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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
…

Learn about the District's founding and highlights of our 60+ years in this interactive timeline of the District's history. - Requires a modern browser with javascript enabled

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…

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…

Minimizing flood risks is an important part of the mission of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District). The District and local governments work together to minimize flooding impacts, protect personal property and assist flood victims during and after storm events.  Flooding from a storm or natural disaster If you are experiencing flooding, your first contact should be your local government.…

Your Questions Answered December 2022Q: Why do I need a permit to construct a water well?A: A well construction permit is required before installation of a water well within the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District). The permits ensure that wells are constructed by qualified contractors to meet rigid safety and durability standards and protect the groundwater resource.Q: Does it matter what part of the District…

The Tampa Bypass Canal System helps prevent the Hillsborough River from flooding by diverting water around the cities of Tampa and Temple Terrace.   Hurricane Donna caused widespread flooding throughout Tampa and the surrounding area in 1960. The city experienced significant river flooding caused by rainfall, runoff and storm surge. In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) was created in 1961 by a special act of the Florida…

Your Questions AnsweredAugust 2020Many residents have questions about the process of constructing wells on their property. Southwest Florida Water Management District Well Construction manager David Arnold has the answers to some frequently asked questions.Q: Why do I need a permit to construct a water well?A: A well construction permit is required before installation of a water well within the Southwest Florida Water Management…

The Community Planning Pages reflect an effort by the District to bridge two programs, the first being the Department of Economic Opportunity requirement for local governments to complete a Ten-Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plans (Work Plans) and the second being the Department of Environmental Protection requirement for water management districts to complete a Regional Water Supply Plan. The District initiated the Community Planning Page concept to provide data…

Are stormwater systems designed to withstand a 100-year flood event? In some circumstances, permitted stormwater systems are designed to manage a 100-year, 24-hour rainfall event. In what is called a “closed” drainage basin, stormwater ponds must not only limit the rate of discharge to the pre-development 25-year, 24-hour rate, but they must also be designed to limit the volume of discharge to the pre-development 100-year, 24-hour…

A watershed is an area of land that water flows across as it moves toward a common body of water, such as a stream, river, lake or coast.Watershed BasicsWe all live in a watershed and if you live near a spring, you live in a springshed.Watersheds are defined by the way water flows across the land and are shaped by features and elevations on the surface of the land. …

August 2025Q: What is flooding and why does it occur?A: Flooding is the inundation of water onto normally dry land. It occurs when water bodies such as lakes, rivers, or wetlands rise from excessive rainfall. Although flooding is a natural phenomenon, it can cause substantial damage to homes and businesses, create safety risks, and disrupt everyday life.Q: How does the District help prevent flooding?A: The…

January 2025Q: Why should homeowners skip a week of irrigation in the winter?A: According to research by the University of Florida, grass only needs one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days in the winter. That means you can skip a week of irrigation in the cooler months. In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, you can turn off your irrigation system and operate it manually as needed. It’s important…

Your Questions Answered December 2021 Q: 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…

Water plays an important role in our lives. Because we live in a state surrounded by so much water, we often forget about the importance of conservation. All of us can become better at saving water. Have your class pledge to save at least 10 gallons of water per day by using the pledge to the right and we will send you a free conservation challenge kit! Each kit includes a class set of:

• Water Conservation pledge cards
• "Save Water We Do!"…

February 2023 Q: What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping™? A: Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ is a set of nine guiding principles which help protect natural resources and preserve Florida’s unique beauty. A Florida-friendly landscape is beautiful yet saves water and protects the environment too. Q: What are the nine guiding principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™? A: The nine guiding principles of Florida-…

March 2025Q: Why does fertilizing my lawn responsibly matter?A: More than 1,000 new residents move to Florida daily, many of whom take pride in maintaining beautiful lawns along with long-time Floridians. However, fertilizers contain nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which, in excess amounts, can harm Florida’s natural water systems. Excess nutrients from fertilizers can wash into lakes, rivers, springs, estuaries and other water…