Cocoa Beach cost-share project is another win for the Indian River Lagoon
Improvements to Cocoa Beach’s water reclamation facility will reduce nutrient loadings to the Indian River Lagoon.
Improvements to Cocoa Beach’s water reclamation facility will reduce nutrient loadings to the Indian River Lagoon.
Applications open now for 2021 funding
PALM BAY, Fla., Aug.13, 2020 —The city of Cocoa Beach has completed improvements to its water reclamation facility, thanks in part to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s 2019 cost-share program. The improvements will reduce the amount of nutrients flowing to the Indian River Lagoon. Nutrient reductions help to improve water quality in lagoon by reducing the potential for algal blooms.
“The District’s cost-share program continues to help communities decrease impacts on the Indian River Lagoon,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We’re proud to work with the city of Cocoa Beach on this project in support of Governor DeSantis’ executive order targeting water quality improvements.”
The city’s water reclamation facility is located on the eastern shore of the Indian River Lagoon, a 156-mile-long estuary challenged by water quality issues. Through this partnership with the district, Cocoa Beach has upgraded equipment that filters and treats wastewater sludge. By improving the facility’s efficiency and filtration capabilities, city officials anticipate annual nutrient-load reductions to the Indian River Lagoon of 3,603 pounds of nitrogen and 1,201 pounds of phosphorus.
The District awarded $1.5 million in cost-share funds to Cocoa Beach toward its $6.6 million project.
“It has been an easy process working with the district,” said Brad Kalsow, director of the city’s water reclamation department. “Receiving the support and funding from the district is extremely helpful on a project of this magnitude.”
The District is currently accepting submissions for 2020 cost-share funding for projects to improve water quality or water flow in the Indian River Lagoon through 5 p.m., Aug. 21, 2020. For information, visit www.sjrwmd.com/funding.