New study again proves that

clean water = big money

Some people think we clean-water types are in it for the aesthetics. That water ought to be clean like Mother Nature made it, so it can support all sorts of wildlife and other living things.

That’s part of it. But then there’s the economic impact: Clean water is worth money, lots of it. And dirty water takes money out of your pocket.

The latest evidence: a new study showing that the Indian River Lagoon generates $28.3 billion in local economic impacts, and that every dollar spent restoring the lagoon generates $24 in economic benefits.

According to the TCPalm report: “The lagoon's economic impact includes $17 billion in direct spending at local businesses; $5.8 billion in indirect economic activity; and $4 billion in induced economic impacts.”

Think about it. Fishing and boating and paddleboarding. Hotel stays; restaurant tabs. Property values. Jobs; prosperity.

And much of it goes down the toilet if and when the water quality tanks.

And of course it’s not just the lagoon. Another recent study showed the Everglades is worth $31.5 billion to the regional economy each year.

A study back in 2012 estimated that water pollution in Florida cost up to $10.5 billion annually — that number would obviously be far higher now.

Bottom line: Clean water makes for economic prosperity. Dirty water sabotages it.

Our elected officials claim to know this. But if they really did — our water wouldn’t be in the shape it’s in. Read more by clicking the button below.

So what do these guys know about clean water?

Whomever replaces Ron DeSantis as Florida’s next governor — Byron Donalds, Paul Renner, David Jolly (left to right in the photo), or someone else on the long list of candidates and maybe-candidates — they’ll have their work cut out for them addressing the ongoing decline of Florida’s waters.

This week VoteWater Executive Director Gil Smart spoke with Florida Phoenix columnist Craig Pittman and asked: What will our next Guv do about Lake Okeechobee, recently dubbed the “dirtiest lake in America?” What will he or she do about the Basin Management Action Plans, or BMAPs, which aren’t doing enough to reduce pollution in Florida lakes, rivers and springs? 

“At what point do we stop saying, ‘Oh, that’s a shame,’ and start doing something about it?," Smart told Pittman.

Pittman notes that for decades, "when Florida politicians wanted to fool the voters into thinking they liked the environment, they talked about restoring the Everglades." That certainly includes Gov. DeSantis, who indeed has channelled major funding to restoration - but he also built an immigrant detention center elsewhere in the Everglades. And he signs every pro-growth, anti-conservation bill that comes across his desk.

So will the next Governor be any better? Bear in mind — he or she could be worse.

Read Pittman’s column by clicking the button below.

EPA could drastically scale back wetlands protections

From the Associated Press:

“The Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday it is redefining the scope of the nation’s bedrock clean water law to significantly limit the wetlands it covers, building on a Supreme Court decision two years ago that removed federal protections for vast areas.”

When and if finalized — there will be a public comment period of at least 45 days first — this new “Waters of the United States” rule will stipulate that the federal Clean Water Act applies only to "relatively permanent, standing or continuously flowing bodies such as streams, oceans, rivers and lakes, along with wetlands that are directly connected to such bodies of water.”

Lots of wetlands won’t qualify — and may no longer be protected.

This builds on the “Sackett case,” where the U.S. Supreme Court in 2023 limited the government’s ability to regulate wetlands impacts in an Idaho case that “boosted property rights over concerns about clean water,” the AP reported.

If this goes through we are going to be in for a world of hurt.

Plenty of wetlands in Florida may at risk; we would have to rely on state protections. Those regulations are generally considered to be fairly robust — but we could see new assaults on them from developers and legislators who are already hard at work dismantling environmental protections because, again, they think property rights should take precedence over clean water.

Read the whole story. This is a seismic event, and VoteWater will work with any and all conservation groups who oppose this for the massive impact on clean water it’s destined to have.

Holiday gifts in the VoteWater shop

Got a water warrior to buy for this holiday season? Check out our VoteWater merch! Our embroidered Flexfit trucker mesh caps are just $29.99, and our Koozie cork can coolers are only $9.99. Every purchase helps fuel our fight for Florida’s waters—look good, stay cool, and make a difference this holiday season!

Looking ahead: Impact Report coming up for Giving Tuesday

It's been a big year for VoteWater, thanks to you! And on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, we'll publish our annual Impact Report, detailing where we made a difference in 2025, and looking ahead to the pivotal midterm election year of 2026. None of what we've accomplished would have been possible without your support — so please consider giving to VoteWater for Giving Tuesday.

This is what we're fighting for

All creatures great and small depend on clean water.

Florida’s rivers, lakes and estuaries are the lifeblood of our communities, our economy and our way of life. Too often, pollution persists because elected officials put special interests ahead of the public interest. That’s why VoteWater works to inform voters, hold leaders accountable and help elect officials who will truly protect our waterways. Donate today to keep Florida’s natural beauty alive for generations to come. Or help us turn the tide by becoming an annual member for $60, or a WaveMaker for $1,200.

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