Water

Manatee County's rapid growth is putting increasing pressure on its drinking water supply as development consumes land that helps protect water quality. In November, voters will decide whether to expand an existing land conservation program through higher property taxes and authorization of up to $75 million in bonds.

The 6 billion-gallon reservoir is designed to build reserves from the river during the summer that can be tapped during the drier fall and winter. An unusually dry rainy season in 2025 disrupted that cycle.

In addition to rain, river flows have picked up since late August. The reservoir that serves Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties is about 72% full.

During this time, residents should use bottled water or boil tap water.

The pilot project's technology can break down PFAS in biosolids while also converting those biosolids into energy.

The project will carry wastewater from Jacksonville, almost 90 miles east of Suwannee, through a pipe to be treated in facilities and natural wetlands before being sent into the aquifer.

Tampa residents can save money and water through a new pilot program.

As of Tuesday morning, Florida became the second state in the country to end its practice of adjusting fluoride levels in its water supply.

The county commission's 5-1 vote comes after it learned its fluoridation system has been broken since 2021, and no fluoride has been actively added since then.

The measure, introduced in the state Senate, includes numerous issues related to the state Department of Agriculture. Many local governments have ended fluoridation in recent months.

The 4-1 vote came the council heard public comments from he proposal's opponents and supporters, including Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo.

Research has generally shown that fluoridated water at recommended levels is safe. But many experts and a judge say more research is needed to better understand whether and when risks kick in.