How does increasing water supply restore the Everglades?
Approximately 1.7 billion gallons of water drains from the Everglades to coastal waters each day. The plan captures most of this water and stores it in surface and underground storage areas until it is needed to supply the natural system as well as urban and agricultural needs. The timing and distribution of water to the ecosystem will be modified to more closely approximate pre-drainage patterns. In order to improve the quality of water discharged into the natural system, wetlands-based storm water treatment areas will be built. To improve the connectivity of natural areas, approximately 240 miles of internal levees and canals will be removed, which will result in the recovery of a healthy, sustainable ecosystem in south Florida. Analyses show that approximately 80 percent of the new water obtained under the Plan will be used to benefit the environment. The remaining 20 percent will benefit urban and agricultural users.
