News
October 1, 2024
Water Conservation Meetings Promote Regional Dialogue and Collaboration
Water conservation coordinators from across the Central Florida Water Initiative region and beyond gathered for an impactful quarterly meeting at the Toho Water Authority to discuss regional water conservation efforts, share best practices and address challenges.
October 1, 2024
September Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Schedule Meetings Encouraged Public Engagement and Input
The South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted several meetings to provide the public the opportunity to learn about the Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Schedule and Kissimmee River Restoration Project.
October 1, 2024
Converting to Sewer Systems Enhances Water Quality and Boosts Alternative Supply
The city of Longwood received cost-share funding from the St. Johns River Water Management District to support sewer system conversions that will help to enhance water quality and boost alternative supply.
October 1, 2024
Reminder to Register for the 2025 CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan Steering Committee and Public Meeting
The 2025 CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) Work Group will be holding a virtual Steering Committee and Public Meeting Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. The virtual meeting will include a presentation of the draft results of the 2025 CFWI RWSP.
July 1, 2024
Alternative Water Supply Projects Within the CFWI Receive State Funding
The State, in coordination with the water management districts, has provided cost-share funding from the fiscal year 2023–24 grant funding cycle for four alternative water supply projects within the CFWI area.
July 1, 2024
2025 CFWI RWSP Technical Methods Workshop Provides Behind-the-Scenes Look at Data and Modeling Tools
The CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) Work Group held a virtual technical methods workshop April 25. During the workshop, staff discussed the technical data and modeling tools being used to support the 2025 CFWI RWSP.
July 1, 2024
St. Johns River Water Management District Champions Stormwater Harvesting
The St. Johns River Water Management District is championing stormwater harvesting to help meet future water needs, fostering interagency collaboration to address the challenges and requirements involved.
July 1, 2024
WISE Program Supports Water-Efficiency Projects in Polk County
Learn about how the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency (WISE) Program is helping Polk County implement water-saving projects.
March 25, 2024
April is Water Conservation Month in Florida
April is typically one of the driest months of the year and when water demands begin to increase. As a result, local governments and water management districts have declared April as Water Conservation Month.
March 25, 2024
Successful Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Schedule Open House Meetings
The South Florida Water Management District hosted two open house meetings about the Kissimmee River Restoration Project’s Phased Implementation of the Kissimmee River Headwaters Revitalization Schedule.
March 25, 2024
CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan Technical Methods Workshop Scheduled
The 2025 CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) Team will be holding a virtual technical methods workshop April 25. The workshop will cover the technical data and modeling tools anticipated to be used to support the 2025 CFWI RWSP.
March 25, 2024
Polk Regional Water Cooperative’s Southeast Injection Well Project
The Polk Regional Water Cooperative’s Southeast Lower Floridan aquifer wellfield will help create a sustainable water supply for Polk County’s future.
January 5, 2024
CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan Team Presents 2025 CFWI RWSP Overview and Schedule
The CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) Team held a virtual public meeting in October to present the 2025 CFWI RWSP overview and schedule.
January 5, 2024
CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan Team Requesting Stakeholder Input on Water Supply Options
As part of the CFWI 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan, the water management districts are requesting input and updates from stakeholders in the CFWI Planning Area on water supply options.
January 5, 2024
Cost-Share Funding Available for Water Resources Projects
The St. Johns and South Florida water management districts are now accepting applications for 2025 cost-share projects.
January 5, 2024
Cherry Hill Direct Potable Reuse Pilot Project Ribbon Cutting
Polk County and Southwest Florida Water Management District leaders recently gathered for a ribbon cutting of the Cherry Hill Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Pilot Project. Watch this video to learn how this innovative pilot facility will test the development of recycled water for long-term water supply planning in Polk County.
September 12, 2023
2025 CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan Team Public Meeting Scheduled October 13
The 2025 Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) Team will hold a virtual public meeting Oct. 13 to communicate the status, overall conceptual intent and process for the 2025 CFWI RWSP.
September 12, 2023
Polk Regional Water Cooperative Receives WIFIA Loan for Alterative Water Supply Projects
The Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) recently received a $305 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan to develop alternative water supplies.
July 6, 2023
CFWI 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan Update and Schedule
The 2025 CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan continues to move forward as a collaborate effort between water management districts.
