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A water conservation project funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Pinellas County will reduce demand and conserve potable water.The project encourages the use of the surficial aquifer, Floridan aquifer, and surface water from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams for non-potable applications, such as lawn irrigation. Residents who live in portions of the county’s potable service area that will not be receiving reclaimed water service are eligible…

These short videos with coordinating teacher’s guides are a great way to introduce your students to a variety of topics, which include: the water cycle, wetlands, watersheds, groundwater, water quality and alternative water supply.

Hotels, motels and restaurants in Charlotte County can conserve water with the help of three Southwest Florida Water Management District programs.The District’s Water Conservation Hotel And Motel Program (Water CHAMP), Water Program for Restaurant Outreach (Water PRO), and Charlotte County Toilet Rebate Program are designed to help businesses conserve water through training and retrofitting.Water CHAMPWater CHAMP is the District’s linens and towel reuse program…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently approved an agreement to continue to help fund the St. Petersburg Sensible Sprinkling Program, which focuses on outdoor water conservation.As part of the program, approximately 300 residents may participate at no charge. Those who participate will receive an irrigation system evaluation, site-specific recommendations, rain sensor installation if an operable sensor is not present, Florida-friendly landscaping…

Who: Representatives from Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department, Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program staff and volunteersWhat: As part of the 24th annual International Coastal Cleanup, the District’s SWIM Program staff is helping coordinate a volunteer work day at Marsh Creek in Ruskin. More than 100 volunteers are needed to help…

Danger Down BelowRemember that an aquifer is an underground layer of spongelike rock that holds water. Since the water lies hidden underground, most people can only imagine what an aquifer looks like. Here in Florida, highly-trained experts can visit an aquifer!Of course, it’s not that simple. Cave diving requires expensive equipment, plenty of knowledge and special skills. Even then it is very dangerous.Windows into the Aquifer Want a…

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. While we shelter at home to stay safe, 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 major cause of outdoor…

Environmentally conscience residents can learn about water conservation, Florida-friendly landscaping and composting at a Haines City Earth Day Celebration.The event, which is Saturday, April 11 from 10am-6pm, is being held at The Health Chic House, 12 N. 5th St. in Haines City.Workshops include Florida-friendly landscaping, composting, rain barrels, micro-irrigation, aquaponics, and other water saving tips.Additional workshops are available as well as several activities,…

Every year about 2.5 million people visit public conservation lands obtained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and its partners to protect Florida’s water resources.Balancing water needs.Protecting the environment. The District was created in 1961 by the Florida Legislature to protect the water resources of the region. The District includes roughly 10,000 square miles in all or part of 16 counties in west-central Florida that were home to a population…

The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is cherished for its exquisite scenic beauty and is an ideal place to experience natural Florida. Be sure to check out the District’s Recreation website to learn more and plan your visit to the Green Swamp.   Footpaths and trails abound in the Preserve for extensive hiking and the Florida National Scenic Trail bisects the area. Trails for…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Water Program for Restaurant Outreach (Water PRO) is off to a great start thanks to support from dozens of area Beef O’ Brady’s restaurants.Water PRO is a free program that helps restaurants conserve water by educating staff and customers. By implementing Water PRO, the restaurant management agrees to only serve water upon request, display water conservation materials on tables, conduct self-audits and…

Your Questions Answered January 2020 The Weeki Wachee River has been a popular site for recreational activities for many years. Recently, both public and private stakeholders agreed to take a closer look at what steps should be taken now to ensure the waterway is protected for years to come. Randy Smith, Natural Systems & Restoration Bureau Chief for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, explains the results of the recently…

 With nearly 30 percent of the watershed being conservation lands, there are many opportunities for recreation throughout the Withlacoochee River watershed. Many people enjoy visiting public conservation lands obtained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and its partners to protect Florida’s water resources. The lands are open to the public for family activities such as hiking, bicycling, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, camping, nature study, paddling…

Hernando County residents who completed a rain barrel class at the county Extension office each took home their own rain barrel. Darcy Paust used to collect rainwater in buckets placed around her Spring Hill home to water her plants. Then she read about a rain barrel class in the paper and thought having a rain barrel would be easier than collecting the water from her buckets. Paust joined the thousands of residents who attend rain barrel classes at their…

The District preserves hundreds of miles of freshwater shoreline along many of the most beautiful rivers and lakes in the region.Fishing is allowed along the banks of District water bodies and by boat unless an area is posted closed to fishing. All fishing on District lands is subject to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission license requirements and regulations.How to contact…

David Moore, District executive director, and Kirby Green III, St. Johns River Water Management District executive director, discussed regional collaboration and water supply issues during the summit. More than 160 people representing local governments, utilities and various industries came together Friday, March 23, at the Hilton Ocala Hotel for the District’s first northern Water Conservation Summit. Held in partnership with the Suwannee River and St. Johns…