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2015 Regional Water Supply Plan »
The Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) consists of an executive summary and four geographically-based volumes corresponding to the District’s four designated water supply planning regions (Northern, Tampa Bay, Heartland and Southern). The District’s Governing Board approved the final plan at its Nov. 17, 2015 meeting. The final Board-approved RWSP is available for review below. The District accepted public comment on the draft RWSP through an online comment form,… Read more
Florida’s Water Management Districts »
The districts administer flood protection programs and perform technical investigations into water resources. They also develop water management plans for water shortages in times of drought, and acquire and manage lands for water management purposes. Delegated regulatory programs include management of the consumptive use of water, aquifer recharge, well construction and surface water management.  
District Water Management Plan »
The District Water Management Plan serves as a comprehensive guide describing our responsibilities for water supply, flood protection, water quality and natural systems. Section 373.036(2)(e)4 Florida Statutes (F.S.) indicates the water management districts may substitute an annual work plan report included as an addendum to an annual strategic plan for the statutorily required District Water Management Plan. The statute specifies that the strategic plan establish the… Read more
2010 Regional Water Supply Plan »
The 2010 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is an assessment of projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet these demands in the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) from 2010 through 2030. The RWSP consists of an executive summary and four geographically based volumes that correspond to the District’s four designated water supply planning regions (Northern, Tampa Bay, Heartland and Southern). The RWSP provides a framework for future… Read more
Office of Agricultural Water Policy »
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… Read more
Water Resource Development Work Program »
The Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Program (Work Program) is part of the District’s annual budget reporting process.  The Work Program describes the District’s implementation strategy and five-year funding plan for the water resource and water supply development components of the approved Regional Water Supply Plans. The District provides a Proposed Work Program to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for review within 30 days of adoption of the… Read more
Water Use Permit »
A Water Use Permit (WUP) allows withdrawal of a specified amount of water, either from the ground or from a lake or river.A Water Use Permit (WUP) authorizes the consumptive use of particular quantities of ground or surface water. The Florida Statutes (Chapters 120 and … Read more
Water Quality Data »
Water Quality DataWater quality data are categorized under two major resource types — groundwater and surface water.Groundwater Quality Data provide information on existing groundwater quality conditions and water quality trends within the District’s groundwater resources, including springs. They also improve the District’s understanding of groundwater quality concerns, support development of watershed management priorities and plans, and… Read more
Watch the Weather, Wait to Water »
Your Questions Answered June 2019 The rainy season is upon us and it’s a great time to conserve potable water by watering your lawn less. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Senior Conservation Education Coordinator Katherine Munson explains why homeowners should, “Watch the Weather, Wait to Water.” Q: Why are the summer months the best time for outdoor water conservation? A: During the summer months of June… Read more
Water Control Structures »
Your Questions Answered May 2020 The Southwest Florida Water Management District maintains and operates 86 water control structures throughout the District’s 16-county region. The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Structure Operations Manager Mike Bartlett explains how these structures help provide flood protection, manage lake water levels and prevent salt water from flowing up freshwater streams and creeks. Q:… Read more
Local Government Water Restrictions »
Charlotte CountyRestriction InfoReport ViolationsCharlotte County(941) 764-4300(941) 764-4309Punta Gorda(941) 575-3339(941) 639-4111Citrus CountyRestriction InfoReport… Read more
Water Conservation Tips for Life in the Sunshine State »
Your Questions Answered  May 2021 Florida’s population is growing with an average of 1,000 people moving to the state every day. If you’re new to Florida, you may not be familiar with the state’s water resources or how to do your part when it comes to water conservation. Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Lead Communications Coordinator Robin Grantham shares water-related tips for life in the Sunshine State. Q: How… Read more
Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program »
Your Questions Answered November 2022 Q: What is the SWIM Program? A: The Surface Water Improvement and Management or SWIM Program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies issues and drivers, and implements projects to improve water quality and habitat. In 1987, the Florida Legislature established the SWIM Act to protect, maintain, and restore Florida's surface water bodies. The Act required the five water… Read more
Modified Phase I Water Shortage Restrictions Frequently Asked Questions »
Q: What are the new water restrictions for the Southwest Florida Water Management District?A: The District’s Modified Phase I water shortage restrictions are in effect Nov. 21, 2023, through July 1, 2024, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments. The following restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands… Read more
Holiday Water Conservation Tips – Your Questions Answered »
November 2023Q: How can I save water when preparing holiday meals?A:  Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use approximately 2 gallons of water per minute.Q: What can I do to reduce… Read more
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips – Your Questions Answered »
December 2023Q: Why is conserving water outdoors important?A:  Typically, outdoor water use accounts for about 50 percent of water consumed by households, so it’s important to pay attention to your outdoor water use. If using a permanent inground irrigation system, conduct regular maintenance to ensure the system is working properly and make seasonal adjustments throughout the year. If using a non-permanent above-ground… Read more
District Maps - Water Restrictions »
 Learn about current District water restrictions, or view local government water restrictions contact information.
60th Anniversary of the Southwest Florida Water Management District »
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… Read more
Grant Type 1: Water Quality Field Study »
1. Summary
This grant is being written on behalf of three overlapping groups of students: AP Environmental Science (APES) students, AP Biology students, and members of our Keep Our School Beautiful Club (KOSB), which focuses on environmental stewardship. As part of a collaborative learning unit, students will investigate water quality throughout the Hillsborough River Watershed by developing a data profile of water quality as it moves through natural… Read more
Water Use Permit Preapplication Information »
Online Application Forms Login to Online Application » Depending on the appropriate use type, the following completed supplemental forms should be uploaded during the online application submission. The following supplemental forms are also necessary if apply… Read more