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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 “…
August 2023Q: What is FARMS?A: The Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems, or FARMS program for short, is designed to serve as an incentive to the agricultural community to promote water quantity, water quality and natural systems BMPs to conserve groundwater use and promote resource sustainability. The program is an agricultural cost-share reimbursement program that reduces groundwater withdrawals from the Upper Floridan…
Your Questions Answered
December 2019
Florida’s climate makes it ideal for growing a wide variety of crops, which makes the state’s agricultural industry one of the strongest in the country. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) believes working with the agricultural community to conserve water through our Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems or FARMS program is essential to help ensure future water supplies.…
June 2023Q: Why are the summer months the best time for outdoor water conservation?A: During the summer months of June, July, August and September, Florida typically sees increased rainfall. When it’s raining daily, give your irrigation system a break. Yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every two to three days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off your irrigation system, and turn it back on when needed.…
March 2023
Q: Why is it important to use best practices when visiting rivers and springs?
A: The District has found direct links between river recreational use and environmental damage. For example, visitors leaving kayaks while on the river have trampled vegetation and eroded riverbanks and sand point bars. Also, numerous trees have been damaged from climbing and rope swinging. Over time, these actions can have negative long-term…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will host a career and internship fair to share information about the many career fields and employment opportunities at the District.The fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 22 at the District’s Sarasota Service Office, located at 78 Sarasota Center Blvd. in Sarasota.The District offers a wide variety of careers and student internships, including administrative, business, accounting, finance, maintenance…
During cooler months in fall and winter, your lawn doesn’t need watering every week. It’s the best time to train your yard to need less water! So only water your lawn every other week and only if it needs it. Too much irrigation…
- Makes your lawn less able to survive droughts
- Encourages pests and disease
- Wastes water
- Grass doesn’t need as much water in the cooler months
- Apply 1/2" to 3/4" of water …
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) ombudsman responds to public inquiries about District policies and practices. When issues arise between the public and the District, the ombudsman acts independently of the District to assist the public by:
- Providing information
- Answering questions
- Facilitating dispute resolutions
- Investigating concerns
- Maintaining confidentiality
Assisting the agricultural community by improving the quality of ground water used for irrigation.
Existing wells located in the District’s southern and coastal areas often exhibit water quality conditions that are more highly mineralized with increased well depths. The use of highly mineralized ground water for irrigation purposes can adversely affect both agricultural yields and the water quality of downstream receiving water bodies. Efforts to reduce mineralized…
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.
How do I know if the structure on the waterbody I live near is open or closed?The District has a water control structure dashboard the public can view. Gate status and water levels are updated hourly for each water control structure location.Do all District structures provide flood protection? No, most of the District structures were constructed to hold…
Choosing a career at the District means joining a mission‑driven team protecting Florida’s water resources while thriving in a supportive, people‑first culture. You’ll enjoy standout benefits with top‑tier insurance, retirement plans, and a wellness program that supports a healthy workforce and work culture. The District is a place to build a meaningful career you can be proud of with opportunities to grow and flexible remote or hybrid schedules for eligible roles. Discover…
Your Questions Answered
December 2020
Q: What does data collection mean?
A: Data collection is the process of gathering, measuring and analyzing specific information to fix a problem. District geologists perform data collection to help answer scientific and engineering questions in managing water supplies, preserving natural systems and protecting against flooding. The District's Data Collection Bureau…
There are a variety of different programs that FARMS supports including:Well Back-PluggingThe Well Back-Plugging Program addresses water quality problems that result from agricultural users pumping poor water quality from deep zones of the Upper Floridan aquifer.This program is implemented throughout the SWUCA but primarily focuses on the Shell, Prairie and Joshua Creek watersheds…
The Office of Agricultural Water Policy is a nonregulatory division of the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS).Staff located at service offices of the Southwest Florida Water Management District work with the local agriculture community to promote best management practices (BMPs). They also work closely with the water management districts, USDA-NRCS, soil and water conservation districts, and UF-IFAS to aid in implementation of BMPs to improve…
Two developers recently received statewide recognition for using Florida-friendly landscaping techniques in their communities.The University of Floridas Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN), Builder/Developer program presented prestigious Community-Wide Florida-Friendly Landscaping Awards to Lee Wetherington Homes for the Willow Bend community in Sarasota County and King Ranch Manatee for the River Forest community in Manatee County. The awards were presented at Green…
Geohydrologic DataGeohydrologic data includes aquifer test data, geohydrologic profile data (water level, slug test, and water quality), stratigraphic data, lithologic logs, geophysical logs, and geohydrologic well site reports and summaries. The majority of geohydrologic data are collected through the Regional Observation and Monitor-well Program (ROMP). More information on the ROMP can be found on the…
The District was recognized as one of the best places to work in the area by the Pasco Hernando Jobs and Education Partnership Regional Board, Inc.
This is the first year the partnership has spotlighted local businesses who exhibit extraordinary focus and investment in their employees.
The District was named the best place to work in Hernando County among employers with more than 125 employees. One winner was chosen in each size category in each county. The…
The Southwest Florida Water Management District was recognized by the Pasco-Hernando Jobs and Education Partnership Regional Board, Inc. as one of the best places to work in the area.This is the first year the partnership has spotlighted local businesses who exhibit extraordinary focus and investment in their employees.The District was named the best place to work in Hernando County among employers with more than 125 employees. One winner was chosen in each county size…