The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) is one of five Florida water management districts that is responsible for managing groundwater and surface water resources in Florida. SJRWMD covers an 18-county region in northeast and east-central Florida. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has general supervisory authority over the water management districts. The five water management districts were established in 1972 by Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, as independent special districts and were empowered by the electorate in 1976 to assess ad valorem taxes to fund the management of the state’s water resources, and related land resources, to benefit people and the environment. Each water management district is administered by a Governing Board composed of residents appointed by Florida’s Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. Core Missions • Water supply — To implement a regional strategy to provide sufficient water for users and the environment. • Water quality — To protect and improve water quality. • Natural systems — To protect and improve natural systems. • Flood protection — To prevent increases in flooding and operate and maintain SJRWMD’s regional flood control projects.