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 Highlights

• Charlotte Harbor is Florida's second largest open water estuary at 270 square miles
• Generally considered one of the most productive estuarine ecosystems in southwest Florida
• Designated an "Estuary of National Significance" in 1995
• Includes Charlotte, Lee, and a portion of Sarasota County
• 4,400-square-mile watershed

ChallengesThree main challenges exist in the Charlotte Harbor watershed:

• Alteration and…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the end of daylight saving time. Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks back 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 year-round water conservation measures. All 16 counties…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks ahead 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 year-round water conservation measures. All 16…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time. Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks ahead 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 year-round water conservation measures. All 16 counties…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the end of Daylight Saving Time. Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks back 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 year-round water conservation measures. All 16 counties throughout…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the beginning of daylight saving time. Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks ahead 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 year-round water conservation measures. All 16 counties…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the end of daylight saving time. Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks back 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 year-round water conservation measures. All 16 counties…

Sarasota Bay SWIM Plan Update The Surface Water Improvement and Management, or SWIM, program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies challenges and implements projects to improve water quality and natural systems. The District is currently updating the SWIM plan for Sarasota Bay and the draft plan is below: Public WorkshopThe District held an in-person workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Bay Preserve Carriage House. District…

Did you know that each person in our region uses an average of 72 gallons of water each day? That’s a lot of water down the drain! April is Water Conservation Month, a perfect time for homeowners to reflect on their water use. Here are some simple yet effective ways to save water both inside and outside your home.…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District's(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us "Governing Board(Governing Board)":/about/governingboard voted today to let the modified Phase II water shortage restrictions expire on June 30.Local governments will have the option of returning to the "District's twice-per-week, year-round water conservation measures(District Water Restrictions)":/conservation/restrictions/swfwmd.php starting July…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the end of daylight saving time. Saturday night is when we will turn our clocks back one hour. The time change is also a good time to make sure irrigation system timers are set correctly to ensure that the…

The Water Matters Podcast answers your most popular questions about the work done by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and services offered including new projects, springs protection, water conservation efforts and more. Learn about the many ways we serve the community and protect your resources.

August 2025Q: What is flooding and why does it occur?A: Flooding is the inundation of water onto normally dry land. It occurs when water bodies such as lakes, rivers, or wetlands rise from excessive rainfall. Although flooding is a natural phenomenon, it can cause substantial damage to homes and businesses, create safety risks, and disrupt everyday life.Q: How does the District help prevent flooding?A: The…

Your Questions Answered July 2021 Floridians use nearly 6.4 billion gallons of water per day. With an estimated 1,000 people moving to the state daily, residents are projected to use an additional 1 billion gallons per day by 2040. That’s why exploring potable reuse, or recycled water, is one way we can help ensure there is plenty of water to meet the demand. Southwest Florida Water Management District Water Supply Manager Jay Hoecker outlines…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's (District) Governing Board voted today to declare a Phase I Water Shortage for all 16 counties throughout the District's boundaries. Included in the order are Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties.The primary purpose for a Phase I water shortage is to alert the public that watering restrictions could be forthcoming…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.watermatters.org is encouraging teachers and students to celebrate Water Conservation Month in April by taking the Water Conservation Classroom Challenge.While the District advocates "water conservation":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/ year-round, an extra effort is being made to promote conservation throughout April. Governments and water management districts throughout the state have declared April…

 The Peace River watershed is home to an extraordinary assortment of plants and animals. Some are common; some are extremely rare.Coreopsis, the state wildflower, is widespread. Its delicate yellow blooms brighten the riverbanks year-round. The riverbanks are also lined with palmettos, cypress, water locust, sweet gum, cabbage palm and live oak. Some of the trees have dark, muddy skirts. These are the high-water marks of the seasonal floods. Nearing the estuary, red,…

As Water Resources bureau chief, Jay Hoecker is responsible for management and oversight of regional water supply planning; water supply and resource development projects; economics and demography; water conservation projects; and septic to sewer conversion projects. Hoecker also oversees the FARMS program, which offers cost-share assistance to the agricultural community for conservation, water quality, natural system and alternative water supply best management practices (…

We all play a role in protecting and conserving our water resources, both above and below ground. But we need leaders like YOU to help inspire others and become a water superhero! How can you become a water superhero? Start by incorporating some of the actions in the chart below into your everyday life. It’s also important to educate your friends, family and neighbors to encourage them to do the same! Ways to Conserve Water

• Take short…

 Outdoor water use typically accounts for up to 50 percent of water consumed by households. You can reduce your outdoor water consumption by taking a few simple steps.While the District advocates water conservation year-round, an extra effort is being made to promote conservation throughout April. Governments and water management districts throughout the state have declared April Water Conservation Month because April is traditionally one of the driest months of the…