Water mismanagement is reshaping Florida’s ecosystems, coastlines, and communities. Get clear, factual insights into what’s happening and what’s being done to fix it.
Florida’s Water Crisis Isn’t Just Environmental. It’s Personal
From toxic algal blooms to red tide outbreaks, Florida’s water systems are under stress. The way water moves (and doesn’t move) through the state has far-reaching consequences:
- Threatens drinking water and public health
- Harms fisheries, wildlife, and coastal economies
- Impacts tourism and local businesses
- Disrupts the natural balance of the Everglades ecosystem
This isn’t a distant issue. It affects where we live, work, and raise our families.
How Water Mismanagement Disrupted a Natural System
For generations, water flowed naturally from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades to Florida Bay. Today, that system is heavily altered.
Key Drivers:
- Water mismanagement due to preferential treatment for special interests like Big Sugar
- Artificial drainage and flood control systems
- Discharges from Lake Okeechobee
- Nutrient pollution fueling algal blooms
- Loss of natural wetlands that filter water
The result? Too much water in the wrong places, and not enough where it’s needed most.
Understand the Key Issues
- Water Flow in Florida: How altered flow patterns impact ecosystems and communities.
- Algal Blooms Explained: What causes them and why they’re becoming more frequent.
- Red Tide & Water Quality: How pollution and water management contribute to coastal crises.
- Lake Okeechobee Discharges: Why releases happen and their downstream effects.
Everglades Restoration: A Path Forward
Efforts are underway to restore the natural flow of water and protect Florida’s future.
Key Initiatives Include:
- Everglades Restoration is a state/federal partnership and a multi-billion-dollar initiative comprising 68 projects to restore the greater Everglades ecosystem.
- The EAA Reservoir is a massive reservoir being constructed south of Lake Okeechobee to store, clean, and send water back through the Everglades.
- Lake Okeechobee operations balance the timing and distribution of water throughout the ecosystem to reduce damaging discharges and restore beneficial flows to the Everglades.
Progress is happening but long-term success depends on continued awareness and support.
More Than a Landscape. A Lifeline for Florida.
The Everglades is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world and a critical resource for millions of Floridians.
- Provides drinking water for over 8 million people
- Supports diverse wildlife found nowhere else
- Protects against flooding and storm surge
- Sustains Florida’s outdoor economy and heritage
When the Everglades thrive, Florida thrives.
Learn What’s Happening. Be Part of What’s Next.
Understanding the problem is the first step toward lasting solutions. Explore the facts, follow the progress, and see how Florida’s water future is being shaped.
Sign up below to get the latest news, updates, and opportunities to support the movement for clean water.
Water mismanagement is reshaping Florida’s ecosystems, coastlines, and communities. Get clear, factual insights into what’s happening and what’s being done to fix it.
Florida’s Water Crisis Isn’t Just Environmental. It’s Personal
From toxic algal blooms to red tide outbreaks, Florida’s water systems are under stress. The way water moves (and doesn’t move) through the state has far-reaching consequences:
- Threatens drinking water and public health
- Harms fisheries, wildlife, and coastal economies
- Impacts tourism and local businesses
- Disrupts the natural balance of the Everglades ecosystem
This isn’t a distant issue. It affects where we live, work, and raise our families.
How Water Mismanagement Disrupted a Natural System
For generations, water flowed naturally from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades to Florida Bay. Today, that system is heavily altered.
Key Drivers:
- Water mismanagement due to preferential treatment for special interests like Big Sugar
- Artificial drainage and flood control systems
- Discharges from Lake Okeechobee
- Nutrient pollution fueling algal blooms
- Loss of natural wetlands that filter water
The result? Too much water in the wrong places, and not enough where it’s needed most.
Understand the Key Issues
- Water Flow in Florida: How altered flow patterns impact ecosystems and communities.
- Algal Blooms Explained: What causes them and why they’re becoming more frequent.
- Red Tide & Water Quality: How pollution and water management contribute to coastal crises.
- Lake Okeechobee Discharges: Why releases happen and their downstream effects.
Everglades Restoration: A Path Forward
Efforts are underway to restore the natural flow of water and protect Florida’s future.
Key Initiatives Include:
- Everglades Restoration is a state/federal partnership and a multi-billion-dollar initiative comprising 68 projects to restore the greater Everglades ecosystem.
- The EAA Reservoir is a massive reservoir being constructed south of Lake Okeechobee to store, clean, and send water back through the Everglades.
- Lake Okeechobee operations balance the timing and distribution of water throughout the ecosystem to reduce damaging discharges and restore beneficial flows to the Everglades.
Progress is happening but long-term success depends on continued awareness and support.
More Than a Landscape. A Lifeline for Florida.
The Everglades is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world and a critical resource for millions of Floridians.
- Provides drinking water for over 8 million people
- Supports diverse wildlife found nowhere else
- Protects against flooding and storm surge
- Sustains Florida’s outdoor economy and heritage
When the Everglades thrive, Florida thrives.
Learn What’s Happening. Be Part of What’s Next.
Understanding the problem is the first step toward lasting solutions. Explore the facts, follow the progress, and see how Florida’s water future is being shaped.
Sign up below to get the latest news, updates, and opportunities to support the movement for clean water.