Governor Ron DeSantis Announces $100 Million for Springs Restoration and Alternative Water Supplies

Protecting Florida’s water means addressing two connected needs: cleaner waterways and a dependable supply for the people who live and work here. A new funding announcement puts both on the same agenda.

On October 28 in Crystal River, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $100 million for 45 projects: $50 million for 23 springs-restoration projects and $50 million for 22 alternative-water-supply projects. The awards represent a substantial investment in practical conservation infrastructure.

Protecting Springs at the Source

The springs funding includes wastewater improvements, septic-system upgrades and land protection. Among the awards are $3 million for Citrus County improvements benefiting local springs and $4 million for homeowner septic-upgrade incentives near DeLeon Spring.

These approaches deserve attention because conservation cannot depend entirely on asking people to change their habits. Communities also need infrastructure and workable options. Assistance with improvements can help address pollution while recognizing that households cannot absorb every cost on their own.

Since 2019, Governor DeSantis’ administration has invested more than $430 million in 147 springs-restoration projects across Florida. The newly announced funding continues that commitment to protecting Florida’s freshwater springs.

A Direct Connection to Tampa Bay and Polk County

The alternative-supply awards include $10 million for Tampa Bay Water, supporting an additional 12.5 million gallons per day of surface-water treatment capacity, and $12.6 million for seven Polk County communities working with the Polk Regional Water Cooperative to diversify supplies using brackish water.

For Floridians, water conservation is a question of reliability. With a sound plan, Tallahassee is protecting natural resources while meeting essential household needs and supporting local livelihoods.

Diversifying supplies will help, and the details matter: treatment costs, energy requirements, maintenance and customer rates should remain part of the public conversation.

Supporting Conservation and Florida’s Communities

Governor DeSantis’ $100 million announcement supports projects designed to protect freshwater springs, improve water quality and expand water supplies throughout Florida. The funding connects conservation priorities with infrastructure serving residents and businesses.

The Pick Up Project welcomes this commitment to Florida’s natural resources and the communities that depend on them. Investments in springs restoration and water supply bring stewardship, conservation and people together through practical action.

Conservation That Serves People

Clean water and reliable water service should reinforce one another. Responsible stewardship means maintaining the vital natural systems Florida depends on while building infrastructure that benefits our communities.

Sources

Office of Governor Ron DeSantis — Governor Ron DeSantis Awards $100 Million to Protect Florida’s Water Quality and Supply, October 28, 2026