A new commentary by Florida TaxWatch, titled “Florida’s Water Supply: Could Florida Experience a Significant Water Supply Shortage by 2025?”, raises serious concerns about the state’s water future.
Citing a June 2024 report from the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, the commentary warns that Florida could face a water shortage as early as next year, with the situation expected to worsen by 2040.
“While Florida TaxWatch commends the Legislature for their recent efforts to create a dedicated funding source for water projects, Florida will not be able to sustain the continued level of growth it has seen over the recent years without dramatically improving how it selects and funds water projects,” said Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro. “We must implement a Five-Year Water Project Work Program, similar to the Florida Department of Transportation Five-Year Work Program to meet these growing demands.”
Read: One-Day-A-Week Watering Restrictions Extended Through End Of 2024 In Hillsborough County
The EDR estimates a staggering $1.7 billion investment in critical water projects will be needed by 2040 to avert a major water crisis.
With less than 40% of current water supply projects having secured funding, the remaining burden falls on local, regional, or federal sources.
This echoes a recommendation made in Florida TaxWatch’s 2023 report, highlighting the need for a committed and recurring funding mechanism for water projects.
The state’s booming economy and population growth underscore the urgency of a comprehensive, statewide water strategy.
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