Abundant, clean water is essential to Florida’s economy, environment, and way of life. Florida must prioritize investment in infrastructure projects that protect natural systems and ensure safe, reliable, sustainable water supplies. Protecting our water resources while supporting the continued growth of our state will require new technologies and new design approaches. Florida’s engineering professionals are up to the challenge.

Industry Impact

• 21 million Floridians and more 140 million annual visitors depend on safe, reliable drinking water.
• Florida has invested more than $1.2 billion in state water resources investments since 2019.
• 89% of Floridians value the conservation of Florida’s natural resources as our state grows to ensure future generations can enjoy our state’s natural beauty.*

*Business and Economics Polling Initiative at Florida Atlantic University and NPCA (2024)

Priorities

Enhancing our Water Supply

CHALLENGE: Florida’s growing population continues to increase pressure on limited freshwater resources from traditional sources, including groundwater and surface water

SOLUTION: Florida’s engineers are developing and implementing innovative strategies to safely reuse water to meet the growing demand for water.  Safey converting reclaimed water into safe, sustainable supplies of drinking water will expand Florida’s water supply while conserving natural resources and protecting ecosystems.

Water Quality & Restoration

CHALLENGE: Nutrient pollution, aging infrastructure, and development pressures continue to degrade rivers, springs, and estuaries. Many water bodies remain impaired, impacting both the environment and the economy.

SOLUTION: Florida’s engineers are designing large-scale water infrastructure  projectsthat improve water quality and restore natural flow patterns in the state’s most treasured ecosystems including America’s Everglades, the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee.

Emerging Contaminants

CHALLENGE: Emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water pose new risks to public health and create uncertainty for utilities and regulators.

SOLUTION: Florida’s engineers are pioneering advanced treatment technologies to remove PFAS and other contaminants from drinking water and wastewater. Supported by the state’s PFAS policy framework established in 2022, these engineering solutions transform science into action – protecting communities, restoring public confidence, and safeguarding Florida’s natural water resources.

Coastal and Inland Resiliency

CHALLENGE: Flooding from intense storms, king tides, and heavy rainfall  threaten coastal and inland communities across the state.

SOLUTION: Florida’s engineers are using cutting-edge, data-driven design to strengthen the state’s resiliency against extreme weather events, protecting both people and the environment. Flood mitigation, aquifer recharge, stormwater upgrades, and habitat restoration—supported by major state investments—ensure that Florida’s coastal and inland communities remain safe, sustainable, and economically strong for generations to come.