In a ceremony in Crystal River, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $100 million investment to protect Florida’s water resources. The funding, split evenly between the Springs Restoration Grant Program and the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program, will support 45 local projects across the state.
Spring‑cleaning projects target nitrogen runoff
The $50 million allocated to springs restoration will back 23 projects aimed at reducing wastewater and sewer‑related nitrogen pollution. State environmental officials estimate the work will cut more than 55,000 pounds of total nitrogen runoff each year.
Key allocations include:
- $3 million for Citrus County to convert septic systems to municipal sewer lines and install nitrogen‑reducing upgrades around Kings Bay, Crystal River and Chassahowitzka‑Homosassa springs.
- $3 million for the Suwannee River Water Management District to acquire land at the Suwannee Sandhill Tract.
- $3 million for the city of DeLand to expand a regional pump station and sewer service near the Volusia Blue Springshed.
- $4 million for Volusia County to help homeowners upgrade conventional septic tanks to nitrogen‑reducing systems near DeLeon Spring.
Since 2019, Florida has directed $480 million toward springs restoration, a program that officials say has eliminated roughly 900,000 pounds of nitrogen from waterways each year.
Alternative water supply projects add capacity and resilience
The remaining $50 million will fund 22 alternative water supply projects designed to ease demand on traditional freshwater sources. Collectively, the projects are projected to generate more than 400 million gallons of water daily once completed.
Major awards include:
- $12.6 million for seven Polk County communities to develop brackish‑water supplies through the Polk Regional Water Cooperative.
- $10 million for Tampa Bay Water to boost surface‑water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons per day.
- $19.1 million for six reclaimed‑water initiatives, including facility expansions in Fort Myers and a new pipeline in Apopka.
These projects will add more than 60 million gallons of usable water per day through conservation, aquifer recharge and reclaimed‑water systems.
State leaders praise the initiative
“Year after year, Governor DeSantis has demonstrated a firm commitment to protecting Florida’s waters,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “We will continue to work cooperatively with local communities to secure the sustainable clean water supply that is critical for Florida’s future.”
The grants reflect the administration’s broader strategy of pairing environmental stewardship with practical infrastructure solutions, ensuring that families and businesses alike have reliable, clean water while preserving the state’s natural springs for future generations.
What this means for Floridians
By reducing nitrogen runoff, the springs projects aim to improve water quality for recreation, wildlife habitats and drinking‑water sources. The alternative‑water initiatives provide new sources of water that can relieve pressure on over‑taxed freshwater systems, supporting growth in both urban and rural areas.
Local officials and residents can expect to see construction and upgrades begin in the coming months, with many projects slated for completion within the next two to three years.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
