Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels

About the Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels Program

The Suwannee River Water Management District’s Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels (MFLs) program is a means to ensure water availability for the present and future, and to prevent significant harm to the area’s natural resources.

The District’s MFL Program is a science-based process from which MFLs are established by the Governing Board of the District. This process uses the best information available to determine the recommended MFLs. Before adoption by the board in the District rules (40B-8, Florida Administrative Code), the science supporting the MFLs is subject to a peer review process initiated by the District. 

Annually, the District publishes a priority list of MFL water bodies with an anticipated completion schedule. This list is reviewed annually and submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for review and approval. See a map of the water bodies as scheduled.

Flows	Levels

Role of MFLs

If a system is found to be in prevention or recovery once an MFL status has been assessed, a plan is created to bring the system back to health. The creation of MFLs and prevention and recovery strategies can inform issuance of water use permits, regional water supply planning, hydrologic monitoring, and implementation of water resource development projects. Find out more about the role of MFLs with other District programs on the Who We Are page.