July 6, 2023
Peer Review of Recommended Minimum Flows to Begin for Horse and Charlie Creeks
An independent, scientific peer review of recommended minimum flows for Horse Creek and Charlie Creek will begin this month.
July 6, 2023
Southeast Lower Floridan Aquifer Wellfield
Learn how the Polk Regional Water Cooperative’s Southeast Lower Floridan aquifer wellfield will help create a sustainable water supply for the Central Florida Water Initiative region.
July 6, 2023
Polk Regional Water Cooperative
Learn how the Polk Regional Water Cooperative, located within the Central Florida Water Initiative region, implements strategies to meet long-term water demands through sustainable supplies, conservation and protection of natural resources.
April 7, 2023
CFWI 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan Draft Population Projections Released
The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) draft population projections were released in February for review by stakeholders and CFWI RWSP team members.
April 7, 2023
April is Water Conservation Month in Florida
Local governments and water management districts have declared April as Water Conservation Month. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Water Conservation Month in Florida, with a focus on leak detection.
April 7, 2023
New Wetland Data Available on CFWI Website
The CFWI Data Monitoring and Investigations Team has been monitoring wetlands and collecting data in the CFWI planning area since 2016. Data collected over the past eight years is now available on the CFWI website.
April 7, 2023
Working to Expand Water Conservation Efforts
In partnership with water management districts and utilities, a regional approach harnessing the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM program can provide quantifiable water savings.
April 7, 2023
Aquifer Performance Test at Polk County Monitor Well Site
An aquifer performance test is underway at a monitor well site in Polk County to help determine if the lower Floridan aquifer is a viable alternative water resource to meet future water needs within the Central Florida Water Initiative region.
January 10, 2023
Alternative Water Supply Projects Within CFWI Receive State Funding
The State, in coordination with the water management districts, has provided more than $9.9 million in cost-share funding for nine alternative water supply projects within the Central Florida Water Initiative Area.
January 10, 2023
Enhancing Conservation Education in Polk County
Several utilities in Polk County have taken part in the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Conservation Education Program to enhance residential outreach focused on water conservation.
January 10, 2023
New Florida Water Star Campaign Kicks Off 2023
A new Florida Water StarSM (FWS) social media campaign has begun in portions of the Central Florida Water Initiative. FWS is a water conservation certification program for residential, commercial and community developments.
January 10, 2023
Updated Wetland and Groundwater Monitoring Site Maps Available
The CFWI Data Monitoring and Investigations Team recently posted updated monitoring site maps on the CFWI website.
September 21, 2022
Citrus Growers Save Money by Partnering with Water Management Districts
Cost-share programs offered by water management districts in the Central Florida Water Initiative region help reduce financial barriers for growers interested in adopting water-friendly growing practices.
September 21, 2022
Progress Being Made on Cypress Lake Lower Floridan Aquifer AWS Project
Cypress Lake is a multijurisdictional Lower Floridan aquifer alternative water supply project being developed by the Water Cooperative of Central Florida.
July 12, 2022
Well Site Exploring Lower Floridan Aquifer
There are nearly 200 well sites that collect data within the CFWI. Learn how a well site in Polk County is exploring the Lower Floridan aquifer as an alternative water supply source for Central Florida.
July 12, 2022
Polk Regional Water Cooperative Moves Forward with Two AWS Projects
The Polk Regional Water Cooperative received the green light to move forward with two Lower Floridan aquifer alternative water supply projects to help meet the regions water needs.
July 12, 2022
Scientists Work Together on Wetland Monitoring Program
Scientists from three water management districts come together to set up wetland monitoring sites in Central Florida. The scientists are part of the CFWI's Data, Monitoring and Investigations Team, made up of staff from the Southwest, St. Johns and South Florida water management districts.
April 6, 2022
ECFTX Groundwater Model Updated
The expanded East-Central Florida Transient (ECFTX) groundwater model was recently updated to make the model a more suitable tool for regulatory decisions and improve the model performance.
April 1, 2022
Polk Cities Adopt Florida Water Star Ordinances to Maximize Conservation
Many municipalities in the Polk Regional Water Cooperative have adopted ordinances requiring new homes to meet specific water efficiency criteria.
March 18, 2022
CFWI 2025 Regional Water Supply Planning Effort Kicks Off
The Central Florida Water Initiative Regional Water Supply Plan team held its first virtual meeting to kick off the 2025 planning effort.
