Alternative Water Supply Grants

Alternative Water Supply Funding 

Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature have recognized the importance of alternative water supply (AWS) and the protection of Florida’s natural systems with an investment of $230 million since Fiscal Year 2019-20. Projects funded through this program are intended to prioritize regional projects in the areas of greatest need as well as projects that provide the greatest benefit. Examples of projects funded include reclaimed water, aquifer recharge, water conservation, etc.

Local cooperators interested in alternative water supply funding should work with their local Water Management District (District) to develop a proposal. Projects approved at the District are then submitted to DEP for funding consideration. To assist Districts and local cooperators, DEP has developed the Alternative Water Supply Funding Guidance document and the Water Management District AWS Project Submittal Worksheet. These outline the funding process, the eligibility requirements, the submittal process, and the evaluation criteria.  

In addition to coordinating alternative water supply projects with the Districts, local cooperators can now also apply for water project funding through the DEP grant portal on our Protecting Florida Together website under Grants.