The 50 lakes inside and adjacent to Winter Haven, Florida are a source of great pride to its residents, and an economic engine that has long attracted people to the area. The City's economy, its quality of life, and its current and future viability depend on preserving and sustaining the health of water resources, the most valuable of which are its lakes. Protecting these resources - getting the water right - is the goal of the Sustainable Winter Haven initiative. Read more.
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From Gray to Green: Enhanced Stormwater Permit Design Manual NEW!
Methodology and guidance for enhancing the permitting, design, analysis, and use of "green" low impact development practices in Winter Haven, Florida to help protect the quantity and quality of water in Winter Haven and restore the community’s lakes.
A template project folder with standard GIS features and ICPR v4 model is provided to help streamline project setup, design, and reporting.
From Gray to Green: Transitioning to Vegetation-Based Stormwater Management NEW!
A community development guide for increasing the beneficial use of stormwater to restore lake water quality, enhance public water supply, reduce flooding, and protect natural resources.
Winter Haven, Florida: Building a Water-Centric Sustainable Community
Guidance and recommendations for implementing the City's land development requirements for water resource sustainability.
Sustainable Water Resource Management Plan
A plan for restoring and protecting the water resources of the Peace Creek watershed. The backbone of the plan is an
interconnected, hydrologic network of
lakes, canals, wetlands, aquifers, open
spaces, and parks, designed to meet
the long-term water resource needs
of the community.
Peace Creek Watershed Restoration Project Summary
Regional stormwater infrastructure and hydrologic restoration project description prepared for the Central Florida Water Initiative.
Getting the Water Right in Winter Haven, Florida
Financial, planning, and institutional mechanisms and guidance for implementing the Sustainability Plan.
Restoration Targets for Sustainable Water Resources
A GIS-based tool for mapping ecosystem services in the Peace Creek watershed.
Welcome
News
March 2021
Winter Haven hosts training workshops in use of new enhanced stormwater permit methodology.
September 2019
Winter Haven receives education grant from FDEP to develop education materials for enhancing the permitting, design, analysis, and use of low impact development practices.
February/March 2018
Winter Haven hosts low impact development workshops on 2/20 and 21 and 3/6 and 7 from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at downtown library.
29 August 2017
Winter Haven receives education grant from FDEP to develop education materials for transitioning to vegetation-based stormwater management systems
9 July 2015
Winter Haven receives $400,000 in state funding to build more rain gardens.
1 December 2014
Winter Haven reviews the CFWI groundwater and environmental impact studies.
23 October 2014
Winter Haven submits Peace Creek Hydrologic Restoration project summary to the CFWI.
14 August 2014
Winter Haven receives technical assistance grant for community planning from the FDEO.
27 June 2014
Winter Haven presents six recommendations to CFWI for "Getting the Water Right in Florida."
24 June 2014
Winter Haven receives outstanding achievement award for Sustainability Program.
11 February 2014
Key leaders downplay possibility of big changes in water law this session.
21 January 2014
Florida needs statewide water policy - The Ledger.
5 December 2013
Water resource sustainability requires planning and action - Florida Trend
11 July 2013
CFWI determines Floridan aquifer at or near capacity - Orlando Sentinel
4 December 2013
Sustainable Winter Haven website goes live.
13 December 2010
Winter Haven City Commission adopts Sustainability Plan by Resolution.
Water Stories
Mike Britt -Assistant Director, Public Utility Department, City of Winter Haven
Presentations
From Gray to Green Enhanced Stormwater Permit Design Manual NEW!
Update presentation and training for Greater Winter Haven Chamber Development Industry Roundtable members.
A public education and training summary of the Winter Haven Gray to Green development guide.
Building a water-centric sustainable community
An introduction to planning for sustainable water resources.
Sapphire Necklace hydrologic restoration project
Summary presentation to Central Florida Water Initiative on 27 August 2014.
Six recommendations for getting the water right in Florida
Presentation to the Central Florida Water Initiative on 27 June 2014.
Resources
Low Impact Development: a design manual for urban areas
Guide for selecting and evaluating LID options for development projects in Winter Haven.
Rain Gardens: a manual for Central Florida residents
Instructions for building a rain garden.
Guide to plant selection and landscape design.
Tips for recycling gray water in your home.