The South Florida Water Management District works with other state and local governments, and with federal agencies to manage the region's water. Each has a role to play in making sure that the water needs of residents, visitors and the environment are met.

Those needs often require a balancing act among competing needs and interests, and a high level of cooperation between different levels of government.

THE BASICS

• Most (approximately 90%) of the water used in homes and businesses comes from groundwater sources: aquifers and wellfields.
• Local government water utilities (counties and cities) provide water to most homes and businesses, primarily from ground water sources.
• Ground water is replenished primarily by rainfall.
• Surface water (in rivers, canals, wetlands and lakes) helps to store rainfall in the short term, and thereby lessen the dangers of flooding, while also working to gradually replenish ground water, and prevent saltwater intrusion.
• Lake Okeechobee is at the center of our regional system. It serves a number of purposes:
  • Drinking water source for those living around the lake
  • Back-up surface water source (to prevent salt water intrusion) for the lower east coast communities
  • Back-up irrigation water source for agriculture
  • Recreational and commercial fishing and boating resource
• Because the region is virtually flat, rainfall accumulates quickly, and where surface water storage is limited, can result in flooding.
• Most (about 70%) of our yearly average rainfall comes during the rainy season (June - Nov.)
• Our population swells with winter visitors when rain is scarcest, in the dry season (Nov. - May)
• Heavy rainfall falling along the coast, where surface storage is very limited and flooding can threaten quickly, contributes very little to our overall supply.
• The best rainfall, in terms of storage, falls well inland -- or immediately north of, or over, Lake Okeechobee.
• SFWMD is requiring local governments and businesses to develop alternative sources for water, and adopt new conservation strategies.

NOTE: If water restrictions are in effect in your community, you must adapt your water use.

Publications

Know the Flow - How the SFWMD interacts with local and secondary water management agencies and local governments in managing water.
Conozca el Sistema de Drenaje

Water Matters Poster – Managing Every Drop - A poster illustrating how water is managed throughout the year, to minimize flooding and maximize storage while preserving water quality and natural environments.
Estación Húmeda, Estación Seca – Administrando Cada Gota

Water: A Precious Commodity
El Agua: Un Valioso Recurso
A Precious Commodity - Presentation

12 Simple Ways to Save Water

50 Ways to be Water Smart

Managing Water

Water Supply

Water Conservation Programs

Florida Waters - a guide for students of all ages

SFWMD Speakers - are ready and eager to present more information to your group/community, and answer questions. To schedule a speaker, contact your Service Center, or Niki Spencer at nspencer@sfwmd.gov.