In celebration of Earth Day, we are highlighting the South Florida Water Management District’s (District) important role in managing and protecting Central and Southern Florida’s water resources.
DID YOU KNOW: The District works year-round to advance and accelerate key restoration projects that safeguard our precious water resources now and for future generations.
PUBLIC SERVICE MISSION: Every day, District staff are working throughout our 16-county region to:
- Advance Everglades restoration
- Safeguard and restore South Florida’s ecosystems
- Maintain and improve water quality
- Provide water supply for all of South Florida's needs
- Protect communities from flooding
SIGNIFCANT PROGRESS CONTINUES: Together with our local, state, federal and tribal partners, we continue to make significant progress on restoration efforts that are improving the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.
Since 2019, the District has celebrated 75 project completions, groundbreakings and other major milestones. These projects are making a real difference for the ecological health of Central and Southern Florida’s natural resources.
MAJOR PROJECTS COMING ONLINE THIS YEAR: Three major Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects will come online this year, continuing the historic momentum for our water resources.
- The Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir in Hendry County will begin initial operations this summer, providing water storage and supporting healthy salinity levels in the Caloosahatchee Estuary. The reservoir will reduce harmful flows of water to the Caloosahatchee Estuary from Lake Okeechobee and the local watershed during the wet season and provide beneficial freshwater flows to the estuary during the dry season.
- The Picayune Strand Restoration Project in Collier County will be completed this year and will bring major environmental benefits, including rehydrating drained wetlands in the Picayune Strand State Forest, enhancing habitat for fish and wildlife, and restoring the area’s natural sheet flow.
- The Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project in Miami-Dade County will be completed by the end of this year. The project will improve the health of Biscayne Bay and will aid in wetland rehydration – building coastal resiliency and improving water quality in the area.
PROTECTING OUR WATER RESOURCES: Ensuring the health of Central and Southern Florida’s water resources benefits all of us. The District remains committed to continuing the momentum and advancing key restoration projects that protect our water resources.
We encourage you to follow the District on our social media channels for the latest news on Everglades restoration.