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Conservation Lands The region’s lands and waters are forever linked by Florida’s natural water cycles. Undeveloped land allows for water recharge to the aquifer and water storage during major storm events. Lands surrounding lakes, rivers, wetlands and estuaries also serve as natural buffers to filter out pollution before it reaches the nearest water body. The Southwest Florida Water Management District and other agencies and governments purchase… Read more

We're halfway through Water Conservation Month, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) encourages citizens to do their part to save water in and around their homes. Here's more water saving tips to lower your monthly water bill and save hundreds of gallons of water:

• Ensure rain sensors are operating properly. Irrigating during or after significant rainfall is a…

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April is Water Conservation Month and a great time to improve your home without incurring the high cost of remodeling.Each week the Southwest Florida Water Management District is providing a few simple water conservation tips that the average resident can use. This week the focus is on checking for leaks and retrofitting your fixtures.Leak DetectionA dripping sink faucet can waste up to 30 gallons of water per day and a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water per… Read more

During the dry season, many homeowners are tempted to over-water their lawns and gardens. The Southwest Florida Water Management District would like to remind homeowners that more water is not the answer to their landscaping dilemmas.“Proper irrigation will conserve water and maintain a beautiful Florida-friendly landscape,” said Lou Kavouras, District deputy executive director.Make sure your sprinklers are watering the lawn, not the driveway and street and… Read more

Your Questions AnsweredSeptember 2018Q:  Why is the Withlacoochee River experiencing flooding again this year?A:  Throughout the spring and summer, above average rainfall has saturated soils and filled wetlands and swamps that are no longer able to store additional rainfall.Q:  Is river flooding a normal occurrence?A:  … Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) acquires lands for the conservation and protection of the water and water-related resources, including lakes, rivers, wetlands and estuaries. These conservation lands serve as natural filters improving water quality, storing and retaining flood waters and helping recharge our aquifers. They also are home to many native plants and animals. The District is required to maintain a balance between public access,… Read more

Water is restless; it likes to move on a constant journey known as the water cycle. Gravity makes it flow downhill, off your roof, into creeks, down rivers and even over giant waterfalls. Some water soaks into the ground through percolation, but most of it ends up filling the oceans, which cover over two-thirds of the planet. The water cycle doesn’t end in the oceans though. Water at the sea’s surface is able to… Read more

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? You might have poured it from a tap or bought it at the store, but it had to come from somewhere before that. Any guesses? The ocean? That would be a good guess because the oceans contain most of earth’s water, about 97%! But would you drink a glass of seawater? No! The salt would make you sick. We need fresh water. Not just any fresh water though. Did you know most of the world’s fresh water is frozen… Read more

Despite reports that the District did not take measures to minimize flood risks for Lake Thonotosassa from Hurricane Milton, District structure operators lowered the lake to the maximum amount possible before the storm.The District also conducted a federally funded debris removal project earlier this year on Flint Creek, which is natural creek where water is released from the lake north to the Hillsborough River. Trees and limbs from a previous storm were removed to help… Read more

In addition to groundwater, Florida also has many different surface water bodies. Surface waters are those found above ground. In Florida, that includes around 7,700 lakes, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 700 springs! Surface waters are home to many different types of plants and animals. They also provide a place for people who live in Florida, or come to visit, to enjoy many recreational activities, such as swimming, kayaking,… Read more

Next weekend Hillsborough County adults will have the opportunity to see what their kids have been enjoying in their schools for years.Stages Productions will perform two free, public shows of “Water Pigs,” a live, interactive water resource and conservation theatre presentation. The first performance is Friday, May 19, at 7 p.m. at the Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association, located at 619 Vonderberg Drive in Brandon. The second performance is Saturday,… Read more

Office buildings use an average of 14,695 gallons per day of water. This checklist will help facility managers evaluate the appropriateness of water-saving adjustments for improving the efficiency of your building. Remember, water savings often bring energy savings, too. This information is based on the results of water use evaluations of 26 industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) facilities throughout the Tampa Bay area. The checklist has been adapted from a… Read more

Manufacturers use an average of 144,542 gallons per day of water. This checklist will help facility managers evaluate the appropriateness of water-saving adjustments for improving the efficiency of your plant. Remember, water savings often bring energy savings, too. This information is based on the results of water use evaluations of 26 industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) facilities throughout the Tampa Bay area. The checklist has been adapted from a… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's (District) Governing Board voted today to increase water restrictions throughout the region. The modified Phase III water shortage order affects counties throughout the District's boundaries including Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter.District hydrologists report a rainfall deficit of 11-inches since the start of the… Read more

A shallow well rebate program funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Manatee County will conserve potable water by converting existing irrigation systems to shallow well systems, which draw water from the surficial or intermediate aquifers.The program will provide rebates to homeowners and business owners who currently use potable water for irrigation and live in western unincorporated Manatee County or the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and… Read more

Gifts aren’t the only ways to protect water resources this holiday season. Be water-wise when selecting holiday decorations. Here are some suggestions:  • Add some color to your holiday decorating with red salvia splendens. The plant requires little maintenance once placed in your garden after the holidays.  • Use items found around your yard and home to decorate. Palm fronds, magnolia leaves, pinecones and citrus fruit make great ingredients for… Read more

Water is restless; it likes to move. Gravity makes it flow downhill, off your roof, into creeks, down rivers and even over giant waterfalls. Some water sinks into the ground, but most of it ends up filling the oceans, which cover over two-thirds of the planet. The water cycle doesn’t end in the oceans though. Water at the sea’s surface is able to defy gravity and climb back up into the sky. How? Because water isn’t always a liquid.… Read more

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? You might have poured it from a tap or bought it at the store, but it had to come from somewhere before that. Any guesses? The ocean? That would be a good guess because the oceans contain most of earth’s water, about 97%! But would you drink a glass of seawater? No! The salt would make you sick. We need fresh water. Not just any fresh water though. Did you know most of the world’… Read more

Left: Ruffin Gray, City of Lakeland environmental specialist; Nesya Bliss, youth outreach specialist; and Virginia Sternberger, senior communications coordinator, served as actors in one of the water conservation public service announcements. Right: Antwan Key, City of Lakeland communication specialist, served as the lighting and camera operator for the water conservation public service announcements. Public service announcements (PSAs) promoting two Southwest… Read more

Many homes use about half of their water outside! That’s a lot of good water going to the grass. Here are some ways you can avoid wasting water in your yard: Wait until wilt Don’t water your grass or plants if they don’t need it. Too much water can wash away plant food and make it easier for pests to attack. A lawn doesn’t need to be watered much in the winter when it’s cool, or during the summer when it rains a lot. Don’t water in the rain (singing is OK) If… Read more