Florida’s Water Challenges and Opportunities Take Center Stage at the 2024 Florida Water Forum

ORLANDO, FL - The 2024 Florida Water Forum brought together policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to tackle the state’s pressing water challenges.

With Florida's population booming and its ecosystems under mounting pressure, water policy remains a defining issue in Tallahassee and beyond.

The Forum, supported by Governor DeSantis’ continued focus on water conservation and infrastructure, showcased the state’s strides in resiliency and innovative solutions, while also highlighting the need for urgent action to address emerging challenges.

A Watershed Moment for Florida’s Water Policy

Florida’s rapid growth—projected to reach 30 million residents and 200 million annual visitors—poses unprecedented demands on water resources.

Recent legislative efforts have emphasized resiliency, conservation, and infrastructure development, including historic investments in the Everglades, stormwater management, and potable reuse of reclaimed water.

However, as Dan Levy of AECOM pointed out on stage, significant gaps remain in addressing nutrient pollution, harmful algal blooms, and biosolid waste management.

With the new statewide framework to address PFAS contamination and updated stormwater rules increasing development costs and complexity, Florida faces a crossroads.

Will the state’s leadership continue its bold investment in water initiatives, or will these challenges outpace the resources allocated?

Innovation as a Solution: Hydrothermal Liquefaction

Levy’s presentation spotlighted a game-changing innovation: hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL).

This cutting-edge technology transforms biosolids and algae—currently major contributors to nutrient runoff and water pollution—into renewable crude oil.

In his speech, Levy outlined how HTL could address multiple crises at once:

• Nutrient Overload: HTL can turn biosolid waste and algae into valuable resources, reducing the nutrient load fueling harmful algal blooms.

• Renewable Energy: The process converts organic waste into sustainable fuels, creating high-paying jobs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Economic Viability: Florida could lead the nation by establishing the world’s largest HTL facility, positioning the state as a hub for environmental innovation.

A Call to Action: Turning Policy into Practice

Levy called on county leaders, researchers, and policymakers to pivot from research to action.

While the state has invested heavily in understanding water quality issues, Levy emphasized that the time for implementation is now.

He urged attendees to advocate for funding and policy frameworks that prioritize practical solutions, including HTL, to clean Florida’s water and ensure long-term sustainability.

Building Resiliency for Florida’s Future

As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches, Florida must confront its water challenges with bold measures.

Recent surpluses and funding sources like the Seminole Compact have enabled significant investment, but continued progress will require collaboration across industries, local governments, and academia.

The Forum highlighted how updated recommendations from the Blue-Green Algae

Taskforce and new stormwater rules could reshape water policy, impacting industries and businesses statewide.

It also emphasized the importance of integrating innovative technologies like HTL into Florida’s water management framework to ensure the state’s economic and environmental resiliency.

A Venue for Progress

The Florida Water Forum continues to be the state’s premier platform for advancing water policy.

As attendees left the 2024 Forum inspired by leaders like Dan Levy, one message was clear: Florida’s water future depends on immediate action, innovative solutions, and a steadfast commitment to preserving the state’s most vital resource.

As the state grows, so must its resolve to protect its waters. The time to act is now, and the stakes have never been higher.