The Florida Everglades is one of the largest natural ecosystems in the world, spanning 1.5 million acres from Lake Okeechobee down to the southern end of the state.
Just how big is that?
Everglades National Park alone is larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined. It is also the third-largest national park in the United States, behind Yellowstone National Park and Death Valley.
Given its size, it's no surprise that the Everglades are vital to Florida's ecosystem and array of natural wildlife. What might be less known is that many of you rely on it every day, right from the faucet of your home.
The Everglades provides drinking water to eight million Floridians, many of whom are in the South Florida area. Much of the region's drinking supply comes from the Biscayne Aquifer, an underground river that replenishes water flow from the Everglades.
Yet, the Everglades' water supply and quality face increasing threats from algae blooms, mostly due to agricultural runoff. The ecosystem also faces threats from saltwater intrusion.
Miami-Dade officials also haven't put their initial best foot forward in protecting it.
Luckily, other Dade lawmakers are taking the matter more seriously. In 2024, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) secured funding for Everglades restoration.
The funding included $7.49 million to address water quality being affected by algal blooms.
Rep. Mario-Diaz Balart also obtained 11.6 million for the Everglades Restoration Project through the National Park Service and $9 million for the Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystem Program, among other securities.
Florida International University in Miami is also leading the charge, outlining in detail how the ecosystem functions and the dangers that could affect it.
In addition, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a substantial effort to improve the Everglades' water quality. Last April, DeSantis approved an additional $1.5 billion toward its restoration and water quality.
Through his first four years as governor, DeSantis allocated $3.3 billion toward restoration and water management. He also promised another $3.5 billion by the end of his term in 2026.