March 18, 2022
April is Water Conservation Month in Florida
In an ongoing commitment to ensure the public’s water needs are met, local governments and water management districts have declared April as Water Conservation Month.
September 28, 2021
Lower Floridan Aquifer Cost-Share Projects Help to Lessen Impacts to Water Resources
The St. John’s River Water Management District is collaborating with local utilities on cost-share projects involving the Lower Floridan Aquifer to help lessen impacts on water resources.
September 28, 2021
New Campaign Highlights the Benefits of Recycled Water as Future Resource
One Water Florida is a new initiative to highlight the benefits of recycled water and how it will safely supply Florida's future. Recycled water is part of the state's plan to be more sustainable, diversify its water sources and protect the environment.
September 28, 2021
Lower Floridan Aquifer Cost-Share Projects Help to Lessen Impacts to Water Resources
The St. John’s River Water Management District is collaborating with local utilities on cost-share projects involving the Lower Floridan Aquifer to help lessen impacts on water resources.
September 28, 2021
Meet the CFWI Steering Committee
The CFWI Steering Committee oversees the CFWI process and provides guidance to the technical teams and technical oversight/management committees.
June 17, 2021
Central Florida Water Initiative Rules Ratified
The new Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) rules for consumptive use permitting in the CFWI region have been ratified by the Florida Legislature and signed by the Governor.
June 17, 2021
Conservation a Key Strategy for Reducing Demands in Polk County
The Southwest Florida Water Management District and Polk Regional Water Cooperative are partnering to implement conservation strategies in Polk County.
Jan. 4, 2021
Central Florida Conservation Projects Help a Greenhouse, Utility Customers Save Water
Two water conservation success stories in the St. Johns River Water Management District include irrigation upgrades to a 31-year-old greenhouse operation in Orange County and Seminole County Utility’s implementation of a trio of water conservation programs.
Jan. 4, 2021
Kissimmee River Water Reservation Will Conserve Water for Fish and Wildlife
The Kissimmee River and Chain of Lakes Water Reservation will conserve water needed for the protection of fish and wildlife.
Jan. 4, 2021
2020 Regional Water Supply Plan Approval Kicks Off Utility, Local Government Requirements
The approval of the CFWI 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan kicks off certain statutory requirements for utilities and local governments.
Oct. 1, 2020
Polk Local Governments Adopt Florida Water Star Ordinances
Local governments in Polk County are adopting Florida Water StarSM ordinances to help meet the county's growing water demand.
Oct. 1, 2020
Regional Water Supply Plan Nearing Completion
The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is nearing completion and final approval. The RWSP Team will bring the final draft of the 2020 RWSP to the CFWI Steering Committee for approval October 28.
Oct. 1, 2020
Protecting Florida Wetlands
The CFWI is working to protect Florida's wetlands, which play an important role in keeping our environment clean and healthy.
Oct. 1, 2020
Learn More About the CFWI
The CFWI is a collaborative water supply planning effort among the state’s three largest water management districts, and the Florida departments of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and Consumer Services. Watch a video to learn more.
Aug. 24, 2020
CFWI Rulemaking Schedule Extended
In response to requests for additional time to review the Draft CFWI Rules and Handbook, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is extending the submission date for written public comments until Sept. 24, 2020.
June 22, 2020
Water Conservation Projects Within the CFWI Receive Cost-Share Funding
The CFWI Steering Committee approved funding for five projects through the Water Conservation cost-share program.
June 22, 2020
CFWI Rulemaking Workshop Scheduled
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled an initial rulemaking workshop for Thursday, July 9, to present new draft rules for consumptive use permitting in the CFWI region.
June 22, 2020
Regional Water Supply Plan Update
Strong public interest shown as CFWI 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan moves through review process.
April 17, 2020
Reminder to Register for CFWI Draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan Public Workshop Webinars
Stakeholders and the public are reminded to register for one of the upcoming public workshop webinars to learn more about and comment on the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP).
April 6, 2020
CFWI Draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan Public Workshop Webinars Scheduled
Two public workshop webinars have been scheduled for stakeholders and the public to learn more about and comment on the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP).
March 18, 2020
CFWI Draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan Available for Review and Comment
Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is now available on the CFWI website for review and comment by stakeholders and the public.
