Is Florida Running Out of Water? A Glass Half Full for Treasure Coast Newcomers

Welcome to paradise. You’ve traded the snow shovel for a sun hat and are settling into the rhythm of Florida’s Treasure Coast. The warm breezes off the Indian River Lagoon, the stunning beaches, and the laid-back lifestyle are exactly what you dreamed of in retirement or during those vacation visits. But if you’ve been here for more than a minute, you might have noticed a local rumor buzzing beneath the surface: Florida has a water problem.

It sounds alarming—talk of drought, toxic algae, and "forever chemicals."  But before you start stockpiling bottled water (because that’s bad too), take a deep breath. The situation is serious, but it’s also solvable. Let’s break down what’s actually going on with our taps and our treasured waterways, and what is being done to address the issues.

The Thirsty Season: When the Tap Runs Low on Volume

First, the most immediate issue: Is the tap going to run dry?  If you’ve visited during the "dry season" (roughly now through May), you might have heard about watering restrictions. They aren't just suggestions; they are a necessity. Currently, much of Florida is gripped by a significant drought. Just last month, the Tampa Bay region issued a Stage 3 Extreme Water Shortage for its 2.6 million residents, urging them to limit showers to five minutes. Why? Because when it doesn't rain, the rivers run low. Tampa Bay usually gets over 40% of its drinking water from rivers, but the drought has made those sources unusable. This forces utilities to rely more heavily on groundwater, which can lower lake levels and harm wetlands.

Here on the Treasure Coast, we aren't just passive observers. Our water supply is part of a massive, interconnected system. The Floridan Aquifer, the underground layer of rock that holds much of our fresh water, doesn't recognize county lines. When our neighbors to the west and north are parched, it puts stress on the entire regional system. Now, officials insist we aren't going to run out of tap water, but the days of unlimited lawn sprinkling are likely over for good. This isn't a crisis yet but it's a recalibration. We're learning to live with the reality that in Florida, fresh water is a precious, finite resource.

The Quality Crisis: What’s in the Water?

For those of us on the Treasure Coast, the issue of water quality often hits closer to home than quantity. You moved here for the beauty of the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biodiverse estuaries in North America. But that lagoon is fighting for its life.

The Algae Monster: You've probably seen the photos: waterways turned into a thick, guacamole-like sludge. Those are harmful blue-green algae blooms (cyanobacteria) . They thrive on nutrients—specifically nitrogen and phosphorus. But where do those nutrients come from? Mostly from us. They wash off our lawns (fertilizer), our farms, and, critically, from failing septic tanks.

This isn't just an eyesore. Research has found that toxins from these algae blooms, specifically a compound called BMAA, have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Alzheimer’s. In a chilling sign, dolphins that beached themselves in the Indian River Lagoon were found to have the neurological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s, likely from chronic exposure to these toxins in the water.

The 'Forever Chemical' Factor: If algae wasn't enough, there's also the issue of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals." These are man-made compounds used in everything from non-stick pans to firefighting foam. They don't break down in the environment, and they're turning up in water supplies across Florida. The EPA has set stricter limits on these chemical levels in drinking water which is great, but that additional filtration process comes with a price tag that eventually shows up on your monthly water bill.

What's Being Done: Local Organizations on the Front Lines

The Treasure Coast isn't waiting for a miracle. Here’s what local organizations and agencies are doing right now to turn the tide.

Martin County: Cleaning and Converting

Down in Stuart, a massive engineering project is underway. The South Florida Water Management District is leading a $52 million effort to clean polluted water before it flows into the St. Lucie River . Crews are building a canal that diverts polluted freshwater from the C-23 Canal into the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area. This system is designed to remove "literally tons of nitrogen and phosphorus," according to Mark Perry of the Florida Oceanographic Society.

Meanwhile, Martin County is tackling the septic issue head-on. They received a $12.5 million state grant to fund the conversion of nearly 1,000 septic tanks in the New Monrovia and Port Salerno areas . This is part of a 10-year plan to eliminate 10,000 septic tanks countywide. "When we eliminate those, we eliminate the contributions of these nutrients that cause algal blooms in the river," said Sam Amerson, the county's utilities director.

St. Lucie County: Putting Federal Dollars to Work

St. Lucie County is leveraging a $60 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan to transform water quality. According to Water Quality Director Jim Lappert, $20 million is dedicated to stormwater projects and $40 million to septic and sewer improvements. One project turned an overgrown field into a stormwater treatment area where native plants absorb nutrients, acting like a filter for the entire system before water heads to the lagoon.

Indian River County: Rebuilding the Lagoon's Foundation

In Indian River County, there is much focus is on restoration. The county's Natural Resources Department is participating in the largest seagrass restoration effort on Florida's east coast, supported by NOAA and the Indian River Lagoon Council (One Lagoon). In 2025, staff planted about 13 acres of seagrass at Big Slough near Sebastian Inlet and another 10 acres at Preacher's Hole. Why? Seagrass is the "buffet table of the lagoon"—it shelters baby fish, feeds manatees, and stabilizes sediment. Between 2011 and 2020, algal blooms wiped out nearly 75 percent of the lagoon's seagrass. This effort aims to bring it back. Indian River County also launched a "Living Docks Program" in partnership with the Florida Institute of Technology, encouraging dock owners to install habitats that filter water and support marine life.

What You Can Do

Living on the Treasure Coast is a privilege. The challenges we face—drought, pollution, and aging septic tanks—are complex. But as you can see, local organizations are investing millions and countless hours to fix them, but they need your support. There are simple actions you can take in your daily life to help preserve our liquid future.

• Embrace Florida-friendly native landscaping. It’s drought-tolerant, adapted for our dry sandy soil and requires less water. And use rain barrels instead of tap water.  Your wallet and the aquifer will thank you.

  
  

• If your home is on septic, and you’re on the fence about converting, get off the fence and just do it. There are grants available in some areas to help pay for what will be a good investment for your community and your future property value.

  
  

• Think before you fertilize and remember that every chemical you put into your property ends up in the lagoon.  

  
  

• Finally, volunteer with or donate to local organizations leading the clean water action initiatives in our region.