Governor Ron DeSantis has announced over $112 million in grants for water quality and supply projects throughout Florida. The funding is distributed among alternative water supply initiatives, restoration of freshwater springs, and new technology to address harmful algal blooms.
The grant includes $50 million for 14 alternative water supply projects. These efforts are expected to generate more than 94 million gallons of additional daily water supply once operational. Projects focus on expanding reclaimed water use, increasing aquifer recharge, and promoting conservation practices to ensure adequate supplies for communities and natural systems.
“My administration has made historic investments in protecting our water resources,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida is a leader in water resource protection, and we will continue to deliver results and act as responsible stewards of our resources.”
Alexis A. Lambert, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), emphasized the scientific approach guiding these investments: “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, our decisions are driven by science and long-term stewardship. The funding announced today will help communities secure reliable water supplies, improve water quality and better respond to environmental challenges. These investments reflect our commitment to protecting the resources that support our economy and our way of life.”
Water management district leaders across Florida praised the investment:
Drew Bartlett, Executive Director of South Florida Water Management District, stated: “The South Florida Water Management District continues to prioritize the health of our waterways and reduce nutrient pollution such as excess nitrogen and phosphorus. These awards help conserve our precious water resources while meeting the state’s water needs. Partnering with local governments and other entities to conserve and reuse fresh water is an important and effective way to help accomplish this goal. Thank you, Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for prioritizing these investments that will create infrastructure projects to improve the environment and our water resources.”
Brian Armstrong from Southwest Florida Water Management District added: “Developing alternative water supplies requires long-term planning and is critical to meeting the projected population growth and associated water supply demands in our region. We are grateful to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their leadership and foresight in prioritizing the development of alternative water supplies.”
Mike Register from St. Johns River Water Management District commented: “Florida continues to demonstrate real leadership in securing a resilient water supply for our future. This $50 million investment reflects a forward-thinking commitment to expanding sustainable, alternative water supplies.”
Hugh Thomas from Suwannee River Water Management District noted: “Florida continues to lead the way in developing proactive solutions to meet our growing water needs. By maximizing the use of alternative water sources, we are ensuring smart, sustainable growth in North Florida.”
Lyle Seigler from Northwest Florida Water Management District said: “A commitment to alternative water supply projects not only helps protect our precious natural resources but it shows innovative thinking on the part of our state leaders. We look forward to implementing projects that will protect our water resources for years to come.”
Since 2019, more than $335 million has been invested statewide into alternative supply projects creating over 445 million gallons per day in potential new capacity.
An additional $50 million was awarded for 23 projects focused on restoring freshwater springs through measures like wastewater upgrades or land acquisitions designed both for improving spring flow as well as reducing total nitrogen levels by more than 100,000 pounds annually.
Highlighted initiatives include septic-to-sewer conversions benefiting areas such as Santa Fe River ($2.9 million) or Chassahowitzka-Homosassa Springs ($1.6 million), land acquisition near Rainbow River ($1 million), as well as connecting properties near Upper Wakulla River with conventional sewer services ($6.1 million). Since 2019, $430 million has gone toward 147 springs restoration efforts with significant reductions reported each year.
Another $12 million targets 16 innovative technology projects aimed at addressing harmful algal blooms by deploying rapid-response tools including monitoring equipment or predictive models statewide.
Dr. Mark Rains, Chief Science Officer at DEP remarked: “By investing in emerging technologies, we are expanding our scientific capacity to better understand and manage harmful algal blooms. These projects integrate real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and field-scale treatment systems to improve how we forecast bloom conditions and implement rapid mitigation strategies. The result is a more data-driven, adaptive approach to protecting Florida’s aquatic ecosystems.”
According to DEP officials, these annual grants reinforce long-term plans supporting ecosystem health amid continued population growth across Florida.
A full list of selected grant-funded projects can be found at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
