Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on March 25 a $389 million grant to improve water quality and address water quantity challenges across the state.
During a press conference in Palm Bay, DeSantis spoke on the importance of safeguarding Florida’s water resources, including the Indian River Lagoon, Florida’s springs and local aquifers.
DeSantis revealed that the $389 million in grants will be directed toward water quality improvement and bolstering the state’s water storage capacity.
“We are announcing major grants to improve water quality and quantity across Florida,” DeSantis said. “And I’m proud to say that we are awarding $389 million in these grants, including $189 million in water quality improvement grants.”
The grant initiative focuses on protecting and restoring critical ecosystems such as the Indian River Lagoon and Florida’s springs. DeSantis emphasized that water quality improvement efforts are crucial for maintaining the state’s natural beauty and ecological health.
“We’ve also recognized the importance of the Indian River Lagoon, Florida springs, changing from septic tanks to sewer systems to mitigate runoff into our nice areas,” DeSantis said. “We’ve put huge resources into this and had a lot of success already.”
By investing in these projects, the state hopes to reduce harmful nutrients and other pollutants that contribute to the degradation of water quality and the ecosystems that depend on it.
Another critical aspect of the announcement was DeSantis’ statement on Florida’s need for improved water storage infrastructure. Addressing the state’s growing water supply concerns, the governor advocated for state-led solutions, promising to take matters into their own hands if necessary.
“What we’ve asked is send us the money, we’ll build the damn reservoir ourselves, we’ll get it done,” DeSantis declared.
The construction of additional reservoirs will allow Florida to better manage its water resources. These reservoirs are expected to help store excess water, mitigate the impacts of future droughts, and improve the state’s overall water management infrastructure.
While the water quality and quantity improvements will benefit the entire state, specific regions, like Southwest Florida, face unique challenges.
According to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, much of the state’s potable water comes from the deep Floridan aquifer. However, Southwest Florida relies on a surface-level aquifer system for its water supply. This makes the region particularly vulnerable to contamination and over-extraction.
Taliyah Cleveland, a Tallahassee resident and environmental advocate, says the governor’s announcement is a step in the right direction for Florida’s future.
“This funding is a critical investment in our state’s future. We’ve seen firsthand how water quality impacts everything —from our ecosystems to the health of our communities,” Cleveland said. “When we talk about improving our water systems, it’s not just about cleaner water; it’s about protecting our way of life, our wildlife, and ensuring that future generations have the same access to resources we do today.”
Cleveland also emphasized the importance of making long-term, sustainable changes.
“It’s encouraging to hear that Governor DeSantis is committed to building the necessary infrastructure,” she added. “With climate change affecting our water resources, it’s not just a matter of fixing what’s broken; it’s about future-proofing Florida.