The South Florida Water Management District doesn't have jurisdiction of an entire county in Central Florida. How can we tell if our property falls within the boundaries of the South Florida Water Management District?
A:
Of course the Orlando Service Center staff is happy to offer help. We can be reached at (800) 250-4250.
From that web site, enter the section, township and range of the property (all these are listed on your property tax bill), and the site's web-based program will map your property's location relative to the correct water management district boundaries
Water Levels & Operations
Q:
I live on the Kissimmee River, and it seems that every year we experience extremely high water. Why is that, and how can I predict when the water will rise?
A:
The high water on the Kissimmee River comes directly in the aftermath of extremely wet weather in the Upper Kissimmee River Basin, which stretches as far north as State Road 50 in Orlando. When the lakes within the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes exceed the levels prescribed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fluctuation Schedule, the SFWMD must make every effort to get those lakes back down to the preferred elevations. This is particularly important during the rainy season. The fluctuation schedule is designed to allow the lakes to rise without causing flooding as a result of heavy rain associated with a tropical storm or hurricane. Flow to the Kissimmee River from the Chain of Lakes is directly proportional to how far the lakes are above their prescribed levels.
To get real-time information about lake levels and gate openings, see Real Time Data.
Q:
I've noticed that the Lakes in the Kissimmee Chain go up in the winter and down during the summer rainy season. How can that be?
A:
As part of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project, the Lakes of the Kissimmee Chain are artificially fluctuated. The conditions you outline are an ideal, but may not hold true when rainfall has been either unusually high or low.
In preparation for the summer rainy season and Hurricane Season, the lakes are purposefully lowered to create additional room to safely store storm water and provide flood protection.
To maintain navigation and water supply needs, the lakes are allowed to rise during the drier winter months when heavy rainfall and flooding is much less likely.
Q:
How can I quickly learn about lake levels in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee?
A:
The South Florida Water Management District web site includes a Real Time Data page, which provides real-time lake and river level information, as well as information about the status of water control structures such as locks and gates.
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.
Similarly, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers web site provides information about lakes levels and the status of water-control structures.
Lakes, Navigation
Q:
I like to take my boat from the Kissimmee Chain to Lake Okeechobee, but I've heard that the Kissimmee River Restoration may affect future trips.
A:
For the most part, the Kissimmee River Restoration will make the trip more scenic and enjoyable because the restoration project attracts increasing numbers of native water fowl, wading birds and other wildlife. The restoration also promises to improve the bass and brim fishery in the river.
However, because the natural rhythm of the river is being restored, the spring "drying down" of the river may affect the ability of larger boats to navigate the river following extended periods of dry weather. The staffs of the Orlando and Okeechobee Service Centers are happy to provide boaters with up-to-date navigation information.
The Orlando Service Center staff can be reached at (800) 250-4250.
Dial (800) 250-4200 for the Okeechobee Service Center.
Water Bills or Water Service
Q:
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.
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.
My 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. Only those canals directly associated with the primary flood control system are maintained by the South Florida Water Management District. In Central Florida the SFWMD canals, for the most part, are those that connect the lakes in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Q:
There are weeds in our retention pond, and I would like it cleaned out. Will you do that?
A:
The Homeowners Association or Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) is responsible for maintenance of the stormwater management system.
Permitting
Q:
How do I get a Surface Water, Wetland or Water Use permit issued quickly?
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.
Recent Storms blew down a number of trees in the conservation areas in our community. I'm told by the Homeowners' Association that South Florida Water Management holds a conversation easement over this conservation area.
A:
Downed trees have ecological value and are part of the natural succession of natural areas. If the trees are not resting on private property, nor creating a threat, they should be left alone. 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.
Q:
What can I and my neighbors do to prevent flooding and protect water resources in our community?
A:
The 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.
Know the Flow (a two-sided brochure/poster that describes the three levels of flood control - neighborhood, secondary and regional - and offers residents tips for checking/maintaining their neighborhood drainage system.) [PDF]
Q:
Can you tell me if I need flood insurance?
A:
While the SFWMD works to minimize flooding, and collects data about regional and local flooding, it is not involved in establishing the criteria for flood insurance.
Big Cypress Basin
Orlando
