The South Florida Water Management District (District) uses sound science, accurate data and ongoing research to help guide important water management decisions.

DID YOU KNOW: The District’s actions are based on the expertise of scientists, researchers and modelers using the best available techniques and laboratory analyses.

EFFECTIVE WATER MANAGEMENT: Environmental information is essential to effective water resource management and restoration. Data combined with historical information about weather, rainfall and changes in vegetation or land-use help water managers make resource decisions that are based on sound science.

The District's environmental monitoring program supports restoration projects throughout its 16-county region, including the Everglades, Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee, Big Cypress Basin, water conservation areas and stormwater treatment areas.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA: As part of routine scientific efforts, the District monitors numerous environmental indicators, such as surface water, ground water, rainfall, fish, birds, invertebrates and sediments.

The District also closely monitors weather conditions throughout the year using an extensive rainfall monitoring network. When rain is scarce, water managers keep levels stable in canals, wetlands and lakes to protect groundwater supplies. In anticipation of heavy rainfall, they open gates and lower water levels in canals.

COMPREHENSIVE MODELING: Computer models are also important and powerful tools used by scientists to monitor, evaluate, study, and protect South Florida’s water resources and ecosystems. Rooted in mathematics, physics and hydrology, these comprehensive models allow scientists to simulate complex systems and test various conditions and scenarios to optimize operations throughout the District’s 16-county region.

Hydrologic models are used for evaluation, planning and simulating water control operations under different climatic and hydrologic conditions. Water quality and ecological models are also used to evaluate other processes vital to the health of our system.

ONGOING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: The District and collaborating agencies conduct ongoing scientific research projects to obtain a better understanding of the influence of regional hydrology and other factors on Everglades plant, landscape, wildlife and ecology systems.

DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS: Accurate and reliable data and research is mandatory for operations, planning and implementing water quality improvements and environmental restoration efforts.

We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/Science to learn more about the District’s ongoing research, data and more.