The South Florida Region and its Water Management System Linda Lindstrom, P.G. Director Environmental Resource Assessment Department South Florida Water Management District, USA Linda Lindstrom, P.G. Director Environmental Resource Assessment Department South Florida Water Management District, USA

Oldest and largest, covering 18,000 sq. miles and 16 counties from Orlando to Key West Manages water resources in southern half of state with a population of over 6 million 1800 employees and $1.4 billion annual budget Largest landowner in the state The South Florida Water Management District The South Florida Water Management District

Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades Ecosystem Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Miami Kissimmee River Lake Okeechobee Caloosahatchee River and Estuary Big Cypress National Preserve Everglades National Park Water Conservation Areas St. Lucie River and Estuary Biscayne Bay National Park Orlando

Florida is basically flat and has a subtropical climate with “extremes” - fluctuating between being very wet and very dry

At the turn of the last century, the South Florida terrain was wild and wet

Our history has been one of “dredge and drain the swamp”

Historical Problems Flood Control –1926/1928 Hurricanes: Lake Okeechobee Levee Failure (Herbert Hoover Dike) –1947 Hurricane: widespread flooding throughout south Florida Water Supply – Droughts: Lower East coast saltwater intrusion threat identified State of Florida requested federal assistance Areas Flooded in 1926 & 1928

The Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Flood Control Project: Authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1948, began the next year and continued for over 20 years

1949 Central & South Florida Flood Control District created to provide flood control for the region

South Florida Water Management District Florida Water Resources Act of 1972 formed the Water Management Districts and broadened the agency’s mission to include: – Water supply – Water quality protection – Environmental management – Flood protection

Water Management System Infrastructure >1800 miles of canals and levees 160 major drainage basins >2,000 water control structures and growing 200 major structures –70 critical (remote automation) –130 manual operations 36 pump stations (16 major) –6 under remote automation/control

Water Management System Infrastructure One of the world’s largest and most complex water resource management systems

South Florida Water Resource Management Major Challenges Applying integrative regional management approaches to balance multiple water resources objectives, which are often conflicting Dealing with Florida’s climate “extremes”

South Florida Water Resource Management Major Challenges Updating and retrofitting the aging C&SF Project System and the Herbert Hoover Dike Ensuring water supply for ever- growing population Restoring and protecting natural systems stressed by population, urban/agricultural land use and invasive exotic plants and animals

The world’s largest ecosystem restoration...

…the Florida Everglades

Historical Everglades Everglades Today

HistoricFlowHistoricFlow CurrentFlowCurrentFlow System Modifications

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) –Getting the Water Right A framework and guide to provide the right amount and quality of water and the right flow conditions to restore, protect, and preserve the natural systems along with an adequate water supply for urban and agricultural needs. Comprised of 68 major components, which are grouped into over 40 projects. –Physical Facilities (Reservoirs, STAs, etc.) –Land Acquisition –Operations & Maintenance –14 projects have been Accelerated

Welcome to South Florida!