You've probably driven past, or walked along parts of this huge system, and may not have known it! If you've seen a sign along a waterway or road featuring a friendly cartoon-like alligator, that is part of the regional system that's made it possible for most of us to comfortably and safely live and work in this region.
Most of us probably live atop lands that were once part of the sprawling and interconnected Kissimmee-Okeechobee Everglades (K-O-E), or greater Everglades ecosystem. The flood control and drainage system that helped create central and southern Florida as we know it today took decades and a federal-state partnership to build.
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.
"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" [PDF]
Throughout the year, SFWMD field and headquarters staff are busy monitoring and managing water levels in the canals, rivers, wetlands, lakes and underground aquifers that are all part of the regional system. Levees, dams, weirs, impoundments and structures of all sizes must be constantly maintained or enhanced to meet the needs of current and future residents while also protecting or enhancing environmental functions. Scientists, engineers, biologists and regulatory and other field staff monitor ecosystems, plants and animals; regional water supplies, water flows and water quality, often as part of large scale restoration projects.
The Regional System
Field stations, pumping stations and area offices are located throughout the 16 counties that are part of the SFWMD -- to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the regional system, and maintain a close partnership with local governments and communities.
That means that SFWMD staff are continuously monitoring the weather, so that water levels can be dropped before expected heavy rains hit, or water storage can be enhanced in times of drought, or local shortages or surpluses can be mediated by moving water within the system.
Canal & Structure Operations
CERP/Everglades Restoration
Northern Everglades
