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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… Read more

Your Questions Answered June 2022 Q: What is reclaimed water? A: Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater which can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies. Reclaimed water is delivered through purple pipes, which you have probably seen in your community. Q: What are some of the ways reclaimed water is used? A: Reclaimed water is used to irrigate crops, residential lawns, schools,… Read more

Phase I Water ShortageAlways refer to your "city or county" regulations first.Effective Dates and Areas

• The District’s 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… Read more

Measuring Water Quality Scientists use many different instruments to determine the quality of water, including Secchi disks (measure water clarity), probes, nets, gauges and meters. Water quality is not just measured by direct sampling. Information can also be derived from aerial and satellite photographs by observing the surrounding environment and by collecting organisms that live in the body of water. Although you might not have access to the resources of a… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) created the Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water CHAMP℠) to reduce high water use in the hospitality industry. Water CHAMP has more than 350 participants throughout the 16-county District. Participants receive an environmental self-audit checklist, printed materials for a towel and linen reuse program, staff training materials, and publicity through Water CHAMP’s website and other promotional efforts… Read more

Your Questions Answered October 2022 Q: What is a water control structure? A: The primary purpose of the District’s water control structures is to manage the flow of water. Water control structures vary greatly in size and are used for multiple purposes. The District’s water control structures can be classified into three main categories: flood control, salinity barriers, and water conservation structures. These… Read more

Your Questions Answered June 2020 We're often asked about the water resources in our area and what we do to manage and improve their water quality. Southwest Florida Water Management District Chief Water Quality Scientist Chris Anastasiou explains what water quality really means and the District’s role in managing the region’s water quality. Q: What is water quality? A: Water quality is a broad term… Read more

The District’s Regional Water Supply Plan assesses the projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet demands over a 20-year period. The Plan is updated every five years, in accordance with Section 373.709, Florida Statutes. Why We Do It The 2020 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… Read more

Your Questions Answered  February 2021 Nearly one thousand people move to Florida every day. That population growth puts significant demand on the region’s water supply. To help meet these water supply needs, local governments, water managers, builders and developers are working cooperatively through the Florida Water Star℠ (FWS) program. Southwest Florida Water Management District Lead Communications Coordinator Robin Grantham has details about… Read more

This ongoing conservation service provides assistance to public water utilities in an effort to increase system efficiency and reduce system losses. It includes the following services:

• Water Audits
• Leak Detection Surveys
• Meter Accuracy Testing 

Water AuditsWater audits are periodic, quantitative assessments of water consumption, losses and leakage in public water supply distribution systems. The purpose is to… Read more

During the summer months of June, July, August and September, yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every 2 to 3 days. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off your irrigation system, and turn it back on when needed. Follow these tips when you "watch the weather, wait to water": Water only when your yard needs it

• The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues:
  … Read more

The District has been working closely with the regional water supply authorities within its boundaries over the last several decades to reduce the region’s reliance on traditional groundwater supplies and achieve environmental recovery by developing alternative water supplies.There is a critical need to develop additional alternative water supplies to meet the region’s substantial population growth and its associated water supply needs. Population growth within the District… Read more

Your Questions Answered February 2022 Q: What is water quality and why is it important? A: Water quality is a description of the condition of water. Water quality can refer to the chemical, physical and biological condition of water, including the suitability of the water to be used for a specific purpose like drinking, recreation or support of wildlife. The quality of our water is important because it has a direct impact on people… Read more

Saving Water IndoorsBy taking just a few simple steps, you can reduce your water use indoors. If we don’t conserve, we’re pouring water — and money — down the drain. It is estimated that each person in our region uses an average of 99 gallons of water each day. You can reduce your water use by taking just a few simple steps. So stop the leaks, slow the flow and use water wisely!Click on the following topics to learn more: 

• … Read more

The Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program, or Water CHAMPSM, is a free towel and linen reuse program that encourages hotel and motel guests to use their towels and linens more than once during their stay. Tourists flock to Florida to enjoy the sandy beaches, scenic lakes and meandering rivers. Water CHAMP lodging facilities protect Florida's water resources by conserving water and reducing pollutants entering the environment. You can help keep… Read more

July 2023Q: Why is water supply a challenge in Polk County?A: Polk County lies wholly within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) and the majority of the county also lies within the District’s Southern Water Use Caution Area, where groundwater withdrawals have caused adverse impacts to lakes, wetlands and natural systems. The District identified that Polk County was reaching sustainable limits of traditional groundwater supplies… Read more

Water conservation is a key component of the District’s mission to ensure the public’s water needs are met and is one of the 12 Strategic Initiatives outlined in the District’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. Within the Conservation Strategic Initiative, the District’s goal is to enhance efficiencies in all water-use sectors to ensure beneficial use.Water use data provides evidence of the District’s continued commitment to water conservation. For several years, the District has… Read more

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.… Read more

It's easy and costs you nothing. Join your fellow hotels and motels in Water CHAMPSM and conserve Florida's water.   What You Get

• Participation in a linen and towel reuse program
• Use of printed materials in all guest rooms
• Use of self-audit checklist
• Training of housekeeping staff

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater and can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our water supplies.Our RoleThe District works with local utilities and water users to maximize the beneficial use of reclaimed water as an alternative water supply. The use of reclaimed water helps meet current and future water supply needs in the region and is a vital component of the District’s… Read more