District Declares Phase I Water Shortage in Central and Southern Regions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District's (District) Governing Board voted today to declare a Phase I Water Shortage for the District’s central and southern regions, which include Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties.
The primary purpose for a Phase I water shortage is to alert the public that watering restrictions could be forthcoming. The order also requires local utilities to review and implement procedures for enforcing year-round water conservation measures and water shortage restrictions, including reporting enforcement activity to the District.
A Phase I water shortage order does not change allowable watering schedules, however it does prohibit “wasteful and unnecessary” water use.
The District considers both natural water resource conditions and the viability of public water supplies when deciding to declare a water shortage order – that means, restricting the amount of water the public can use.
The District has worked diligently with our partners to implement water conservation programs and develop alternative water supplies. Even though we are experiencing drought conditions, there is still an adequate water supply available to the public.
Florida’s dry season runs October through May and April is historically one of the driest months of the year. The District encourages water conservation year-round, and offers many tips to reduce water use and additional information on our website at WaterMatters.org/Conservation.

Do Tailwater Recovery Ponds Help Growers?

SWFWMD and farmers may have slightly different ideas on the purpose of tailwater recovery ponds.  In fact, even I was under a big misconception regarding the purpose of these ponds.  Many growers are operating on a false assumption that ponds are a way to capture and store excess water for use whenever needed or in amounts above their water use permit (WUP).  SWFWMD sees them as a way to reduce groundwater pumping from the aquifer.

The development of surface water and tailwater recovery reservoirs are effective BMPs to achieve both water quality improvements and groundwater conservation. These reservoirs are typically excavated below ground level at the low end of a farm to collect excess irrigation water and storm water run-off. The use of these reservoirs for irrigation is effective in reducing or "offsetting" the amount of groundwater that is withdrawn from the Upper Floridan aquifer for irrigation and frost/freeze protection. They also improve water quality of the downstream watershed by reducing irrigation runoff of mineralized groundwater applied to crops.

To incentivize implementation of farm ponds as a source of irrigation water, the FARMS Program and the producer share the total project costs of the components and materials used in the construction of pump stations that withdraw water from the reservoir and feed it into the irrigation system. This includes, but may not be limited to: surface water pumps; power units for the pump; materials for the foundation and protective structure; filtration systems, fuel tanks, and flow meters; culverts and control structures that enhance tailwater recovery; intake/mainline piping and any other necessary appurtenances to connect the surface water pump station to the existing irrigation system. Although excavation of the reservoir itself is not considered a FARMS eligible cost, it can be included in the total project cost and go towards the grower’s required contribution.

Before the new farm pond is operational the grower will need to modify his/her Water Use Permit to include the new surface withdrawal. The amount of water that is withdrawn from the pond is identified on the Water Use Permit as a surface withdrawal and those same quantities will be shown as stand-by on the new permit.

 First let’s use an example of a nursery that is permitted for ten acres, puts in a one acre pond.   For starters, the nursery now has nine acres of production, so the WUP is decreased by one acre since there are only nine acres of production land.  So the total quantity allocated to the farm is lowered.  Some of the water that was allocated on the WUP will be taken off the ground water and moved to the surface water of the pond and that same quantity will be a standby quantity on the ground well should the pond go dry.  Let’s just say that is 10% for example sake.  So your total allocation must be met with surface water first and then ground water secondly.  If your surface water supplies more than the 10%, you can pump from the surface water and reduce the groundwater pumping, however, you still cannot exceed your total WUP (surface + ground cannot be greater than 100%) allocated to the 9 acres.   This is where growers find difficulty.  If you supplied half of your WUP with your surface water you cannot pump the 90% allocated on your permit from the groundwater.  You would be exceeding your total WUP (50% surface and 90% goundwater= 140% of total WUP).    Always read and ask questions about your WUP before you sign it to eliminate conflicts down the road.  Ponds may work well when there is too much pressure on ground water resources in an area or if there are issues with ground water quality but may take out potentially productive land. District staff are available to assist any grower with questions/concerns about the use of alternative water supply projects.  Growers are encouraged to contact Reed Putnall, Hydrogeologist, FARMS Program, (941) 377 – 3722, ext. 6546.

