This bill aims to enhance water quality in Florida by addressing the prevalence of lead in drinking water and the management of harmful algal blooms. It mandates the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to conduct a comprehensive study on lead in drinking water at public facilities receiving state funding, including the effects on health and the financial implications for the state. The study must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2026, and will be repealed on June 30, 2026, unless reenacted. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to prioritize water quality improvement projects in special flood hazard areas and outlines specific actions for the Department of Health, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and water management districts to combat harmful algal blooms.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the South Florida Water Management District to ensure nitrogen levels in Lake Okeechobee continue to decrease, with regular evaluations of best management practices. The Department of Environmental Protection and the St. Johns River Water Management District are also tasked with monitoring and implementing total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and basin management action plans for the Upper St. Johns River Basin, with reports on any revisions due every 24 months starting July 1, 2028. Overall, the bill emphasizes a proactive approach to water quality management and public health protection in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1646 Filed: 403.0673