March 6, 2020
Reminder to Apply for Central Florida Water Initiative Cost-Share Funding for Water Conservation Projects
The deadline to apply for Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) cost-share funding for water conservation projects is March 27, 2020 at 5 p.m.
Feb. 17, 2020
Apply now for cost-share funding
Applications are now being accepted for a cost-share funding program to support the implementation of water conservation projects within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI).
Dec. 12, 2019
Meet the CFWI Steering Committee
Meet the CFWI Steering Committee. The Committee oversees the CFWI process and provides guidance to the technical teams and technical oversight/management committees.
Dec. 12, 2019
Modeling Results are Used to Develop Planning-Level Groundwater Availability
Recent groundwater modeling results for the CFWI have yielded new insight into central Florida’s planning-level groundwater availability over the next 20 years.
Dec. 12, 2019
Next Steps: Developing the 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan
CFWI teams are on schedule to complete the 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP). The RWSP will identify existing and projected water needs, as well as future projects and funding sources.
Dec. 12, 2019
Skip a Week of Irrigation
Residents are encouraged to skip a week of irrigation during the cooler months of January and February to help conserve water.
June 26, 2019
Mt. Dora’s Regional Approach to Reclaimed Water
A new reclaimed water pipe between the cities of Mt. Dora and Apopka will help to conserve water throughout Central Florida, benefiting groundwater supplies across the region.
June 26, 2019
CFWI Wetland Monitoring Site 2019
Scientists from the South Florida, Southwest Florida and St. John’s River Water Management District’s came together to set up a wetland monitoring site at Pasture Reserve in Lake County as part of the Central Florida Water Initiative’s wetland monitoring program.
June 26, 2019
Exploratory Well Drilling Project in Polk County:
An exploratory well drilling project is underway in Lakeland to explore the use of the lower Floridan aquifer as a source of water supply. This project is part of the Polk Regional Water Cooperative.
April 4, 2019
Regional Water Supply Plan to Identify Water Needs Over the Next 20 Years
Identifying existing and projected water needs as well as projects and funding sources to meet those needs over the next 20 years is the focus of the upcoming 2020 Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP).
April 4, 2019
April is Water Conservation Month in Florida
April is traditionally one of the driest months of the year and the peak demand season for public water use. In an ongoing commitment to ensure the public’s water needs are met, local governments and water management districts have declared April as Water Conservation Month. Residents within the CFWI and throughout the state of Florida can participate by being mindful of water use in their daily household activities.
April 4, 2019
Well Construction Site in Polk County (video)
A new aquifer monitoring well is being constructed next to Dinner Lake in Polk County. An important area for recharge and establishing minimum flows and levels, this well site will provide beneficial information for water use models in the future.
March 14, 2019
Deadline Approaching to Submit Central Florida Water Supply Project Options
The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) is working collaboratively with the region’s utilities, water users and local stakeholders to identify water supply project options to help meet our water supply needs, now and in the future. One piece of this effort is the creation a new list of potential projects to meet water users’ needs, which will be included in the upcoming 2020 CFWI Regional Water Supply Plan.
Jan. 15, 2019
New Funding Opportunity for Conservation Projects
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) has launched a new 50 percent cost share reimbursement program to support water conservation projects Districtwide. Known as WISE, the Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency program will award applicants up to $20,000 to implement projects that help reduce water use and protect the region’s water resources.
Jan. 15, 2019
Project Completed to Update Groundwater Model
A recently completed project by the Hydrologic Assessment Team (HAT), a sub-team of the Water Resource Assessment Team (WRAT), will mean better data and improved confidence in future groundwater model applications involving the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI).
Jan. 15, 2019
Meet the teams behind the CFWI
The work of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) hinges on collaboration to help meet future demands for water in Florida. Several committees and teams help maintain the collaborative focus required to implement effective and consistent water resource planning across five counties in central Florida.
Jan. 15, 2019
CFWI’s Top Accomplishments of 2018
CFWI completed many exciting projects and initiatives in 2018 in a collaborative effort to address central Florida's water supply needs. Watch a video to learn more.
Nov. 29, 2018
Call for Projects to Help Meet Florida’s Water Demands
Projects will help manage the region’s water supply needs by providing water to meet a variety of needs, like public supply, agricultural, commercial and recreational, all while sustaining Florida’s water resources and related natural systems.
