Water Management

Water.

It is the one thing that all people, plants and animals need.

Water is the common bond that brings together Florida’s diverse population. As our state grows, properly managing water resources continues to be critical to our overall quality of life.

The groundwork for managing water resources was laid in the early 1970s when Florida’s voters and lawmakers recognized the importance of managing the state’s water resources in a way that would benefit everyone. Through passage of the Water Resources Act (Chapter 373, Florida Statutes), the water management districts were created in 1972 for this purpose. In northeast and east-central Florida, that responsibility falls to the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Deciding to establish the water management districts came about after the state experienced devastating hurricanes in the 1940s and 1960s. Droughts have followed in each decade since the 1970s, including since 2000.

District officials recognize the need to have water resources available for people’s needs and to balance those needs with nature’s needs. In its daily operations, the district tries to strike a balance in water needs by educating the public about water conservation, setting rules for water use, conducting research, collecting data, managing land, restoring and protecting water above and below the ground, and preserving natural areas.