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Your Questions Answered
April 2020
April is Springs Protection Awareness Month, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is committed to protecting the more than 200 springs within the District. To raise awareness about the importance of these natural treasures, Springs Scientist Dr. Madison Trowbridge answers some commonly asked questions about our springs.
Q: What is a spring?
A: A spring occurs when… Read more
More than 350 west-central Florida hotels are part of Water CHAMPSM. Stay with a participating property — and save our precious water resources.Choose a county to view participants:Charlotte » Citrus » DeSoto » Hardee » … Read more
Highlights
- Designated an “Estuary of National Significance” in 1990
- Florida’s largest open-water estuary at 373 square miles
- Over 2 million residents in the watershed
- Includes portions of Hillsborough, Manatee and Pinellas counties
- 2,200-square-mile watershed
- Alteration and loss of coastal uplands and wetlands due to development
- Spread of non… Read more
Focus Groups
Focus groups are interviews, conducted by a trained moderator, among a small group of respondents. The interview is conducted in an unstructured and natural way where respondents are free to give views from any aspect. The District uses focus groups to acquire feedback regarding attitudes, behaviors and knowledge about water conservation and water quality. Focus groups have also provided valuable feedback for educational and campaign messages.
… Read more
Historical Groundwater and Surface Water Levels, Rainfall and Evapotranspiration DataLast-Recorded Value App »Find the most recent water level or rainfall value for data collection sites.Daily… Read more
This first SWUCA Five-Year Assessment found that the District and its partners:
- Succeeded in meeting the water supply needs of the region despite an increase of more than 325,000 residents;
- Succeeded in reducing overall groundwater use from the Upper Floridan aquifer by more than 50 mgd; and… Read more
Surveys
Surveys 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.
2022 November Northern Issues Springs Survey Report
2022, 1,235 Respondents
This report details residents’ perceptions and attitudes about the District, springs and other water-… Read more
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… Read more
January 2023
Q: What is vegetation management?
A: Vegetation management is the targeted control of nuisance and invasive exotic vegetation. These operations are conducted on both District-owned lands and on District-managed public waterbodies. This includes the control of both aquatic vegetation, growing in or near water, and terrestrial vegetation, growing on land.
Q: Why is vegetation management important… Read more
Learn more about District Planning Regions on our Regional Water Supply Plan page.
Project OverviewA prior phase of the project evaluated accumulated sediments in the river and identified where removal of sediments will benefit the river's ecosystem. An additional phase will remove accumulated sediments from those targeted areas of the river to re-establish historic river depths where accumulated sediments have covered natural habitats.Status UpdateSea & Shoreline, LLC, is removing accumulated sediments using hand-dredging, which includes divers… Read more
In 1987 the Florida Legislature created the Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Act to protect, restore and maintain Florida's highly threatened surface water bodies. Under this act, the state's five water management districts identify a list of priority water bodies within their authority and implement plans to improve them. The District's SWIM ProgramThe Southwest Florida Water Management District's Surface Water Improvement and Management… Read more
This second SWUCA Five-Year Assessment has found that the District and its partners have achieved further progress toward:
- Continuing to meet the water supply needs of the region for all use categories;
- Achieving further reductions in overall groundwater use from the Upper Floridan aquifer to… Read more
Your Questions Answered
March 2022
Q: Is there a rainy season and dry season in central Florida?
A: Yes, rainfall is seasonal. Our rainy season is a four-month period from June through September, with average rainfall of about 7.8 inches each month. About 60 percent of our average annual rainfall is received during that time. The higher rainfall results in rising water levels in wells, lakes, rivers and springs… Read more
Highlights
- Weeki Wachee Springs are the headwaters of the Weeki Wachee River
- The headspring is home to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, which features a water park and the famous underwater mermaid show
- Located in Hernando County
- First magnitude spring: 260-square-mile springshed
- Potential decrease in historic flows
- Elevated… Read more
Highlights
- Largest natural lake in Hillsborough County with a surface area of greater than 800 acres
- Popular for recreational use as it is one of the few natural lakes in the area with public access
- Discharges into the Hillsborough River which is used for municipal water supply for the City of Tampa
- Nutrient loadings from the… Read more
Sinkholes are a common naturally occurring geologic phenomenon and one of the predominant land forms in Florida.Many of the lakes in Florida are relic sinkholes. Sinkholes can be classified as geologic hazards sometimes causing extensive damage to structures and roads resulting in costly repairs. Sinkholes can also threaten water supplies by draining unfiltered water from streams, lakes and wetlands directly into the aquifer (underground water supply). What if a… Read more
Highlights
- Designated an “Estuary of National Significance” in 1987
- Surface area of approximately 52 square miles
- Includes Manatee and Sarasota counties
- 150-square-mile watershed
- Alteration and loss of coastal uplands and wetlands due to development
- Spread of non-native animal and plant species
- Degraded… Read more
Interactive Map Gallery
The District’s new map gallery contains dynamic, interactive maps created by District staff. This gallery contains general purpose and District-specific maps. VIEW MAP GALLERY »
Aerial Photography
The District provides an extensive collection of digital aerial photos (DOQQ: Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangle) … Read more
Your Questions Answered
October 2021
Record amounts of rainfall in some areas over the summer has highlighted the importance of stormwater ponds to help prevent flooding and improve water quality throughout the region. You may have seen stormwater ponds throughout neighborhoods and commercial developments in Florida but might not know about their purpose as many people often mistake stormwater ponds for natural water bodies. Southwest Florida Water… Read more