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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
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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 (…

Program Update: Thank you for your interest in the WISE Program. The program is not currently accepting or processing applications for projects unless they are submitted and led by a utility. The program’s objectives and protocols are under review, and if or when the program may resume for non-utility projects is not known at this time. This webpage will be updated when a decision is made. (Update posted Oct. 21, 2025)About WISE ProgramGrants (cost-…

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…

The Northern Tampa Bay Water Use Caution Area (NTB WUCA) includes all of Pinellas and Pasco counties, and the majority of Hillsborough County.  Project DescriptionThe Northern Tampa Bay Water Use Caution Area (NTB WUCA) was initially established in 1989 and expanded in 2007 to protect water resources from adverse impacts from groundwater withdrawals and from rapid growth and development pressures in the region. The majority of groundwater use in the NTB WUCA is for…

Residents asked to conserve by following their local watering restrictions and checking their irrigation systems and timersThe Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted today to declare a Phase I Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region. The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of…

 

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is offering six easy ways to prepare for your holiday meals and travel without running up your water bill.During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from preparing your food to prepping your home for time away during this festive season. Here’s how to incorporate water conservation into your holiday plans:

• Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over…

October 2025Q: Why does the District issue permits?A: Water is a public resource that belongs to all of us. However, fresh water is not limitless. Excessive water withdrawals can harm the resources. Other human activities also pose threats. Without the proper safeguards for wetlands, floodplain encroachment and stormwater runoff can cause pollution and flooding. District permitting benefits residents, property owners…