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From June through November, we live nervously here in Florida. Why? Energy and water from the tropics can venture toward the southeastern U.S. in gigantic, spinning storms we call “hurricanes.” Hurricanes begin when a storm develops over warm surface waters. As warm air rises in the center of the storm, it creates an upward current of air, called an updraft. The surrounding air is attracted to the storm’s center, where it rises and causes the pressure to drop. The…

The Water Use Permit Information Center has been redesigned to provide our users with a more intuitive, user-friendly environment to submit their Water Use Permit (WUP) compliance data. In addition to data submittals, the online Permit Information Center, known as ePIC, provides quick and easy access to permit information, graphs and reports. ePIC Highlights:

• Compatible with most tablets and smart phones, allowing for mobile data entry
• The ‘…

Benefits to builders and owners

• Saves an estimated $530 on utility bills annually, adding up to water savings of up to 48,291 gallons in one year per home
• Increases home values by approximately $10,000; per The Appraisal Journal, home values typically increase by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills
• Provides free marking support through customizable company brochures, plaques for homeowner display and free real estate staff training
…

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Florida Water Starsm?Florida Water Star is a voluntary certification program designed to increase water efficiency inside the home and in landscapes and irrigation systems. While many certification programs provide general guidelines for water efficiency, Florida Water Star specifically addresses uses relevant to Florida. Following Florida Water Star criteria in new and existing buildings will help sustain the area’s…

As Water Resources bureau chief, Jay Hoecker is responsible for management and oversight of regional water supply planning; water supply and resource development projects; economics and demography; water conservation projects; and septic to sewer conversion projects. Hoecker also oversees the FARMS program, which offers cost-share assistance to the agricultural community for conservation, water quality, natural system and alternative water supply best management practices (…

The Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency (WISE program) covers up to 50 percent of costs to support water conservation projects. About WISE ProgramGrants (cost-share reimbursements) of up to $20,000 are available for water conservation projects that improve water use efficiency and help protect the region’s water resources. A wide variety of nonagricultural water users are eligible for the program, such as:

• Commercial properties
• Hotels
• Apartment…

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 “…

The District established the Dover/Plant City Water Use Caution Area (D/PCWUCA) and a Recovery Strategy to address issues that followed an “unprecedented” cold event in 2010. An area assessment done in 2020 indicated that the Recovery Strategy was no longer needed, and in 2021, the District’s Governing Board approved rulemaking to eliminate the Recovery Strategy. Background In January 2010 there was a cold-weather event in…

This reclaimed water project reduces groundwater pumping and wastewater nutrient loading in the Crystal River/Kings Bay springshed. Project Overview The project provides highly treated wastewater, known as reclaimed water, from the City of Crystal River to the Duke Energy power plant in Citrus County. Infrastructure was built to transport all reclaimed water from the City of Crystal River’s wastewater sprayfield to the Duke Energy power generation complex, located west…

 

Does the District forecast river flooding?The District does not forecast river flooding. We refer to the Southeast River Forecast Center, an agency of the National Weather Service. The public can use their interactive map to view forecast locations experiencing flooding and links to detailed forecast information. The National Weather Service also establishes flood stage categories and thresholds. While local news sources…

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

How much is enough?

• Grass doesn’t need as much water in the cooler months
• Apply 1/2" to 3/4" of water
…

Who is the Southwest Florida Water Management District?The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) manages the water resources for west-central Florida as directed by state law.The District encompasses roughly 10,000 square miles in all or part of 16 counties and serves a population of nearly 6 million people. The goal of the District is to meet the water needs of current and future water users while protecting and preserving the water resources within…

Florida Green Lodging Program »A voluntary initiative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), this program designates lodging facilities that make a commitment to conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources.…

The District developed operational guidelines for selected flood control and lake water conservation systems. These procedures serve as general guidelines for the routine operation of the structures, such as when water is released. They may be modified, as necessary, to ensure the environmental health, recreational and aesthetic value of the lakes, or in response to specific weather events or conditions.          Submit…