My neighbor keeps telling me I'm watering my lawn at the wrong times. What should I be doing?
A:
In Collier County, restrictions vary, depending on how your community distributes and uses water for irrigation. The link below will take you to a detailed description, or you can download, view or print documents in three languages that also describe current water restrictions.
Do you have landscaping and water conservation suggestions?
A:
During the dry season (November-May), the average lawn only needs about an inch of water every 7 to 10 days. In the rainy season (mid May-October), lawns need only 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of water each week. However, the rains do this for us so you can skip irrigating when Mother Nature does the watering for you!
Watering in the early hours of the morning, or after 5 p.m., means more water goes to your landscape and less water is lost to the wind or sun. Lawns and other plants benefit most from a deep watering -- a single application of about 3/4 of an inch of water.
Over-watering lawns means the grass will have shallow roots and be susceptible to diseases. It will need more fertilizer and more maintenance -- costing YOU more money and more time.
Getting a rain gauge/rain sensor for your sprinkler system is a VERY good investment, because it can turn off your system automatically when nature has brought the rain your lawn needs.
Set your mower at its highest level, to allow grass blades to be about 3 inches long. The longer blades of grass develop deeper roots and shade the soil -- so water is better retained.
Also, be sure to choose the right plants for your landscape and use native plants that are tolerant of our South Florida seasons. See our Water Wise Landscaping Guide (a comprehensive landscape manual that also outlines Florida-friendly landscaping principles).
What posters, such as the satellite map I've seen, or other publications are available, and what do they cost?
A:
The SFWMD produces a wide variety of publications which are offered FREE to the public. You can pick most of these up at our offices, or call and ask us to mail them to you, and you can also download many directly from the web site. Some of the most popular posters or brochures available for download include:
Satellite Poster, Journey Through the K-O-E Two sides: satellite view and text & graphics (Download only – currently out of print)
Recreational Guide - covers the District's lands in 16 counties [21MB PDF]
WaterMatters - newsletter produced 2 times a year.
We are one of two major watersheds in the South Florida Water Management District, covering all of Collier and part of Monroe counties. We are responsible for operating and maintaining 169 miles of primary canals and 43 water control structures. Capital improvements to the canals and structures to enhance the water supply and flood control capabilities are also provided by BCB. Since not all the canals in Collier County are part of BCB, signs featuring Freddie the Alligator are posted next to BCB canals to identify the primary canal system.
In addition to water storage and drainage responsibilities, BCB is involved in water conservation, education and awareness programs, and assisting local governments and water utilities in developing alternative water supplies and stormwater management programs. Currently we are involved with three environmental restoration projects: the Lake Trafford Restoration Project, the Picayune Strand Restoration Project and the Tamiami Trail Culverts Project.
Q:
How can I learn about data specific to BCB: things such as local rainfall, evaporation, temperature, surface water levels, flows in canals and streams, groundwater levels, flood elevations and hydrologic reports?
A:
This data is available through the DB Hydro database, an online database with historical and current environmental data. Rainfall is measured at 23 locations and water levels are monitored at 45 stations throughout Collier County. Weather Forecasts are posted daily.
Remote electronic access to the District's hydrometeorologic and water quality databases is also available. Get a copy of the subscription contract and additional information by contacting the District's Hydrometeorological Customer Service Representative at (561) 681-6514, or the District's Water Quality Customer Service Representative at (561) 681-2514. Call toll free in Florida at (800) 432-2045, and ask for one of these services.
Operation logs for Basin canals and structures, detailing opening and closing of gates, pumping operations and routing maintenance are published at regular intervals. Basin canals and structures are operated according to an Operations Schedule that must address both major storm and drought events. The Basin also maintains Survey Benchmark information for selected sites.
Over the years, the Basin has developed a database of Geographic Information on topography, land use, soils, vegetation and wetlands. Most of this information is available in electronic Geographic Information System (GIS) format. The SFWMD maintains a GIS database and uses the ARC/INFO and ARCVIEW software packages.
Q:
How can I learn about water levels in major waterways throughout SFWMD's boundaries, or if water structures are open or closed?
A:
The South Florida Water Management District web site includes a Real Time Data page, which provides real-time water level information, as well as information about the status of water control structures, such as coastal locks and gates.
NOTE: Most canals and water control structures have names such as COCO1 or GOLDW2. The map below can help you determine the name of the structure you are interested in.
SFWMD Facility and Infrastructure Map - a two-sided brochure/poster Overview [PDF] Map Insets [PDF]
Water Bills or Water Service
Q:
Who do I call with questions about my water bill?
A:
The South Florida Water Management District regulates large water users such as city or county water supply utilities, but is not directly involved in the delivery of water to your home, nor the billing for that service. The same is true for sewage service.
Look for either a phone number or web address on your water bill. Most utilities provide some type of contact information on the paperwork they send you.
Permitting
Q:
How do I get a Surface Water, Wetland, Right of Way, or Water Use permit from the SFWMD, and how long is it likely to take?
A:
For detailed information on who needs a permit and how to apply for one, click on the LWC Permitting link on the left side of this page.
The South Florida Water Management District is bound by rules that require our permit application reviewers to act within 30 days of receiving an application.
Storms, Flood & Drought
Q:
Can you tell me if I need flood insurance?
A:
The SFWMD is not involved in establishing the criteria for flood insurance.
Storms blew down a number of trees in the conservation areas in our community. Who is responsible for removing these?
A:
If the downed trees present a hazard, the property owner, often the community association or homeowners' association, is free to remove downed trees that pose a threat to private property, life or limb.
Downed trees have ecological value and are part of the normal succession of natural areas. If the trees are not resting on private property, nor creating a threat, they should be left alone.
Local Waterways
Q:
My neighborhood lake, pond or canal is full of weeds. Who is supposed clean it out?
A:
Private canals are maintained by the person or entity that owns the canal. The Homeowners Association or Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) is responsible for maintenance (including managing aquatic weeds) of the stormwater management system. You can usually find contact information on your deed or property tax bill.
Only those canals directly associated with the primary flood control system are maintained by the South Florida Water Management District. How to tell? Look for a blue sign with a smiling, green alligator.
Check out "Know the Flow" - a brochure describing how local/neighborhood, secondary and regional water management systems work, and offering residents tips for checking/maintaining their neighborhood drainage system.
Swimming is not recommended. The canals are used for water movement and storage. In addition to the aquatic animals that live in the canals, including snakes and alligators, there are water control structures and locks that could be deadly. Many structures are automated and could change in operation while you are swimming, creating a dangerous, or even deadly, situation. Also, since water is stored in the canals, there may be human health issues associated with swimming.
Q:
I've noticed that water levels in lakes, canals and rivers seem to rise or fall too quickly or too slowly, depending on the time of year. Why does this happen?
A:
Water levels in most parts of South Florida are determined largely by rainfall and groundwater, especially the smaller community lakes and canals you are likely to see in your neighborhood. The lakes and canals provide water storage and respond directly to our South Florida seasons: high levels with summer rains and higher groundwater; lower levels with the winter dry period and lower groundwater.
Big Cypress Basin
Info & Education
