Desalination and water reclamation plants were among 19 alternative water supply projects for which South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) approved funding assistance worth US$ 3.45 million on 10 November 2010.
The communities and utilities constructing the projects will invest a total of US$ 40.8 million during Fiscal Year 2011.
When complete, the 19 projects collectively will create an additional 6.5 MGD (25,000 m³/d) of water supply capacity. They also will improve distribution of water from existing alternative water supply facilities.
Since 1997, the Alternative Water Supply Funding Program, in cooperation with the State of Florida, has invested US$ 178.3 million into 437 alternative water supply projects. To date, these projects have created 375 MGD (1.4 million m³/d) of water supply capacity, reducing reliance on freshwater sources.
Among the projects funded are: