Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced $100 million in funding for 45 projects across Florida aimed at improving water quality, restoring natural springs and expanding alternative water supplies.
The funding, announced in Crystal River, will be distributed through the state’s Springs Restoration and Alternative Water Supply grant programs. The two initiatives will each receive $50 million to support wastewater improvements, water conservation efforts and projects designed to reduce reliance on traditional freshwater sources.
“These strategic investments will build on the progress we’ve made in protecting our natural resources and improving water quality in communities across Florida, so that we can leave this state to God better than we found it,” DeSantis said.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the state will continue working with local governments to improve water infrastructure and secure reliable water supplies.
“We will continue to work cooperatively with local communities to secure the sustainable clean water supply that is critical for Florida’s future,” Lambert said.
$50 Million Dedicated to Florida Springs Restoration
Under the Springs Restoration Grant Program, 23 projects will receive a combined $50 million to improve water quality and protect spring flows.
The projects include upgrades to wastewater treatment systems, septic-to-sewer conversions and other improvements expected to reduce nitrogen pollution by more than 55,000 pounds annually.
Among the projects receiving funding:
- Citrus County: $3 million for septic-to-sewer conversions and upgrades designed to reduce nitrogen pollution affecting Chassahowitzka-Homosassa Springs, Kings Bay and Crystal River Springs.
- Suwannee River Water Management District: $3 million for the acquisition of the Suwannee Sandhill Tract–Drew Property to protect water resources in the Middle and Lower Suwannee River Basin.
- City of DeLand: $3 million for a regional pump station and sewer extension project that will increase wastewater capacity and allow additional residential properties to connect to centralized sewer service, benefiting the Volusia Blue Springshed.
- Volusia County: $4 million for incentives to help homeowners upgrade conventional septic systems with nitrogen-reducing technology, benefiting DeLeon Spring.
According to the DeSantis administration, Florida has invested approximately $480 million in springs restoration projects since 2019, including the latest awards.
Those investments are expected to produce an estimated annual reduction of approximately 900,000 pounds of total nitrogen, a pollutant that can contribute to algae growth and deteriorating water quality.
Another $50 Million to Expand Florida’s Water Supply
The remaining $50 million will fund 22 alternative water supply projects intended to reduce demand on Florida’s traditional freshwater resources.
State officials estimate the projects will collectively produce more than 60 million gallons of water per day once completed.
The initiatives focus on expanding reclaimed water systems, increasing water treatment capacity, supporting aquifer recharge and encouraging water conservation.
Major funding awards include:
- Polk County: $12.6 million for seven communities working with the Polk Regional Water Cooperative to diversify their water supplies, including the use of brackish water.
- Tampa Bay Water: $10 million to increase surface water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons per day to meet growing regional demand.
- Reclaimed Water Projects: $19.1 million for six projects intended to reduce demand for drinking water. These include reclaimed water expansion at the City of Fort Myers’ Central Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility and transmission system improvements in Apopka.
The alternative water supply investments come as Florida communities continue to address growing water demands associated with population growth and development.
Expanding reclaimed water infrastructure allows treated wastewater to be reused for purposes such as irrigation, reducing the amount of potable water required for certain activities.
Florida Water Investments Total Hundreds of Millions Since 2019
Since the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program began in 2019, the Florida Legislature has appropriated $385 million for the initiative, including the latest funding awards.
According to state officials, projects supported by the program are expected to generate more than 400 million gallons of water per day once fully operational.
Combined with the state’s springs restoration investments, the two programs represent more than $865 million in funding since 2019.
The latest awards will support projects throughout Florida, including communities in Central Florida, the Tampa Bay region, Southwest Florida and areas surrounding some of the state’s most prominent natural springs.
The complete list of projects selected for fiscal year 2026–27 is available through the state’s Protecting Florida Together grants website
