Success in the making

Water is the common lifeline for the natural and built environments in South Florida. Engineered flood control and water distribution systems, agriculture, growth, and development have disrupted the region's water quality, quantity, timing, and distribution (i.e., the hydropattern). Agricultural runoff and urban stormwater have introduced high levels of phosphorus, mercury, and other contaminants into the water system, polluting lakes, rivers, estuaries and the Everglades.

Abnormally high discharge of stormwater into estuaries and coastal waters has severely degraded aquatic habitats that support fish, birds and other species. Groundwater is threatened by saltwater intrusion and other marine-induced pollutants. The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration project consists of nearly 200 environmental restoration, growth management, agricultural, and urban revitalization projects, programs, and initiatives that are designed to make South Florida more sustainable in the future.