SWFWMD for Growers: Permit Renewal Changes

Reed Putnall from SWFWMD has asked if I could do a series of articles about misconceptions that growers might have about permits and the permitting process for nursery folk.  It sounded like a good idea and after several meetings with SWFWMD I have learned a few things that I would like to pass on.  Here is our first article of the series.

Some growers have recently stated that their irrigation quantities allocated for production were reduced or cut by SWFWMD when their water use permits went through the renewal process.  There is a little bit of confusion about how the water was allocated.  In the past, when permits were approved, farms requested amounts based on the total land area that was being farmed (including non-growing areas (ex. offices, roads, loading areas, potting areas, storage, etc)).  SWFWMD now uses GIS (geographic information system) technology that allows the removal of non-growing areas from the total farm area covered under the water use permit.  Technically, the total allocation amount does get reduced but the amount allocated to the productive area on the farm stays the same. Quantities allowable for the production of the crop on a per area basis doesn’t change; the District is just getting better at determining land areas covered under the water use permit.  So for instance, if you were previously allocated 50 inches (hypothetical amount) per acre per year for 10 acres and your permit is up for renewal things might change when a closer look is taken. SWFWMD determines that you have 1 acre of buildings and roads on the farm.  This means that they can renew the permit for 50 inches of irrigation per acre per year for 9 acres.  So in this example your application rate hasn't changed but your total allocation for the farm did decrease.  This information can be found in your permit paperwork.  If you have any questions about this or other actions of SWFWMD regarding your permit please shoot me an email.

Water Restrictions

This just in from SWFWMD.  The district voted to increase water restrictions and Hillsborough and Polk Counties are now in a modified Phase III water shortage.

05/23/2017 3:00 PM EDT

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Governing Board voted today to increase water restrictions throughout the region. The modified Phase III water shortage order affects counties throughout the District’s boundaries including Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter.

District hydrologists report a rainfall deficit of 11-inches since the start of the dry season last October. In fact, this is the driest dry season in the past 103 years.

Under the new water shortage order, lawn watering is reduced to once-per-week and allowable watering hours also are reduced. Micro-irrigation and hand watering of non-lawn areas are still allowed any day, if needed. Additionally, there are now limits on car washing and homeowners’ associations may not enforce any deed restrictions which could cause an increase in water use. The restrictions will remain in effect through August 1, 2017. Additional details regarding the watering of new lawns and plants, reclaimed water and other water uses can be found at WaterMatters.org/restrictions.

The District considers both natural water resource conditions and the viability of public supply when deciding to declare a water shortage order. For the past 20 years, the District has worked diligently with its partners to develop alternative water supplies. Even though the region is experiencing drought conditions, there is adequate public water supply available.

Florida’s dry season runs October through May. The District encourages water conservation year-round, and offers many tips to reduce water use and additional information at WaterMatters.org/conservation.

Mini-FARMS Grants Still Available

Just wanted to let you all know that the SWFWMD has funding still available through the MiniFARMS Program for water quantity related projects.  The money will be available until October and provides 75% cost share up to a maximum reimbursement of $5,000.  If you are a grower 100 acres or less and have a project you think will qualify please contact me.  You will also need to be in production for at least 2 years to qualify.

SWFWMD Opportunities for Growers

Here are some opportunities from SWFWMD to fund projects that will reduce water.  These are great projects that will help to deliver water and nutrients in an effiecient and effective manner to help you save your natural and monetary resources.

Available for all Counties within the Southwest Florida Water Management District

75% Reimbursement up to a Maximum of $5,000

Items Eligible for Cost Share

Soil Moisture Probes/Tensiometers

Soil/Tissue Testing to Determine Fertilizer Recommendations
Water Table Observation Wells
Weather Station w/ET measurement
Data Logger/Telemetry Unit/Power Sources/Software
Culverts w/Riser Board Structures
EC/Salinity Measuring Devices or Equivalent Technologies
Surface Water Irrigation Pumps, Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Groundwater Irrigation Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Totalizing Flow Meters for Systems Not Required to Meter by WMD
Closed-Pipeline Water Delivery/Tailwater Recovery
Water Quality Test Kit
Petiole Sap Test
Soil pH Testing Kit
Permanent Fertigation Facility
Wetland Exclusion Fencing/Temporary Fencing for Denuded Areas
Other Approved Water Quality Improvement Projects
Other Approved Water Conservation Projects

