Sarasota Bay

Watershed Hydrology

The Sarasota Bay Watershed spans 226 square miles and includes parts of Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties in Florida. The watershed is mainly influenced by rainfall and has no significant snowpack. The hydrology of the area is affected by the topography, with many creeks and streams flowing into the bay. The surface water quality is impacted by urbanization and agricultural practices, leading to increased nutrient concentrations which can cause harmful algal blooms. The reservoir constituents are mainly for water supply, and management is focused on balancing the needs of the community with the needs of the environment. Interesting climatic facts include the annual average temperature of 73°F and average rainfall of 54 inches. The trend in recent years has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including flooding and drought. Efforts are underway to improve water quality and habitat in the watershed through restoration projects and community engagement.


Surface Flows

Sarasota Bay Watershed

Snowpack Depths

Sarasota Bay Watershed

Dams & Reservoirs

Sarasota Bay Watershed

Groundwater Levels

Sarasota Bay Watershed

Sarasota Bay Rivers

Rivers of the Watershed