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Drawdowns in aquifer levels in the Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA), due primarily to groundwater withdrawals, are affecting rates of saltwater intrusion into the Upper Floridan aquifer along the coast, especially in the Most Impacted… Read more
Stormwater SystemsA stormwater system is designed to collect and manage runoff from rainwater. They are specifically designed to help prevent flooding and remove pollutants from the water, and they are required for most new development since the 1980s. When rainwater lands on rooftops, parking lots, streets, driveways and other hard surfaces, the rainfall that doesn’t soak into the ground is called stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as litter… Read more
Your Questions Answered
May 2019
The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is preparing for a heightened risk of severe rain events, flooding and storm damage. Jerry Mallams, Operations & Land Management Bureau Chief, explains how the District works to prepare for the storm season by minimizing flood risks throughout the 16-county region.
Q: What… Read more
Springs »
Your Questions Answered
April 2020
April is Springs Protection Awareness Month, and the Southwest Florida Water Management District is committed to protecting the more than 200 springs within the District. To raise awareness about the importance of these natural treasures, Springs Scientist Dr. Madison Trowbridge answers some commonly asked questions about our springs.
Q: What is a spring?
A: A spring occurs when… Read more
There are a variety of different programs that FARMS supports including:
- Well Back-Plugging The Well Back-Plugging Program addresses water quality problems that result from agricultural users pumping poor water quality from deep zones of the Upper Floridan aquifer. This program is implemented throughout the SWUCA but primarily focuses on the Shell…
Geohydrologic DataGeohydrologic data includes aquifer test data, geohydrologic profile data (water level, slug test, and water quality), stratigraphic data, lithologic logs, geophysical logs, and geohydrologic well site reports and summaries. The Environmental Data Portal (EDP) is the District’s official database of groundwater and surface water levels, flows, water quality, and atmospheric data such as rainfall, wind direction, and temperature. The EDP also provides… Read more
Focus Groups
Focus groups are interviews, conducted by a trained moderator, among a small group of respondents. The interview is conducted in an unstructured and natural way where respondents are free to give views from any aspect. The District uses focus groups to acquire feedback regarding attitudes, behaviors and knowledge about water conservation and water quality. Focus groups have also provided valuable feedback for educational and campaign messages.
… Read more
June 2024Q: What does the District do to prepare for hurricane season?A: Year-round, the District operates 84 water control structures in its 16-county area. These structures assist with flood protection, manage lake water levels and prevent saltwater from flowing up freshwater streams and creeks. To prepare for hurricane season, staff conduct annual hurricane readiness checks of all the District’s structures to ensure they are… Read more
Historical Groundwater and Surface Water Levels, Rainfall and Evapotranspiration DataLast-Recorded Value App »Find the most recent water level or rainfall value for data collection sites.Daily… Read more
SurveysSurveys are the method for collecting quantitative information on an area of interest. The District uses surveys to acquire information from residents about attitudes, behaviors and knowledge regarding water conservation and water quality. 2024 November Weeki Wachee River Campaign Annual Survey Report2024, 438 Respondents During the summers of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 the District led a campaign providing science-based recommendations to users of… Read more
This first SWUCA Five-Year Assessment found that the District and its partners:
- Succeeded in meeting the water supply needs of the region despite an increase of more than 325,000 residents;
- Succeeded in reducing overall groundwater use from the Upper Floridan aquifer by more than 50 mgd; and…
Your Questions Answered
December 2020
Q: What does data collection mean?
A: Data collection is the process of gathering, measuring and analyzing specific information to fix a problem. District geologists perform data collection to help answer scientific and engineering questions in managing water supplies, preserving natural systems and protecting against flooding. The District's Data Collection Bureau… Read more
January 2023
Q: What is vegetation management?
A: Vegetation management is the targeted control of nuisance and invasive exotic vegetation. These operations are conducted on both District-owned lands and on District-managed public waterbodies. This includes the control of both aquatic vegetation, growing in or near water, and terrestrial vegetation, growing on land.
Q: Why is vegetation management important… Read more
With more than 70 springs, Crystal River/Kings Bay is the largest natural winter refuge for manatees on the Florida Gulf Coast. About the SpringsCrystal River/Kings Bay is a first-magnitude spring system that originates in Citrus County. Kings Bay is a 600-acre bay at the headwaters of the Crystal River, which is a… Read more
About the FARMS ProgramFARMS is an agricultural cost-share reimbursement program that reduces groundwater withdrawals from the Upper Floridan aquifer through conservation and alternative water supply best management practices (BMPs). In conjunction with water conservation BMPs, water quality and natural systems improvement BMPs also may be cost-shared in priority areas.The program is designed to serve as an incentive to the agricultural community to promote water… Read more
Rainbow Springs is known for its outstanding water clarity and is popular for swimming and paddling. About the SpringsThe Rainbow River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in Marion County. Rainbow Springs is the headwaters of this short, freshwater river flowing nearly 6 miles from the… Read more
This second SWUCA Five-Year Assessment has found that the District and its partners have achieved further progress toward:
- Continuing to meet the water supply needs of the region for all use categories;
- Achieving further reductions in overall groundwater use from the Upper Floridan aquifer to…
Homosassa Springs has been a tourist attraction since the early 1900s and is now located within a state park that features a fishbowl observatory and manatee rehabilitation. About the SpringsThe Homosassa River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in western Citrus County. Homosassa Springs is at the headwaters of this short, slow moving tidal river, which flows 8 miles from the headsprings to where it meets the Gulf of America.Many springs make up the… Read more
Learn more about District Planning Regions on our Regional Water Supply Plan page.
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