Search Content
Displaying results 161 - 180 of 5079
Applied innovative agriculture as a passive alternative to permitting. An Evolving ProgramRecognizing that urban standards for surface water management permitting were inappropriate for farming, the District developed special provisions for an agricultural exemption letter to satisfy the surface water regulations of an environmental resource permit (ERP). The District further categorized specific agricultural activities that could qualify for an exemption letter as “…
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.The District is currently…
Did you know that a dripping faucet can waste up to 30 gallons of water per day and a leaky toilet can waste up to 100 gallons of water per day?Governments and water management districts throughout the state have declared April Water Conservation Month. While the Southwest Florida Water Management District staff advocates water conservation year-round, an extra effort is being made to promote conservation throughout April because it is typically marks the start of the peak…
As we prepare to "fall back" with the end of daylight saving time next weekend, it's not just your clocks that need adjusting—your irrigation system could use a quick check too! When we turn our clocks back an hour Saturday, Nov. 2, take a moment to ensure your sprinkler timers are set correctly. This simple step helps your system run efficiently and keeps you in line with water conservation practices.At the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District), we’re all…
February 2023
Q: What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?
A: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a set of nine guiding principles which help protect natural resources and preserve Florida’s unique beauty. A Florida-friendly landscape is beautiful yet saves water and protects the environment too.
Q: What are the nine guiding principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™?
A: The nine guiding principles of Florida-…
What does Florida Water StarSM mean for me?
- Saves an estimated $530 on annual utility bills
- Reduces water and energy use
- Creates peace of mind due to additional home inspections
- Increases resale through higher quality landscape designs and irrigation systems
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday joined Gov. Charlie Crist, the state Legislature, Tampa Bay Water and approximately 183 local governments and organizations in declaring April “Water Conservation Month.”April is traditionally one of the driest months of the year and typically marks the start of the peak demand season for public water suppliers. Many residents begin increasing their lawn irrigation due to the dry conditions and rising…
SurveysSurveys are the method for collecting quantitative information on an area of interest. The District uses surveys to acquire information from residents about attitudes, behaviors and knowledge regarding water conservation and water quality.2025 October Weeki Wachee River Campaign Annual Survey Report2025, 441 Respondents During the summers of 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 the District led a campaign providing science-based recommendations to users of…
A How-to for Installing a Rain BarrelBenefits
- Supplement irrigation and save money over time
- Reduce stormwater runoff which can lead to reduced levels of pesticides and fertilizers in our water
- Help reduce the amount of water that may settle around the foundation of your home
- Connect to a soaker hose (with the pressure-reducing washer removed)
- Fill a watering can and hand-water plants, flower beds…
It is important to remember that you cannot tell very much about the quality of water simply by looking at it. Most pollutants are invisible to the naked eye. There are three major types of pollutants that affect water quality. Let’s take a look at each type.
Dirt
Rain can wash dirt into rivers and streams. The dirt can smother tiny organisms and kill fish eggs clinging to rocks on the riverbed. Dirt can also clog gills and suffocate fish. Too much…
The ROMP Objectives
- Provide information about the groundwater systems within the District.
- Monitor saltwater intrusion along the coast.
- Identify areas of poor groundwater quality.
- Install wells for water level and water quality monitoring.
In an effort to promote increased water conservation during the ongoing drought, the Southwest Florida Water Management District will bring its water-conserving restroom to several area festivals and events.The first event will be this weekend’s Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival, which is being held at Al Lopez Park in Tampa.“The District encourages year-round water conservation,” said Melissa Roe, project manager for the District. “But as the region…
Your Questions Answered
September 2020
Homeowners in Florida know the scorching heat can wreak havoc on lawns and landscapes, which can increase your yard irrigation and your water bill. That’s why Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is gaining in popularity. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Senior Communications Coordinator Katherine Munson explains what Florida-Friendly Landscaping really means and the benefits it provides.…
While the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) encourages water conservation year-round, there is extra emphasis each April for Water Conservation Month. April is historically one of the driest months of the year and typically marks the peak demand season for public water suppliers.
While we shelter at home to stay safe, here are 10 simple tips to lower your monthly water bill and do your part to save hundreds of gallons of water:
INDOOR…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District and Manatee County are offering residents a financial incentive to save water by replacing high-volume toilets and showerheads with low-volume models.As part of the program, Manatee County customers can apply for a rebate of up to $100 when they replace high-volume toilets with low-flow models. The application must be approved prior to purchasing and installing the new low-volume toilet to receive a rebate. Up to 600 single-…
Your Questions Answered
January 2021
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is celebrating 60 years of protecting the region’s water resources. The District was established in 1961 as a flood protection agency. Since then, its responsibilities have grown to include managing the water supply, protecting water quality and preserving natural systems that serve important water-related functions. Executive Director Brian Armstrong…
Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order remains in effect DistrictwideThe Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted today to extend one-day-per-week watering restrictions for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties until July 1. This extension mirrors the existing water shortage order currently in effect for Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Manatee, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake…
The District’s executive director recently declared an emergency order to increase water restrictions including limiting lawn watering to once per week in the Tampa Bay area due to continued drought conditions.
Executive Director Blake Guillory declared a Modified Phase II emergency water shortage order for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.
Under the emergency order, the allowable lawn and landscape watering schedule is reduced to once per week on a specified…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted today to modify its existing Phase I water shortage, expanding it to cover the District’s entire 16-county area beginning May 8.
Under Phase I, water utilities and their local governments are expected to review and revise water restriction enforcement procedures, begin monthly enforcement reporting and…