SURFACE WATER IMPROVEMENT AND MANAGEMENT (SWIM)

The Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program was created during the 1987 legislative session to improve and manage surface water bodies on a state-wide basis. The legislation named six water bodies throughout Florida in the SWIM Act for priority consideration including Tampa Bay within the Southwest Florida Water Management District. [The others named were: Lake Okeechobee (South Florida WMD), Biscayne Bay (South Florida WMD), Indian River Lagoon System (South Florida/St. Johns River WMD), Lake Apopka (St. Johns River WMD), and Lower St. Johns River (St. Johns River WMD)] The water management districts are responsible for regional implementation of the SWIM Program, and in addition, each water management district was also directed to develop a priority list of other water bodies within its boundaries to be restored or conserved/preserved under this Act.