This bill aims to improve 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 health impacts and costs associated with lead exposure. The study must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by January 1, 2026, and will be repealed on June 30, 2026, unless reenacted.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 and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to address harmful algal blooms.

Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the South Florida Water Management District to monitor and ensure the reduction of nitrogen levels in Lake Okeechobee, while the Department of Environmental Protection and the St. Johns River Water Management District must oversee the implementation of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and basin management action plans for the Upper St. Johns River Basin. These actions are aimed at enhancing water quality and protecting the environment, with reporting requirements established for ongoing evaluation and accountability.

Statutes affected:
S 1646 Filed: 403.0673