Florida is allocating over $389 million in grants to improve water quality and expand water supply infrastructure, as announced by Governor Ron DeSantis. The funding includes $189 million for Water Quality Improvement Grants, $55 million for Alternative Water Supply Grants, and additional allocations for programs focused on the Indian River Lagoon, Caloosahatchee Watershed, and Biscayne Bay.
A total of 31 high-priority projects were selected to combat nutrient pollution by upgrading wastewater and stormwater treatment facilities and transitioning septic systems to sewer connections. These projects are expected to reduce over 1.1 million pounds of nitrogen and 286,000 pounds of phosphorus annually.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will oversee the funds. Secretary Alexis A. Lambert stated the projects aim to enhance the health of Florida’s waterways.
Fourteen projects will also receive a combined $55 million from the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program, aiming to generate over 40 million gallons of water per day within two years. Since 2019, the state has invested $245 million in alternative water supply development.
Overall, the DeSantis administration has awarded nearly $2.9 billion to more than 1,000 community water projects, with over 250 completed, significantly reducing nutrient loads in state waters. This funding is part of ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water quality and supply in Florida.
