Did you know the South Florida Water Management District safeguards and protects the region’s water resources to ensure there is an adequate water supply for all of South Florida's needs? SFWMD hydrogeologists, water managers and many other staff work to plan, monitor, evaluate and identify water supply sources to meet the needs of the region’s residents, visitors and the environment.
Around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in central and southern Florida for watering our lawns, drinking, bathing, agricultural irrigation, water for industrial and commercial uses and more. Most of that freshwater comes from underground aquifers.
In recognition of National Groundwater Awareness Week, we’re highlighting the District’s role in protecting our groundwater reserves and planning for South Florida’s future water needs.
Water supply planning is essential to meet the growing demand on limited water resources while not harming our water resources and wetlands. The District is committed to addressing future needs by proactively developing long-term water supply plans and promoting water conservation and the use of alternative water supplies.
Because the underground water resources are limited, the District continues to support the development of alternative water supply projects such as the use of brackish groundwater and reclaimed water, to supplement our traditional water supply and address future demands. By identifying opportunities for water conservation and developing alternative water sources, we can diversify our water supply and reduce the demand on freshwater resources.
Do you want to be a part of water supply planning? Currently, the District is updating the water supply plan for the Lower West Coast of Florida, which includes Lee County and portions of Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry and Monroe counties. The District is developing this plan to assess projected water demands and potential sources of water for the period from 2020 to 2045. Learn more about the Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan.