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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 2025-2029 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. The District is a leader in…

May 2025Q: 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 structures allow the District to provide…

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…

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.…

May 2024Q: 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, golf courses and parks. It’s also…

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

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.  

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.What’s the RWSP? The 2025 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 (…

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…

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 …

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…

Fertilizing your lawn the right way can make a big difference for Florida’s water quality. When fertilizers are applied incorrectly, they can wash into nearby water bodies, harming ecosystems and diminishing water quality. This guide will help you understand the best practices for fertilizing responsibly, following local regulations and protecting Florida’s unique environment Why Fertilizing Responsibly Matters More than 1,000 new residents move to Florida daily,…

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…

December 2025Q: 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…

The District’s Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is updated every five years. It assesses projected water demands and potential sources of water to meet demands over a 20-year period.

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…

The Five-Year Water Resource Development Work Program (Work Program or WRDWP) 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 and annual budgets. The District provides a Proposed Work Program to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for review within…

November 2025Q: 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 water…

Charlotte CountyRestriction InfoReport ViolationsCharlotte County(941) 764-4300(941) 764-4309Punta Gorda(941) 575-3339(941) 639-4111Citrus CountyRestriction InfoReport…

February 2024Q: What is Water 101?A: Water 101 is a Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) initiated campaign to connect homeowners and community managers with helpful water conservation and water quality tips and resources. This campaign will help support two of the District’s strategic initiatives: water conservation and water quality maintenance and improvement. The campaign encompasses two avenues of information that can…