Also there is funding for weather stations.  Some restrictions apply...
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has established a cost-share program to help producers enrolled in FDACS BMPs purchase on-site weather stations and temperature sensors. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Producers who own operations with less than 300 acres of production land may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each operation. Producers who own larger operations may apply for one station and up to five temperature sensors for each 300 acres of production land on the operation(s). FDACS will provide 75 percent of the cost up to a $25,000 maximum per producer, with a $5,000 cap per station/sensors set.

The stations will be installed by a company that agrees to meet the approved specifications, at the on-site location(s) the farmer designates.  These weather stations will collect real-time information throughout the year on rainfall, air temperature, relative humidity, dew point, wind speed, and wind direction. The information will be accessible to producers on their smartphones and computers, through a University of Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) website. 

Why purchase a weather station?  The use of weather stations helps producers:

• Better determine when to delay irrigation after rainfall and when to irrigate during frost/freeze events, which can reduce water use and save costs on pump operation.

• Better determine when to use fungicide or pesticide sprays or foliar fertilizer applications, which can avoid waste and save related costs.

• Enhance the potential for reducing the pumping of surface and ground water and the runoff and leaching of fertilizers and other farm chemicals into water resources.

For more information on these cost-share programs, and assistance with applying, please contact:
FDACS Jessica Stempien (813) 985-7481

Regional Southwest Florida Agriculture Water Update Meeting

I attended the SWFWMD Agriculture Water Update Meeting a couple of weeks ago in Plant City at the Trinkle Center.  The purpose of this meeting was to allow growers and ranchers operating within the boundaries of SWFWMD the opportunity to interact with agency leaders involved in water policy and to hear the latest updates related to agricultural water issues. Here is a brief layout summarizing and encapsulating the most important points of each speaker.  Mark Hammond-SWFWMD, spoke about water use and the ag programs.  John Abendroth – FDEP, summarized where we are currently at with the numeric nutrient criteria, total minimum daily loads (TMDLs), and basin management action plans (BMAPS).  Ann Shortelle – FDEP, summarized upcoming plans to make applications to water management districts for ground water pumping and renewal of consumptive use permits more efficient and consistent across and within the districts.  Rich Budell – FDACS, discussed the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI where the three districts meet in Central Florida) as a collaborative effort to manage the water resources in the central part of the state, and spoke about a new program of payment for environmental services by capturing water on agricultural land and receiving payments from the water management districts. This seems like a very innovative way to capture, treat, and amplify water storage in a collaborative way between landowners, government, and the water management districts. He also spoke about the importance of all agricultural producers signing up with the appropriate Best Management Programs (BMPS).  Which I must reiterate for all producers the importance of signing up under the BMP programs.  This removes the burden of proof from the producer in case nutrient contamination is in the area. The last speaker was Dr. Joan Dusky- UF Assistant Dean of Extension, summarizing how UF works collaboratively between water management districts, industry, government, and agriculture to benefit the public. She spoke about the latest research involving management of water resources across all different levels from the molecular to the farm. She also summarized by saying UF research/extension is ready, willing, and able to help bring sound science to bear in these ongoing efforts.

SWFWMD Extends Phase I Water Restrictions

This in from SWFWMD.  I would advise growers that this is a good time to check your irrigation system's operational efficiency.

Oct. 25, 2011

District Extends Water Restrictions
Rainy Season Not Productive Enough for Resources to Recover

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted today to extend Phase I water shortage restrictions for the District’s entire 16-county area through Feb. 29, 2012, because of a disappointing summer rainy season and an approaching winter that is expected to be drier than normal.

The Phase I order is intended as an alert to prepare for worsening conditions. Under Phase I, residents are asked to check their irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly. This means testing and repairing broken pipes and leaks, and damaged or tilted sprinkler heads. Residents should also check their irrigation timers to ensure the settings are correct and the required rain sensors or soil moisture sensors are working properly in accordance with state law.

