Summary
The Central West Coast Surface Water Enhancement Initiative is a regional plan that supports the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Southern Water Use Caution Area (SWUCA) Recovery Strategy and includes all aspects of development and construction. This strategy is designed to ensure water resource protection, restoration and sustainability for the entire SWUCA region. Three projects within the Central West Coast Surface Water Enhancement Initiative are currently undergoing feasibility studies. They are Shell Creek, Dona Bay/Cow Pen Slough and Upper Myakka/Flatford Swamp. The first project selected for implementation should be operational by 2014.
The Dona Bay/Cow Pen Slough component of the initiative provides opportunities to reduce damaging excess freshwater flows while providing storage for drinking water use. The Shell Creek watershed project consists of upstream storage during high flows and a redirection of water back to its natural and historical flow pattern. The Upper Myakka/Flatford Swamp project is designed to reduce the amount of water entering the ecosystem during low-flow periods so that normal hydroperiods can be restored.
Projected cost*: $955.5 million through 2025
Partners:
- Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority
- City of North Port
- City of Punta Gorda
Benefits:
- 14 billion gallons of water storage capacity
- 55 million gallons per day (mgd) of finished water supply
Project components
Dona Bay/Cow Pen Slough 
The Cow Pen Canal was constructed in the 1960s and redirected flow from about 58 miles of the Myakka River watershed to Dona Bay. This resulted in a dramatic increase in freshwater flows, which stressed the natural flora and fauna of the system.
A watershed management plan was completed in 2006. Objectives of the plan include diverting and storing the excess fresh water, which will result in environmental restoration including wetland restoration and water quality improvement and clarity. Restoration efforts are intended to rejuvenate mollusks and oyster beds, along with seagrasses and salinity in the system. In addition, storage of the excess fresh water will provide 20 mgd of supply for the region.
Map shows historic and modern watersheds in the vicinity.
Shell Creek Watershed 
Shell Creek and Prairie Creek watersheds cover about 367 square miles. Some of the high flows from this system now enter the Caloosahatchee River watershed and have contributed to adverse environmental impacts on that system. Mineralized ground water from irrigation in the watershed affects the quality of water in the system.
Shell Creek and Prairie Creek converge at, and provide a sustainable water supply for, the City of Punta Gorda. Restoration efforts will improve environmental and water quality conditions. By realigning current embankments, high flows could be captured for use as public supply during low-flow periods. There is potential to obtain 20 mgd in water supply for the region through this project.
Prairie Creek and Shell Creek watersheds in southern DeSoto and northern Charlotte counties.
Upper Myakka/Flatford Swamp 
Flatford Swamp is located in the Upper Myakka River watershed and, in addition to its value as a wildlife habitat, acts as a natural watershed storage area, weakening flood flows and improving water quality. During the last several decades, dry-season flows have increased and excess water tends to remain in Flatford Swamp for much longer periods than would occur naturally. Excess water conditions are linked to human activities and large-scale tree die-off.
This project will utilize the excess water through harvest and storage to supplement potable water supply, resulting in a historically more natural system. Restoration efforts include a reduction in groundwater pumping in the area to minimize saltwater intrusion. This project has the potential to add 15 mgd in water supply for the region.
Flatford Swamp basin portion of the upper Myakka River watershed
* Several components of the WRAP are still undergoing feasibility studies. Any costs associated with these projects are therefore estimated.
