Water Management

Everglades restoration will improve the timing, volume, and distribution of water throughout the system primarily by increasing regional storage capacity, removing barriers to flow, and carefully redistributing water within the system to more closely match natural cycles. The increase in regional storage capacity is also expected to increase water resource benefits for other water-related needs of the region, including water supply and flood protection.

In addition to the programs described below, more information may be found in the Water Management section of the Task Force’s Biennial Report.

Operations

The Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project is a complex series of canals, levees, and water control structures that serve several purposes:

• Flood control

• Water supply for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses

• Prevention of saltwater intrusion

• Water supply for the Everglades National Park

• Protection of fish and wildlife resources

The operational guidelines for Lake Okeechobee are outlined in the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual.

Operations for the constructed features of the Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park and C-111 South Dade projects in the southern end of the ecosystem are outlined in the Combined Operational Plan.

Flood Protection

Without flood protection, most of south Florida would be unsuitable for existing urban and agricultural uses. Efforts to mitigate flood impacts include the following projects.

• C-4 Flood Mitigation Project

• Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation

Water Supply Planning

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) conducts water supply planning for five regions within the South Florida Ecosystem. These long-range plans project water demands for at least a 20-year period, identify potential sources of water for each region, and help local governments and utilities in their facility and comprehensive planning efforts.

Water Conservation

The SFWMD’s Comprehensive Water Conservation Program promotes the efficient use of water and encourages conservation. The average per capita water use rate for utilities is trending downward as reported in the SFWMD’s regional water supply plans. 

Alternative Water Supply

Developing alternative sources of water reduces the burden on the region’s surface and groundwater sources. The SFWMD has several programs aimed at supporting development of alternative systems such as reuse and desalination. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) maintains a large and comprehensive database of permitted reuse systems.

• SFWMD Alternative Water Supply Program

• FDEP Water Reuse Program

PROTECTING WATER RESOURCES

Several mechanisms exist to protect water resources for the natural system. These mechanisms, administered by the SFWMD, include minimum flows and levels (MFLs) and water reservations.

• Minimum Flows and Levels

• Water Reservations