There are no changes to watering days or times in a Phase I water shortage compared to the District’s year-round water conservation measures. This means lawn and landscape watering remains limited to a two-day-per-week schedule, and residents may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

SWFWMD Open House on New Rules

This in from SWFWMD

Public Open House

August 23, 2011 6:00 pm
Hillsborough Community College Trinkle Center
1206 North Park Road, Plant City, FL 33563
www.WaterMatters.org/frost-freeze

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s new water use permitting rules for the Dover/Plant City area took effect in June. These rules affect water use permit holders with crops that require frost/freeze protection. The new rules are one component of the District’s comprehensive freeze management plan, which was developed to significantly reduce impacts from groundwater pumpage during future frost/freeze events.

The District developed the new rules in response to the unprecedented January 2010 freeze event, as well as previous freeze events, which resulted in dry wells and sinkholes. Public input and technical expert and stakeholder participation were a significant part of the rule development process.

The District is hosting a Public Open House where staff will be available to answer individual questions from both homeowners and growers about the new rules and the freeze management plan.
Staff will be on hand to answer questions on various topics, including:
· Well and casing depth requirements for new residential wells
· Reporting dry well complaints
· The new allocation process for investigating and assigning dry well complaints
· New metering requirements
· Automatic Meter Reading Devices
· Alternative freeze protection incentives through the FARMS Program
· Water use permit (WUP) applications, renewals and modifications in the Dover/Plant City water use caution area

If you have questions regarding this Public Open House or if you no longer wish to receive information on the Dover/Plant City rule implementation, please contact Carol Lynch by email at Carol.Lynch@WaterMatters.org or by phone at (352) 796-7211, ext. 4336, or via US Mail at SWFWMD-PMO, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604.

SWFWMD Extends Water Restrictions

This is from the local Water District...

District Extends Water Restrictions


Residents Urged to Check Their Irrigation Systems

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted today to extend Phase I water shortage restrictions for the District’s entire 16-county area through Oct. 31, 2011, because the region’s water resources have not been replenished due to a delayed start in the summer rainy season.

The Phase I order is intended as an alert to prepare for worsening conditions. Under Phase I, residents are asked to check their irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly. This means testing and repairing broken pipes and leaks, and damaged or tilted sprinkler heads. Residents should also check their irrigation timer to ensure the settings are correct and the rain sensor is working properly in accordance with state law.


There are no changes to watering days or times in a Phase I water shortage compared to the District’s year-round water conservation measures. This means lawn and landscape watering remains limited to a two-day-per-week schedule, and residents may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Some local governments have stricter local ordinances limiting lawn watering to one day per week or using different watering hours, so residents should always check with their local government or utility.

“Our rainy season has gotten off to a slow start,” said Lois Sorensen, District demand management program manager. “The region’s public water supplies are in relatively good shape for now, but we may need to consider stricter measures if the rest of the rainy season isn’t more consistently productive.”

When Phase I first went into effect, water utilities and their local governments were expected to review and revise their watering restriction enforcement procedures. The extension means they must continue to report enforcement activity to the District on a monthly basis.

For additional information about water restrictions and water conservation, please contact your local utility or visit the District’s website at www.WaterMatters.org/conservation/. To report a possible violation, call 1-800-848-0499 or email Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org/.

SWFWMD New Rules for Frost/Freeze Irrigation in Dover/Plant City Area

This in from SWFWMD Community Affairs...
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s new regulatory rules took effect today for existing and future water use permit holders in the Dover/Plant City area with crops that require frost/freeze protection.


The District developed the new rules in response to the unprecedented 11-day January 2010 freeze event, which resulted in more than 750 dry wells and more than 140 sinkholes. The new rules are one component of a District’s comprehensive freeze management plan, which was developed to significantly reduce impacts from future frost/freeze events.
Here is what SWFWMD is doing.

