Resiliency and Water Supply

As part of its adaptation strategies in response to the observed effects of sea level rise, the South Florida Water Management District maintains a Saltwater Interface Monitoring and Mapping Program, to determine the approximate location of the saltwater interface since 2009, with updated maps every five years. The mapping identifies movement of saltwater inland, which would increase risks to water supply.

The District supports the development of alternative water supply projects and promotes water conservation to increase the security and diversity of its water sources, as withdrawing less water from aquifers helps to prevent saltwater intrusion. Additionally, sea level rise and climate change adaptations are formally addressed in the development of water supply plans. 

Given a range of sea level rise scenarios, District staff is also studying the possible use of coastal canals for additional storage alternatives to manage groundwater levels to slow saltwater intrusion, as detailed in the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan.