NewsMySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)October 28, 2026Sarasota County
Governor Ron DeSantis allocates $100 million for 45 water quality and supply projects in Florida
Photo: MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)
Governor Ron DeSantis announced a $100 million state investment dedicated to 45 projects across Florida aimed at improving water quality, protecting springs, and expanding alternative water supplies. Half of the funding is directed toward 23 springs restoration projects to reduce nitrogen pollution, while the remaining half supports 22 projects focused on reducing traditional freshwater usage.
Read the full story at MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)Why It Matters
Local governments and utilities across Florida will receive a total of $100 million in state funding for wastewater upgrades, septic-to-sewer conversions, and infrastructure.
Key Facts
- Florida is spending $100 million on 45 water quality, springs, and water supply projects.
- Half of the funding ($50 million) supports 23 projects intended to improve Florida's springs.
- Springs projects are expected to cut nitrogen pollution by more than 55,000 pounds a year.
- Citrus County receives $3 million to convert properties from septic systems to sewer service and improve remaining systems.
- Volusia County receives $4 million to help homeowners upgrade septic systems near DeLeon Spring.
- The city of DeLand receives $3 million to increase sewer capacity and extend sewer lines.
- The other $50 million funds 22 projects designed to reduce the state's use of traditional freshwater sources.
- Alternative water supply projects are expected to provide more than 60 million gallons of water a day when complete.
- Tampa Bay Water receives $10 million to increase surface water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons a day.
- Seven Polk County communities receive $12.6 million to add brackish water to their water supplies.
- Six projects in Fort Myers, Apopka, and other communities receive $19.1 million to expand reclaimed water use.
- The state has invested $480 million in springs projects since 2019.
- The state has committed $385 million to alternative-water-supply projects since 2019.
Who's Mentioned
locationKings Bay“Area intended to benefit from Citrus County project”locationApopka“Recipient community for reclaimed water project funding”OrganizationFlorida Department of Environmental Protection“State agency providing details on springs projects”locationCitrus County“Recipient of $3 million for septic-to-sewer conversions”locationDeLand“City receiving $3 million for sewer capacity and line extensions”locationPolk County“Home to seven communities receiving a total of $12.6 million for brackish water ”PersonRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who announced the funding”locationChassahowitzka-Homosassa Springs area“Area intended to benefit from Citrus County project”locationDeLeon Spring“Spring near which Volusia County homeowners will upgrade septic systems”locationFort Myers“Recipient community for reclaimed water project funding”locationCrystal River Springs“Area intended to benefit from Citrus County project”OrganizationTampa Bay Water“Recipient of $10 million to increase surface water treatment capacity”locationVolusia County“Recipient of $4 million for septic upgrades”locationCrystal River“Location where the announcement was made”