The Southwest Florida Water Management District is planning a series of public meetings beginning July 17 and continuing through Oct. 2 to update minimum flows and levels for Horse Creek and Charlie Creek, two major tributaries of the Peace River.
The meetings will principally involve peer review of draft report by scientists, but public comments are allowed throughout the process, according to Swiftmud officials.
A public workshop is scheduled for this fall. Formal Governing Board action is scheduled in November.
The idea behind setting minimum flows and levels for water bodies to prevent environmental harm as a result of water withdrawals.
Historically, the Peace River has been one of the most impacted streams in central Florida as a result of water withdrawals that included the loss of base flow that caused portions of the river in Polk County to cease flowing during droughts.
For more information, including a copy of the draft and the meeting schedule, go to
Minimum Flows for Horse Creek and Charlie Creek | WaterMatters.org (state.fl.us)