We, the residents, businesses, and communities of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), demand stronger protections for our precious water resources during droughts.

Right now, in Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage conditions (effective through July 1, 2026), our region faces a serious drought. The District has reported a 13.7-inch rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. Aquifer levels, rivers, lakes, and public water supplies are declining and many are severely below normal.  

Despite these conditions, the current rules still allow new Water Use Permits to be issued for withdrawals from the Floridan Aquifer and other sources. Existing permits are not automatically reduced enough to match the severity of the drought. This approach treats droughts as temporary inconveniences for residents (one-day-per-week watering) while continuing to allow increased stress on our shared aquifer.

This must change.

We petition the SWFWMD Governing Board to amend the District’s rules (Chapter 40D, Florida Administrative Code) to:

1-Prohibit the issuance of new Water Use Permits for significant groundwater withdrawals during any declared Water Shortage or when drought indicators (such as rainfall deficits, Aquifer Resource Index, or Minimum Flows and Levels) show stress on the resource. This restriction should remain in place until conditions recover to normal or above-normal levels for a sustained period.

2-Authorize temporary reductions and stricter conditions on existing permits during drought and water shortage periods, including proportional cutbacks, enhanced conservation requirements, and prioritization of essential public supply and environmental needs.

3-Require all permit applications and renewals to demonstrate drought resilience, use of alternative sources (like reclaimed water), and impacts under severe drought scenarios.

Why this matters to all of us:

• Our aquifer is a shared, finite resource that supplies drinking water, supports agriculture, industry, springs, wetlands, and our economy.
• Over-withdrawal during dry periods harms lakes, rivers, springs, and wildlife while threatening long-term sustainability for future generations.
• Residents and small users are already being asked to conserve heavily — large permitted users should share the responsibility during crises.

Florida law gives the District the authority and responsibility to manage water for the public interest and prevent harm to the resource. It is time to update our permitting rules to match the reality of more frequent and intense droughts.

Sign this petition and help us show the Governing Board that citizens across Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Sumter, and all affected counties demand real, lasting protection for our water.

Next steps we urge:Submit your own formal petition to initiate rulemaking. 

Attend SWFWMD Governing Board meetings and speak up.

Contact your Board members and local officials.

Together, we can ensure Southwest Florida’s water future is sustainable — not just for today, but for decades to come.Thank you for signing and sharing!