1.  Declaring a 256-square-mile water use caution area in the Dover/Plant City area.
2.  Establishing a minimum aquifer level and Minimum Aquifer Level Protection Zone

3.  Developing a recovery strategy to help meet the minimum aquifer level
4.  Requiring Automatic Meter Reading Devices

5.  Creating a new process for allocating dry well complaints


For more information on the new regulatory rules or the District’s freeze management plan, visit www.WaterMatters.org/frost-freeze/.

SWFWMD announces new Interim Director

This just in from SWFWMD.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board accepted the resignation of Executive Director David L. Moore today and appointed the District’s General Counsel William S. Bilenky to serve as interim executive director.


Moore, who was appointed executive director in March 2003, resigned on May 26, but had offered to continue temporarily in the role to help facilitate the successful transition of the next executive director. The Board accepted Moore’s resignation today during a special workshop and praised him for his service to the District. Moore will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until July 15.

The Board also authorized District Human Resources staff to begin the recruitment process for a new executive director immediately.

Bilenky has been with the District since September 1999 and has served as its general counsel since March 2000. As the District’s general counsel, Bilenky provides legal advice and support to the Governing Board and the District, appearing on their behalf before the Department of Administrative Hearings, the Legislature, the state trial and appellate courts, and federal agencies and courts.

Before joining the District, Bilenky was in private practice and has also been the general counsel to the Florida Public Service Commission.

Bilenky holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Cornell University, a master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Florida. He has been admitted to the Virginia State Bar, the Florida Bar, the Bars of the United States Supreme Court; the United States Courts of Appeal for the 4th, 5th, 11th and D.C. Circuit; the Federal District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; and the Bankruptcy Court Bar for the Eastern District of Virginia. Bilenky is also a Florida Supreme Court-Certified Circuit Court Mediator.

Moore was appointed executive director in March 2003. He began his career at the District in 1984 as a hydrologist, working his way up through the leadership ranks as a project manager, manager, director and deputy executive director.

SWFWMD Director Resigns

This just in from Cori Cutler the Community Affairs Manager of SWFWMD.

Southwest Florida Water Management District Executive Director David L. Moore Resigns


Southwest Florida Water Management District executive director David L. Moore resigned today but has offered to continue temporarily in the role to help facilitate the successful transition of the next executive director.  Moore, who was appointed executive director in March 2003, says he feels he is leaving the District at the right time.  “The past eight years have been extremely rewarding,” said Moore. “From developing large-scale alternative water supplies and reclaimed water to dealing with droughts, hurricanes and an unprecedented freeze, I’m extremely proud of what the District has been able to accomplish. Now I’m ready to transition into the next chapter of my life, which will include spending more time with my family.”

Moore began his career at the District in 1984 as a hydrologist, working his way up through the leadership ranks as a project manager, manager, director and deputy executive director.  During Moore’s tenure he has played a key role in restoration and preservation of water bodies, establishment of minimum flows and levels, watershed assessments, maximizing the beneficial use of reclaimed water, development and implementation of regional water supply plans, land acquisition and management activities, data collection network establishment and permitting rule revisions.

Moore is a certified professional geologist with a bachelor’s degree in geology from the College of Charleston, S.C., a master’s degree in geology from the University of South Florida and a graduate certificate in public administration, also from the University of South Florida. He is past chair of the WateReuse Foundation Board and a graduate of Leadership Florida (Class XXIII).

Cori Cuttler
Community Affairs Manager
Southwest Florida Water Management District

Money for BMP's

As an Extension Agent attending a training on the cost of removing nitrogen and phosphorous from water once it is leaving the farm, I would implore any producers to first monitor your fertilizer program and water quality. To measure is to know. You need to know what you are doing in terms of fertilizer before you can affect change to the system. You also don't want to be spending any more money that you absolutely have to in order to grow your plants. Secondly, I would also implore you to sign up for the BMPs if you haven't already done so. Eventually you will you need to prove you are not adversely affecting the water leaving your farm or you can sign up for the notice of intent to implement the best management practices for nursery crops and fall within the presumption of compliance. The process is fairly painless and quick to do. If the whole thing sounds scary don't take my word for it. Please give me a ring and I can get you in contact with producers that have gone through the process and let you speak with them directly.

Here is a notice from SWFWMD about some of their programs to help producers do a better job of regulating their irrigation quantities that quality.

