Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $112 Million for Water Quality and Supply Projects Statewide
Florida has approved more than $112 million in funding for water supply, water quality, and environmental infrastructure projects statewide. The announcement was made by Ron DeSantis and includes grants administered through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and regional water management districts.
The funding supports projects related to alternative water supplies, freshwater springs restoration, and technologies addressing harmful algal blooms. Several of these initiatives involve infrastructure upgrades that may be relevant to Florida homeowners, particularly those served by septic systems, centralized sewer utilities, or located near waterways.
Breakdown of the Approved Funding
Alternative Water Supply Projects – $50 Million
Florida approved $50 million for 14 alternative water supply projects that are expected to produce more than 94 million gallons of new water per day once fully operational. These projects focus on:
Reclaimed water expansion
Aquifer recharge
Water conservation infrastructure
According to the state, these projects are intended to support long-term water availability as Florida’s population continues to grow.
Since 2019, Florida has invested $335 million in alternative water supply projects, resulting in more than 445 million gallons per day of future water supply capacity statewide.
Homeowner relevance:
Alternative water supply projects support public water systems that serve residential communities and may contribute to long-term water reliability for homeowners.
Freshwater Springs Restoration and Septic-to-Sewer Projects – $50 Million
An additional $50 million was approved for 23 springs restoration projects aimed at improving water quality and spring flow. These projects are expected to reduce Total Nitrogen pollution by more than 100,000 pounds per year.
Several funded projects involve septic-to-sewer conversions, wastewater system upgrades, and sewer extensions that affect residential properties.
Examples include:
Newberry: $2.9 million for residential septic-to-sewer conversions
Inverness: $1.6 million for sewer extensions connecting residential and commercial properties
Wakulla County: $6.1 million to connect multiple subdivisions to centralized sewer systems
Since 2019, Florida has funded 147 springs restoration projects, resulting in an estimated 907,000-pound annual reduction in nitrogen pollution.
Homeowner relevance:
Septic-to-sewer projects may require property owners in designated areas to connect to centralized sewer systems under local government regulations. These projects can also affect utility service arrangements and infrastructure responsibilities.
Harmful Algal Bloom Technology Projects – $12 Million
Florida also approved $12 million for 16 technology projects designed to detect, prevent, or mitigate harmful algal blooms. These projects use tools such as real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and treatment systems.
The program was established in 2019 following recommendations from the Blue-Green Algae Task Force. To date, $75 million has been invested in 68 projects, with multiple vendors now available statewide to assist local governments during bloom events.
Homeowner relevance:
These efforts are intended to protect lakes, rivers, and waterways that may affect residential communities, particularly those near waterfront or environmentally sensitive areas.
Considerations for Florida Homeowners
While the grants are awarded to government entities and organizations, homeowners may wish to stay informed about:
Septic-to-sewer conversion requirements
Sewer connection obligations or utility changes
Infrastructure projects affecting residential neighborhoods
Water quality considerations relevant to property use or disclosure
Local governments typically provide notice when projects require action from property owners.
Additional Information
A full list of approved projects for Fiscal Year 2025–26 is available through Florida’s environmental grant programs.
Homeowners with questions about utility connections, property obligations, or environmental compliance may benefit from reviewing how local implementation of these projects applies to their specific property.
More Info Here: https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2025/governor-ron-desantis-awards-112-million-water-quality-and-supply-projects