Everglades Restoration Key to Miami's Water Future, Say Local Environmental Groups

The Everglades Foundation and Miami Waterkeeper have launched a joint educational initiative aimed at raising awareness about the vital role of South Florida’s water systems. Titled “Miami’s Water and The Everglades,” the campaign consists of five short videos designed to inform residents about the interconnectedness of the Everglades, Miami’s water supply, and local waterways. The series, which will be released on social media throughout October, is part of a larger effort to highlight the importance of water management in protecting the environment and public health.

The series features contributions from Dr. Meenakshi Chabba, Ecosystem and Resilience Scientist at The Everglades Foundation, and Dr. Rachel Silverstein, CEO of Miami Waterkeeper. The first video addresses historical efforts to alter the natural flow of water through the Everglades, dating back to the late 1800s. According to Dr. Silverstein, these efforts have resulted in significant ecological consequences, including algae blooms, fish kills, and disruptions to Miami’s drinking water supply.

“The water diversion continues to impact our ecosystem by starving Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay, and the drinking water aquifer below ground of essential freshwater,” Silverstein said.

Dr. Chabba explained that Miami’s current water supply system relies heavily on man-made canals, which were created to drain the Everglades and make the land suitable for development. While this infrastructure has enabled the growth of cities, it has also contributed to the degradation of the Everglades and the region's natural flood protection. The videos underscore how urban pollution and impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt prevent water from naturally replenishing the Biscayne Aquifer, which serves as South Florida’s primary drinking water source.

Chabba noted the region’s extensive water management system, which includes 2,600 miles of canals, 1,300 water structures, and 66 pump stations, as essential but increasingly outdated. Rising sea levels and aging infrastructure pose challenges for flood protection and saltwater intrusion.

“Everglades restoration is crucial for Miami’s flood protection,” Chabba said, emphasizing that restoring natural water flows is essential for both ecological health and the sustainability of Miami’s freshwater supply.

The video series highlights how ongoing Everglades restoration efforts aim to address these challenges by restoring natural water flows, supporting flood protection, and ensuring the long-term health of the Biscayne Aquifer. Both organizations hope that the series will inspire residents to engage with and advocate for these environmental efforts, underscoring the connection between Miami’s water systems and the Everglades.

The Everglades Foundation and Miami Waterkeeper’s collaboration continues to spotlight the need for community involvement in protecting South Florida’s natural resources and promoting a sustainable future.