Implementation Cost Share Programs:
1. SWFWMD Mini-FARMS Program
a. Fiscal Year 2010 – 2011, $14, 700 left for growers interested in implementing water quality improvement or water conservation projects
i. Maximum Reimbursement is $5,000 or 75% of the project total cost
ii. Growers have to meet eligibility requirements and complete a simple application
iii. Growers have to be located within the SWFWMD and have less than 100 acres
b. Fiscal Year 2011 – 2012, next round of funding available in October
i. Growers can be put on list for next years’ funding

Mini-FARMS Contact Information

FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy
Noel Marton, Environmental Specialist III(Polk, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, Desoto, and Charlotte counties)
Office: (941) 377-3722 Ext. 6516
Fax: (941) 373-7660 noel.marton@freshfromflorida.com

BMP Implementation Cost Share Programs:
FDACS Office of Agricultural Water Policy
Jessica McCoy Stempien, Environmental Specialist II (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Lee, Hernando, Sumter, Citrus, and Marion counties)
Office: (813) 985-7481 Ext. 2125
Fax: (813) 987-6746
jessicalea.stempien@freshfromflorida.com


Mini-FARMS Eligible Cost Share Practices List
Soil Moisture Probes / Tensiometers
Soil Testing to Determine Fertilizer Recommendations
Water Table Observation Wells
Weather Station with ET Measurement
Data Logger/Telemetry Unit/Power Source/Software
Culverts with Riser Board Structures
EC / Salinity Measuring Devices or Equivalent Technologies
Irrigation Pumps, Controls, Filtration, Infrastructure
Totalizing Flow Meters for Systems Not Required to Meter for WMD
Closed-Pipeline Water Delivery/Tailwater Recovery
Water Quality Test Kit
Petiole Sap Test
Soil PH Testing Kit
Permanent Fertigation Facility
Wetland Exclusion Fencing/Temporary Fencing for Cow/Calf and Equine Operations
Other Approved Water Conservation Projects


BMP Implementation Cost Share Programs Continued:
2. Hillsborough County Soil and Water Conservation District Mini-FARMS Program
a. $13,500 left until June 30th for growers interested in implementing water quality improvement or water conservation projects
i. Maximum Reimbursement is $5,000 or 75% of the project total cost
ii. Growers have to meet eligibility requirements and complete a simple application
iii. Projects are for a 100 acres or less
3. Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP)
a. For growers located in the SWFWMD’s Dover/Plant City Water Use Caution Area
i. Cost share program for tailwater recovery, surface water pump upgrades, irrigation efficiency improvements, laser leveling, etc.
ii. Growers must register with the Farm Service Agency
iii. Deadline to enroll is mid March
iv. If interested please contact, Jennifer Abbey, Hillsborough County District Conservationist at 813-752-1474 ext 3

BMP Development/Adoption:
Water Quality BMPs for Florida Equine Operations Pending Adoption
Water Quality and Quantity BMPs for FL Specialty Fruit and Nut Operations Pending Adoption
Notice of Rule Development sent to the capital
Manuals can be found at http://www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com/BestManagementPractices.html.

Water Management Board Meeting

This just in from SWFWMD.

Governing Board to meet in Tampa

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. at the District’s Tampa Service Office, 7601 US 301 N., Tampa.

The Governing Board holds some of its regular monthly meetings away from the Brooksville headquarters to encourage participation from local citizens.

To view the meeting agenda, visit www.WaterMatters.org and click on the “Boards, Meetings & Events Calendar” link. To view the Governing Board meeting online, log on to WaterMatters.org and click on the “Live Video Stream” link. The video stream link becomes active and the live video feed begins approximately 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting time.

Cori Cuttler
Community Affairs Manager
Southwest Florida Water Management District
7601 Highway 301 North
Tampa, FL 33637
813-985-7481 ext. 2036

Water Restrictions Begin

Here we go again...This in from SWFWMD, a list of their new water restrictions. Remeber that this is a La Nina cycle so it will be drier than usual possibly making the drought conditions worse.