Oct. 10, 2018
Collaborative Water Supply Planning with MFLs
It’s an early morning at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Orange County as a group gathers to discuss the area’s surrounding waterways: the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs, Rock Springs and Little Wekiva River. Along with stakeholder groups, water managers planned this public meeting as part of the process for developing minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for the four water bodies, which are part of the Wekiva Basin and within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI).
Oct. 1, 2018
Mulberry Adopts New Ordinance Based on Florida Water StarSM
A new ordinance in the City of Mulberry, based on Florida Water Star℠ (FWS) standards, is helping to ensure water needs are met in the booming Polk County area.
Aug. 9, 2018
Public workshop Aug. 16 will address Wekiva Basin MFLs in the CFWI area
The St. Johns River Water Management District will hold a public workshop to discuss the peer review of Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) for water bodies within the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) area. This workshop will include discussion of surface water model peer review plans for MFLs water bodies within the Wekiva Basin.
July 12, 2018
Scientists Work Together to Set Up Wetland Monitoring Sites
Scientists from three water management districts are working together to set up wetland monitoring sites as part of a regional monitoring program in Central Florida. The scientists are part of the Data, Monitoring and Investigations Team, which is made up of staff from Southwest, St. Johns and South Florida water management districts. Watch a video about this process.
June 26, 2018
Watch the Weather, Wait to Water
Residents who irrigate their lawns are encouraged to take advantage of the summer rains and “watch the weather, wait to water.”
May 18, 2018
Central Florida Planners Are Looking for Regional Water Supply Solutions
The St. Johns River, Southwest Florida and South Florida Water Management Districts are working with stakeholders and other interested parties to develop an updated 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan for the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) region.
April 2, 2018
Water School Educates Polk Leaders
Leaders from across Polk County recently participated in the two-day Polk County Water School to learn about the water issues affecting Polk and the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) region.
April 2, 2018
Planners deploy high-tech projection tools
Water planners have two new tools that may make forecasting water needs easier, more consistent and more accurate.
April 2, 2018
Save Water Outdoors for Water Conservation Month
April is Water Conservation Month. This month is traditionally one of the driest of the year and marks the peak demand season for public water suppliers.
Jan. 9, 2018
District Asks Homeowners to "Skip A Week" of Irrigation This Winter
With the cooler temperatures this week, the District is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February.
Oct. 10, 2017
Water Management Districts, State continue collaboration to secure Florida’s water supply
The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) estimates central Florida will need an additional 250 million gallons of water per day by 2035 to meet the demands of a growing population.
Aug. 1, 2017
CFWI Focuses on Saving Water Outdoors
Ensuring that central Florida has the water it needs is at the core of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI).
July 11, 2017
CFWI Projects Taking Shape Throughout Region
Drilling more than half a mile below ground to find new sources of water in the Lower Floridan aquifer (LFA). Finding new ways to reuse reclaimed water. Combining stormwater and reclaimed water to build a sustainable supply.
June 1, 2017
CFWI focuses on collaboration with utilities to extend water supply
Built on the concept of collaboration, the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) works with the area’s 83 utilities to scale water conservation efforts and promote alternative water supplies for a growing population.
Feature
Oct. 25, 2017
Scientists Complete Second Year of Wetland Monitoring Program Setup
Water management scientists have completed a second year of setting up wetland monitoring sites as part of a regional monitoring program.
The project is part of the Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI), a water planning effort among government agencies, water utilities, environmental groups, business organizations, agricultural communities and other stakeholders in a five-county area.
The scientists are part of the Data, Monitoring and Investigations Team, which is made up of staff from the Southwest, St. Johns River and South Florida water management districts. This ensures that all water management districts are using the same methods.
The goal is to set up a total of 107 sites across the CFWI area by 2020. As part of the second year, staff recently set up monitoring in six wetlands in Polk County.
The process is grueling fieldwork, which involved trekking by foot into remote areas in the summer heat.
“Because the fieldwork is so difficult, I think of it as an adventure challenge,” said Kym Rouse Holzwart, who has been leading this effort for the Southwest Water Management District. “It is a privilege to be involved in setting up this important regional wetland monitoring program and a great opportunity to collaborate with the other water management districts.”
The monitoring sites will help the CFWI team develop and maintain an inventory of available hydrologic, environmental, and other pertinent data and investigations in the region. To learn more about CFWI, visit CFWIWater.com.