Governor Ron DeSantis announces major $112 million investment to boost statewide water quality and expand long-term water supply projects
Tampa, Florida – Florida’s long-running effort to restore water quality, expand supply, and prepare for environmental risks took another major step forward this week. Standing before state and local leaders in Tampa, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $112 million in statewide grants dedicated to safeguarding Florida’s most critical water resources. The funding, which spans dozens of projects and multiple scientific and engineering efforts, reflects an ongoing push to prepare the state for rising demand, fragile ecosystems, and the growing pressures brought by population growth.
The governor described the investment as the latest chapter in a broader initiative that began during his first year in office. He pointed to the repeated expansions in state-led environmental programs since 2019 as evidence that Florida is committed to measurable progress rather than temporary solutions.
“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.”
The newly announced package covers three major areas: alternative water supply, restoration of freshwater springs, and new technologies designed to address harmful algal blooms. Each portion of the plan targets a different challenge, but together they form a comprehensive approach meant to improve both the quantity and quality of water available across the state.
A Strategic Push to Expand Water Supply
Nearly half of the total investment — $50 million — is dedicated to expanding alternative water supply systems throughout Florida. The state’s rapid population increase, widespread development, and rising water consumption have pushed local governments to search for new sources while reducing strain on traditional freshwater reserves. The 14 projects awarded this year are expected to produce more than 94 million gallons of additional water per day once fully operational.
These initiatives include expansions of reclaimed water systems, aquifer recharge projects, and conservation efforts that reduce pressure on natural waterways. All are designed with long-term resilience and capacity-building in mind.
Agency leaders from across Florida’s water management districts emphasized the importance of these investments.
“The South Florida Water Management District continues to prioritize the health of our waterways and reduce nutrient pollution such as excess nitrogen and phosphorus,” said South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “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.”
Experts from regions facing steady population increases praised the governor’s approach as both necessary and pragmatic.
“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,” said Brian Armstrong, Executive Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District. “We are grateful to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their leadership and foresight in prioritizing the development of alternative water supplies.”
Representatives from the St. Johns, Suwannee River, and Northwest Florida water management districts echoed similar sentiments, pointing to the combination of innovation, conservation, and planning embedded within the new grants.
“Florida continues to demonstrate real leadership in securing a resilient water supply for our future,” said Mike Register, Executive Director, St. Johns River Water Management District. “This $50 million investment reflects a forward-thinking commitment to expanding sustainable, alternative water supplies.”
“Florida continues to lead the way in developing proactive solutions to meet our growing water needs,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director, Suwannee River Water Management District. “By maximizing the use of alternative water sources, we are ensuring smart, sustainable growth in North Florida.”
“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,” said Lyle Seigler, Executive Director, Northwest Florida Water Management District. “We look forward to implementing projects that will protect our water resources for years to come.”
Since 2019, Florida has invested $335 million into alternative water supplies, generating more than 445 million gallons per day of future capacity — a scale unmatched in previous state efforts.
Renewed Momentum for Florida’s Famous Freshwater Springs
Another major share of the funding — also $50 million — is aimed at advancing 23 restoration projects across the state’s freshwater springs. Florida’s springs, known globally for their natural clarity and ecological value, have faced decades of decline due to nutrient pollution, aging infrastructure, and changes in land use.
This year’s grants prioritize septic-to-sewer conversions, wastewater upgrades, and land acquisitions that protect crucial recharge zones. State environmental officials say these combined strategies can significantly improve spring flow, reduce nutrient loads, and enhance water clarity over time.
Project highlights include:
• $2.9 million for Newberry’s septic-to-sewer project, improving conditions around the Santa Fe River and nearby springs.
• $1 million to the Alachua Conservation Trust for land acquisition protecting the Suwannee High Recharge Pinelands, benefiting Rainbow River and its connected springs.
• $1.6 million to support Inverness’ sewer extensions benefiting the Chassahowitzka-Homosassa springs system.
• $6.1 million toward Wakulla County’s ongoing septic-to-sewer transitions, which will aid the Upper Wakulla River and Wakulla Spring.
These projects join more than 147 springs restoration efforts funded since 2019 — totaling $430 million in state investment and reducing more than 907,000 pounds of Total Nitrogen annually. With springs serving as vital wildlife habitats and popular recreation destinations, the state sees these investments as essential for long-term ecological stability.
Innovative Tools and Technology to Combat Harmful Algal Blooms
A third major component of the funding — $12 million — supports 16 technology-based projects addressing harmful algal blooms, an issue that has plagued several Florida regions in recent years. These initiatives include new monitoring systems, advanced mitigation tools, and early detection technologies that help state agencies respond faster during bloom events.
These grants reflect the state’s continued effort to grow its scientific and technical capabilities. Florida has already built a network of vendors and monitoring platforms as a result of earlier investments, and several tools developed through previous projects are now deployed in communities year-round.
The program originated in 2019 based on recommendations from the Blue-Green Algae Task Force, and to date has received $75 million to support 68 projects across Florida.
Florida’s Chief Science Officer said the new technologies will dramatically expand the state’s ability to forecast and mitigate blooms before they cause significant harm.
“By investing in emerging technologies, we are expanding our scientific capacity to better understand and manage harmful algal blooms,” said Florida Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains. “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.”
A Long-Term Vision for Florida’s Water Future
State officials note that this year’s grant cycle aligns with a broader plan for resilience, environmental stewardship, and responsible growth. Florida’s water needs continue to evolve as communities expand, industries grow, and climate pressures mount. The Air, water, and ecological systems that support Florida’s economy — from tourism and fisheries to agriculture and real estate — all depend on these long-term strategies.
DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the new grants reinforce a statewide commitment to sustainable planning and science-driven decision-making.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, our decisions are driven by science and long-term stewardship,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “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.”
Florida officials say the work is far from finished, but they believe the scale and consistency of investments over the past several years have set the state on a strong trajectory. With new alternative water sources coming online, spring ecosystems receiving record support, and technology-driven strategies expanding statewide, the administration views these programs as a roadmap for the future.
A full list of the grant recipients and project details for Fiscal Year 2025–26 is available online at ProtectingFloridaTogether.gov/Grants.