Effective Date and Areas

The District’s Phase I Water Shortage Restrictions go in effect Dec. 1, 2010, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments. Always refer to your local government or utility restriction guidelines first.
Restrictions apply to all of Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter counties; and portions of Lake and Levy counties. View map.
The unincorporated parts of Hernando, Pasco and Sarasota counties have local ordinances and are on one-day-per-week restrictions.
The City of Ocala and unincorporated Marion County will continue to follow the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water restrictions; however, the City of Dunnellon and The Villages remain under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water restrictions.

Lawn Watering Schedule and Times

Lawn watering is limited to twice per week.
Lawn watering days and times are as follows unless your city or county has a different schedule or stricter hours in effect:
Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Locations without a discernable address, such as rights-of-way and other common areas inside a subdivision, may water on Tuesday and/or Friday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Irrigation Systems

Under Phase I, residents are asked to check their irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly. This means testing and repairing broken pipes and leaks, and damaged or tilted sprinkler heads.
Residents should also check their irrigation timer to ensure the settings are correct and the rain sensor is working properly in accordance with state law.
Landscape Watering Schedule and Times
Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day and at any time.

New Lawns and Plants

New lawns and plants have a 30-30 establishment period, which allows any-day watering during the first 30 days.
During the second 30 days, watering is allowed three days per week: even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses may water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.

Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing

There are no restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing. However, the District asks that residents be as efficient as possible, such as using a shutoff nozzle on their hose so water isn’t wasted.

Utilities

Water utilities and their local governments are expected to review and revise water restriction enforcement procedures, begin monthly enforcement reporting and communicate with customers about water restrictions and water conservation.

SWFWMD Plant City Freeze Management Plan

To minimize the potential harmful affects of pumping too much water during freeze events in the Plant City/Dover area SWFWMD has proposed new rules. Here is a list of the proposals for this area.

1. The management district will create a new water use caution area (WUCA) in the Dover/Plant City area. It will encompass a 256 sq. mile water use caution area from McIntosh east to the county line and bounded on the North at Knights Griffin and continue south to Keysville road. SWFWMD will put limitations on new ground water requests, and implement a strategy to minimize loss of the aquifer during a freeze event.

2. All new residential well consturction within the WUCA will need to be dug deeper and have a greater casing depth.

3. SWFWMD will communicate to residents before a freeze event using media, letters, and phone calls to alert residents to turn off their pumps.

4. SWFWMD will allocate dry well repairs in a more equitable fashion.

5. SWFWMD will expanding the FARMS Program and increasing incentives for alternative frost/freeze protection methods.

6. SWFWMD will increased groundwater monitoring through drilling new monitoring wells and putting meters on all existing wells in the area to record water use and temperatures during a freeze event.

Here is the SWFWMD website that has all the information and potential rules affecting the area.

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/agriculture/freeze-management/

If you would like to comment to SWFWMD about these rule changes 9/24/10 is the deadline. Send emails to Pamela.gifford@watermatters.org

Design Water Star Projects Seminar

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is offering this free program for landscape architects, designers, builders and other industry professionals involved in the landscape and irrigation design process of new construction projects. Participants will learn the techniques needed to successfully design and implement the Florida Water Star℠ (FWS) program into their projects.

During this 3-hour workshop, site considerations, tree preservation, plant selections and placement, using turf in water conserving landscapes and buffering stormwater runoff, as well as basic irrigation application will be covered. Attendees will learn the Florida Water Star℠ project design process and how to achieve points that will lead to FWS certification. Upon completion of the workshop, professionals will be featured on the District's FWS website as FWS landscape qualified partners.

Florida Water Star℠ is a certification program for builders that saves money and protects the environment through efficient water use and water resources protection in new home construction FWS aligns with other “green” certification programs, such as the Florida Green Building Coalition, EPA’s WaterSense, ENERGY STAR™, and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. This workshop will also demonstrate how getting FWS certification adds points to applications for certification in these other programs. To register for the October 20, 2010 workshop, go to: http://www.fwsdesigntampa.eventbrite.com/

October 20, 2010 9 a.m. to Noon
Hillsborough County Extension Office
5339 S. County Rd. 579
Seffner, FL 33584

October 26, 2010 9-Noon
Sarasota County Extension Office
6700 Clark R., Twin Lakes Park
Sarasota, FL 34241

For the October 26, 2010 workshop go to: http://fwsdesignsarasota.eventbrite.com/If you have any questions about the workshop, contact Angela Maraj at (941) 685-9397 or via email at Angela.Maraj@WaterMatters.org.

