt waters of Tampa Bay.Imagine the Spaniard’s amazement when he saw the giant wading birds and tangles of mangroves bordering the Manatee River. Braving the mosquitoes, no-see-’ums and snakes, de Soto and his army set up a campsite near a lush mangrove swamp, which visitors can still see today as… Read more

Join our dedicated staff and make working for our water resources your life’s work too!When you choose a career at the District, you’re joining a team that supports a vital mission to protect Florida’s water resources while working in a supportive culture and receiving extensive benefits. Our employees take pride in their work and receive the necessary resources to make them a success. Staff have access to numerous opportunities to grow and excel. And the caliber of… Read more

Welcome to the WaterMatters Blog. This blog is a chronicle of news, issues and events happening at the Southwest Florida Water Management District.  Read more

The following fact sheets provide information about District programs and projects.  District Water Control Structures   Read more

The Homosassa River is another spring fed river beginning at Homosassa Springs. This short, slow-moving tidal river flows eight miles from the headsprings to where it meets the Gulf of America in Citrus County.The river is a mixture of fresh water from the headsprings and salt water from the Gulf of America. The tidal influence makes the river home to both freshwater and saltwater fish. Some of the freshwater fish you'll find in the Homosassa River include Bluegill,… Read more

The following is a link to a webpage from the United States Environmental Protection Agency that provides guidance of what to do with a flooded water well:  https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/what-do-your-private-well-after-flood Read more

The District is reevaluating the established minimum flow for the Homosassa river/spring system. Minimum flows are established to help protect the system from significant harm caused by ground and surface water withdrawals. Overview Minimum flows and levels are limits established by the District Governing Board for surface waters and groundwater that are intended to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area that may be caused by water… Read more