GIS Technology Provides Key Data to Help Protect Our Water Resources

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) uses cutting-edge GIS technology to monitor and protect South Florida’s precious water resources and ecosystems? From state-of-the-art drones to georeferenced images to highly specialized spatial data, GIS tools provide important information that help guide water management decisions throughout the District’s 16-county region.    

DYK: 2022 Florida Python Challenge® Breaks Record

A record-breaking 231 invasive Burmese pythons were removed from the Greater Everglades Ecosystem during the 2022 Florida Python Challenge®, marking the largest number of destructive snakes ever captured as part of the annual competition. 

Did you know invasive pythons are one of the most harmful invasive species in the Everglades, preying upon native birds, mammals and even alligators? Safely capturing and eliminating these destructive snakes protects native wildlife and our one-of-a-kind Everglades ecosystem.

DYK: Using Storm Data to Make Our Flood Control System More Resilient

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is using data collected before, during and after Hurricane Ian to enhance South Florida’s regional water management system and ensure its continued resiliency in the event of a future storm.

Did you know the SFWMD analyzes the impacts of hurricanes and other storm events to guide water management decisions and make enhancements to our regional flood control infrastructure?  

DYK: Expediting Debris Removal from the Drainage System in Lee County

 

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is working in partnership with Lee County to expedite the removal of storm debris left in major waterways by Hurricane Ian’s strong winds, significant rainfall, and powerful storm surge. This debris includes fallen trees, vegetation and construction material from damaged homes and properties.

Did you know that keeping canals and waterways clear of trees and other obstructions is an important component of providing flood protection throughout South Florida? 

DYK: Reducing Water Levels in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes After Hurricane Ian

As many Floridians continue to recover from the historic impacts of Hurricane Ian, crews at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) are working around the clock to reduce regional lake levels in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes system and provide relief to impacted communities.

Did you know the SFWMD continues to strategically deploy resources and utilize every structure possible to lower water body levels and move water away from communities?

DYK: Preparing Our Communities for Significant Rainfall from Hurricane Ian

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is always ready for a major storm event and we are ready for Hurricane Ian. The SFWMD is closely monitoring Hurricane Ian and continues to prepare the District’s water management system for heavy rainfall that is already starting to impact the region.

Did you know there are many precautions that residents can take to help reduce the risk of flooding and allow excess rainwater to drain in their communities? 

Year-Round Water Conservation Helps Protect South Florida’s Water Resources

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) operates water management infrastructure to store excess water that can be used in drier conditions? 

Additional storage infrastructure projects like the EAA Reservoir Project, Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir and the C-44 Reservoir will help reduce the harmful discharge of excess water out of the system while storing it for when communities and the environment can use it.

September is Florida Preparedness Month

In recognition of Florida Preparedness Month, we are highlighting the South Florida Water Management District's (SFWMD) work to ensure the regional system of canals, levees and water control structures are prepared to handle whatever nature sends our way.

Throughout the year, the SFWMD's Operations and Maintenance staff oversee more than 2,175 miles of canals, 2,130 miles of levees/berms, 915 water control structures, 620 project culverts and 89 pump stations. Moving water to meet varying conditions and needs is essential to sustaining South Florida's people and our environment.

SFWMD is Proactively Planning for South Florida’s Future Water Needs

Did you know the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) proactively develops long-term water supply plans to monitor, evaluate and identify water sources and projects to meet the future water needs throughout its 16-county region?

As part of its mission, the District ensures there are sufficient water supplies to meet the needs of the region’s residents, visitors, and the environment – now and in the future.