Free Money for Water Conservation Projects

Act Fast! Sign up ends Monday 8/17/09. Here are the details.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeffrey Woods, (352) 338-9515
USDA ANNOUNCES SIGNUP PERIOD FOR NEW FARM BILL PROGRAM Signup Period Closes August 17, 2009
GAINESVILLE, FL, August 11, 2009 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White recently announced nearly $58 million for water conservation and water quality improvements on agricultural working lands. The funding was made available for 63 projects in 21 states through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP). Florida has two projects approved for $1,750,000. One project, with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), is approved at $1 million dollars and the second project was funded at $750,000 with the Suwannee River Partnership (SRP). If you are a producer in portions of Charlotte, Desoto, Manatee, Hardee, Polk, Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Highlands counties you may be eligible for the SWFWMD project. You may apply for the Suwannee River Partnership project if you are in portions of Jefferson, Taylor, Lafayette, Suwannee, Columbia, Union, Bradford, Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy, Dixie, Madison and Hamilton counties. Interested agriculture producers can sign up for the respective project at their local NRCS field office beginning on August 11, 2009. The sign up will end on August 17, 2009. The funds awarded under the SWFWMD’s project will be used to fund AWEP contracts with EQIP eligible producers that result in increased irrigation system efficiency by upgrading or retrofitting existing systems; development of surface water/tailwater capture and reuse; and precision irrigation systems within the Southern Water Use Caution Areas. Under the SRP project, EQIP eligible producers will be provided financial and technical assistance to improve irrigation water management and irrigation systems to conserve water. The Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) promotes ground and surface water conservation and improves water quality by helping farmers and ranchers implement agricultural water enhancement activities. With the services and resources of other conservation partners, AWEP allows the Federal Government to leverage investment in natural resources conservation. AWEP was established by the 2008 Farm Bill and funding comes from the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program for USDA. NRCS implements AWEP by entering into EQIP contracts directly with agricultural producers. All AWEP recipients must meet EQIP requirements. The sign up ends on August 17, 2009 so interested agriculture producers are encouraged to sign up for the respective project at their local NRCS field office as soon as possible. For more information about AWEP projects visit www.fl.nrcs.usda.gov/programs or contact Jeffrey Woods, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, 352-338-9515.

Worker Protection Standard Inspections

No producer relishes the thought of having a Worker Protection Standard Inspection. But it's the law and all producers that apply pesticides and have employees must comply with that law and pass inspection. I recently talked with Mike Pikus from the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services about inspections and how nursery and greenhouses fared during those inspections. He said they fared well, but he cautioned that he wished most operators read pesticide labels more closely. In specific he was talking about the personal protective equipment (PPE) that mixers/loaders, applicators, and workers that enter the treated area during the restricted entry interval (REI) must wear to comply with the label and the law. He said this is where some operator's err. Especially people that enter an area that has been sprayed or workers pulling plants for shipping before the REI is over. The label states what PPE must be worn if someone needs to enter the treated area before the REI has elapsed. I asked if there was a common place that throughout his inspections he commonly found problems with. He said generally there was not a commonly missed area during inspections. I also suggested that maybe we post the checklist that he goes through in order to conduct an inspection. He agreed that it would be a good idea and said that if an operator that falls under the WPS and can answer the affirmative in all those questions there shouldn't be a problem during an inspection. If you would like to look at a link to the inspection checklist here is the site. You can find it here and the publications page of my extension website.

http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/pdf/ornamental_production/A-Z_pubs/WPSInspectionChecklist.pdf

Also keep watching this page for future trainings and workshops on Train the Trainer and the WPS how to comply. Also, don't forget to check out the mini-FARMS grant program in a previous article on this site for help with getting money to build structures that protect the aquifer such as pesticide mix stations or storage facilities.