Water levels in lakes, canals and rivers seem to rise or fall too quickly or too slowly, depending on the time of year. Who is managing these water levels?
A:
Water levels in most parts of south Florida are determined largely by rainfall, especially the smaller community lakes and canals you are likely to see in your neighborhood. These are nost often managed and maintained by either Home Owner Associations; developments, water control districts or local governments such as counties or cities.
Each of these local and secondary systems is connected to the other, and most are connected to the larger, regional system managed by the SFWMD. Many of our gates and other water control structures open from the bottom, so even if that gate is open, it may not look as though much is happening!
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.
When rainfall has been either unusually high or low, these local water managers and our agency work together: to either make room for heavy rainfall to try to prevent severe flooding; or to maintain minimum levels to prevent saltwater intrusion and protect groundwater and surface water storage.
South Florida Has Two Seasons
In preparation for the summer rainy season and Hurricane Season, many parts of the regional water management system (also known as the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project) are purposefully lowered -- to create additional room to safely store stormwater and provide flood protection.
During the drier winter and early spring months, water levels are likely to naturally lower. To maintain navigation and protect water supplies, minimum levels must be maintained in major waterways. Water levels are allowed to rise naturally during the dry season (November - April) when sustained heavy rainfall and flooding is much less likely.
Q:
How can I learn about water levels in major waterways, 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 C-58, or G-120. The map below can help you determine the name of the structure you are interested in.
Can I call the South Florida Water Management District with questions about my water bill, or pay it on your web site?
A:
Sorry, but no to both questions. Why?
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.
In My Neighborhood
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. Your Homeowners Association or local taxing district is usually responsible for maintenance (including managing aquatic weeds) of the community 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 dark green 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.
Landscape practices were targeted because the average resident in this region uses about 175 gallons of water a day; and from 50-75% or more of that for landscapes! Much of that is wasted because during the rainy season (May-November) most landscapes don't really need extra water. More on Saving Water in Your Landscape In addition to conserving water, there are a number of other ways that every one of us can help to save the Everglades and other natural systems that make our south Florida region so special.
Q:
Storms blew down a number of trees in our community. Who is responsible for removing these?
A:
The property owner, and/or the community association or homeowners' association is primarily responsible for removing downed trees that pose a threat to private property, life or limb. If the downed trees are on public lands or right-of-ways, then the local or regional government charged with managing those lands or waterways is responsible.
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:
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.
Permits are often held up because the applicant didn't provide all the necessary information. Permit reviewers are happy to host a pre-application meeting, during which the applicant and reviewer can work through many of the details often missing from permit applications.
Get more information, including detailed rules, required forms and more at SFWMD Permitting.
Storms, Flood & Drought
Q:
Can you tell me if I need flood insurance?
A:
While the SFWMD works to minimize regional flooding, and collects data about regional and local flooding, it is not involved in establishing the criteria for flood insurance.
Your county government has maps and can help you determine if you live in a flood zone and require flood insurance.
The SFWMD and other regional water management districts are working with counties to modernize flood maps. See the Map Modernization web site.
Q:
What can I and my neighbors do to prevent flooding and protect water resources in our community?
A:
SFWMD's regional system works in concert with smaller systems, which are managed by communities or local governments such as cities, counties or water control districts. Each part of this man-made system has a crucial role to play in avoiding catastrophic flooding, while preserving navigation, water supplies and environmental values.
Individuals can also play a part, by learning how the interconnected systems work.
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.
Big Cypress Basin
Miami-Dade
