Lee County's Hydrological Data Network began in 1989 as part of the County's initial efforts at establishing a comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan. It had become obvious that demands on our water resources were making past drainage policies obsolete.Allowing storm water to flow quickly and unabated into the Gulf of Mexico was acceptable when the population was sparse and water shortages unknown. However, as the population exploded in the 80's, the County recognized the need to manage our water resources more carefully. Because each of the County's 48 watersheds is unique, the goal of the plan was to analyze and provide management practices for each one of them.

 The original purpose of the Hydrological Data Network was to provide the data necessary to achieve that goal.  The study was initially conducted in the area of the Six Mile Cypress watershed in 1990, and continued with the analysis of 10 additional watersheds in 1991, 19 watersheds in 1992, and 6 more in 1997. As each portion of the study was conducted, the Network expanded to include the gages necessary to evaluate each watershed.

Currently, the Network consists of approximately 150 shallow monitor wells, 18 recording rain gages, and 7 continuous stage recorders. In addition, the County has a joint agreement with the USGS to operate eight additional continuous stage recorders. The original sole purpose of the Network has been replaced with a multi-objective program. As the database expands, so does recognition of the value of the information.

The data provides information necessary to effectively operate the numerous flood control and environmental structures throughout the County. Furthermore, the information is used to establish and calibrate various hydrological, hydraulic, and storm water runoff models. The program also provides County departments, other government agencies, and private companies with information needed for planning, permitting and construction. Accordingly, the network is continuously upgraded and expanded to provide more comprehensive and current information. The most recent upgrades now allow real time collection of rainfall data from 18 of the County's gages.

Real time rainfall data will now be available to more quickly identify areas with potential flood problems during periods of heavy rainfall. All the data in this Webpage has been reviewed and edited in an attempt to provide the most accurate data possible.

Any errors or comments should be addressed to Lee County Division of Natural Resources, 190 Evergreen Rd. North Fort Myers, FL 33903, ATT: Scott Summerall (239)-652-6134 or via e-mail to summersa@leegov.com. This information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind and Lee County expressly disclaims all express and implied warranties. Lee County further does not warrant, guarantee or make any representations regarding the use, or the results of the use, of the information provided to you in terms of correctness, accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or otherwise. The entire risk as to the results and performance of any information provided by Lee County is entirely assumed by the user of the information.